One of my very favourite things to do during the festive season is to wrap gifts. If fact, my family members often make fun of me because I’m often very ‘strict’ about making the gifts look pretty & festive. Each gift – no matter how small – must at least have some sort of ribbon or bow around or on it. And if there is a Christmas theme (say blue & white or gold), then all gifts need to be wrapped in the theme. A bit ambitious. Especially if your brother (like mine) makes fun of you endlessly, but I keep trying anyway.
Before you can wrap those gifts you have to buy/make them, which brings me to the gist of this post…
My Sanity-Saving & Budget-Friendly Tips on Gifting
1. Steer Clear of Malls
I can still recall driving around Sandton City one year early in December trying to find parking for 45 minutes. No exaggeration.
So, if you have not done your shopping by 10 December, then my very first tip is to stay away from the malls! I do love shopping & trawling malls for hours. What is more festive than carols playing & Christmas displays, but the reality is that from 1 December there will be crowds (often unfriendly ones), parking issues & totally overwhelmed shop assistants. If you really need to get into a store though, I recommend leaving your entourage at home. If you can, head on over to the mall during the week & arrive just before the stores open. Have your shopping list ready, stay focussed & make sure you are done by lunchtime before the crowds arrive.
Taking advantage of extended shopping hours (aka nighttime shopping) works really well too. Not many people seem to want to do their shopping at 7pm, so go for it!
There are so many beautiful Christmas markets this time of year, so pop around to one of these for your shopping. It’s much better to support local crafters & makers than buying loads of imported things. The same applies to markets though: get there very early in the morning or during the week if you can.
2. Consider a Secret Santa
Secret Santa saves time, money & effort. Plus it is fun! Don’t fret if you are not familiar with the concept: each person pulls one name & buys for one person for a pre-determined amount. That way you will have time & energy to think of something really special. Or do a hand-made or second hand (hand-me-down) Christmas? Or something like ‘kiddies only gifts’ & cards for the adults?
3. Get Your Gifts & Cards Online
As the festive season comes closer, the focus is on surviving the madness, not on retail therapy which means you should totally consider online shopping. I’m thinking Superbalist, Takealot & Yuppiechef to name but a few. No queues, no crowds & easy delivery to your door.
And don’t forget about those Christmas Cards. Not the analog snail mail versions, but rather go with Paperlesspost.com for your e-XMas Cards. They literally have hundreds of gorgeous Christmas cards that you can send to friends & family. It has all the old-school charm of receiving an actual Christmas card in the post minus the posting hastle & the paper wastage. You can also pre-schedule your cards to be sent off on a specific date. This is by far the easiest way to send your love & Christmas cheer to all your loved ones – near & far. Check out their free & paid for designs – they are easy to customise with your own designs or pictures. Or you can simply add your own text to one of their gorgeous designs. I’m in love.
4. Consider Giving Edible Gifts Only
I’m very pro consumable gifts – they give instant gratification & won’t stand around collecting dust for years. So, pour a glass of bubbly or G&T (or eggnog or hot chocolate if that’s what you are having on your side of the world), turn up the Christmas music & bake something.
Order food baskets or make up your own edible hampers. Your friends & family will love you for it.
5. Give Only To Those Who Really Need It
Sure, this is not for everybody, but how about collecting all the money that your family or group of friends were going to spend & rather give to a charity or good cause? Celebrate the fact that you are privileged enough to do just that.
Have any other useful tips & ideas? Please leave a comment & share.
Happy gift hunting & wrapping!
Yolandi ♥
Featured image: source & German starlet with gifts.