- The least expensive gifts can look like a million bucks with thoughtful gift wrapping.christmas-tree and christmas gifts image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
In order to get the best possible deals when Christmas shopping, you need to do it when no one else is looking. Never shop just before or during the Christmas season because most items will be at a premium then, and you are likely to have to pay more. Start shopping for the following year's Christmas on December 26, and continue to shop through the next 10 months to secure the lowest prices on everything. - Stock up on giftwrap and materials when they are on sale.christmas decorations image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com
Making your own gifts is the best way to save money. Plan ahead, and keep an eye on the sales so that you can buy any materials you need at the lowest possible prices. Ingredients you may need range from dry ingredients for cookies, brownies and cakes to wool for hand-knitted gifts to crafts items like baskets and ceramic flowerpots. Create potted plants from garden cuttings, or sketch or paint pictures that you can frame as gifts. Scour the store ads every week, or search online for what you need at the prices you want. Even if you don't intend to make the gifts right away, you can build up a storehouse of all the materials in advance. - Stock up on ornaments at after-Christmas sales.christmas image by anna karwowska from Fotolia.com
After Christmas, sales are the best places to scoop up great deals on items like wrapping and tissue paper, ribbon, tape, gift boxes, Christmas ornaments, tableware and linens. After-Christmas sales feature discounts of 50 percent or more. Check out the store's Christmas displays ahead of time to earmark what you want to buy. You can find excellent value and great gifts for everyone on your shopping list by getting to the sales early. - Hand-knitted gifts are one of a kind.clew and knitting needles. image by Indigo Fish from Fotolia.com
There is a lot of satisfaction in knitting beautiful, handmade scarves, throws, cushion covers and an array of other accessories. Remember, these are custom-made items and one of a kind, so no one else will have them. You never need to buy the most expensive yarn because basic yarn works just as well. Dress it up with highlight yarn to give it that designer look. Buy yarn on sale because it can keep until you are ready to knit. Always buy one skein more than you think you may need so that you will not run short. Yarn never goes to waste. - Homemade cookies make delicious Christmas gifts.cookies image by palms from Fotolia.com
Consider giving gifts of food, which are always hits. Homemade Christmas cookies or brownies nicely presented in a Christmas tin are great, as is a festive goodie basket filled with homemade apple cider, gingerbread cookies, pretzels and other snacks that you know are particular favorites. Wrap the basket in clear cellophane, and tie a Christmas ribbon around it. Add a special ornament to the basket for the Christmas tree. - Prepare a meal as a gift.Cooking Beef Medallions image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
Giving yourself is the most economical and most generous celebration of the Christmas spirit. Create a coupon book with coupons redeemable for items like housecleaning, dish-washing, cooking or babysitting. You could find this is the most appreciated gift of all.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
