ALT-1 Gift Giving Ideas for People on a Limited Budget
Most people feel that there is a greater goodness in giving a gift than receiving a gift. There are times, however, that the budget is very limited and at first glance it might seem like there is no money to be able to get a gift for a loved one or friend. When using a little bit of creative thinking there are many different gifts that can be given, no matter the occasion, that won't cause harm to the limited budget that you are living on.
Handmade Gifts
There are many people that are creatively inclined and they can use their talents to make special gifts for people that will not cost a lot of money. Someone that does needlework can crochet or knit a warm blanket or a nice pair of socks for a special person in their life. A person that enjoys woodworking could present a loved one with a small piece that they've created out of leftover wood pieces from other projects. If you enjoy doing crafts but don't have any extra supplies sitting around, Michael's Crafts frequently have coupons in the newspaper for 40% off of one regularly priced item, which could really help to extend the limited budget that you have. Recipients of handmade gifts are always thrilled to receive them because these kinds of gifts really come from the heart.
Shop Clearance
When you are looking for a gift to give to someone, make sure to check out the clearance aisles and end-caps in the stores. These areas frequently feature merchandise that has been significantly marked down from the original prices. This doesn't mean that the items are defective, only that the store might have placed too large an order for that specific item. This is particularly true just after Christmas in the toy departments when there are many toys left over from the rush to fill the area under the Christmas tree with toys from the Jolly Man himself. When you know you will be expected to give a gift to a special child in your life later in the year, search the clearance area just after Christmas and purchase ahead if your budget will allow. If you haven't had the opportunity to shop ahead, it definitely won't hurt anything to look at the clearance items and see if there is something that the intended recipient would really enjoy.
Online Shopping
There are many times that prices on items are cheaper when the items are purchased online than they are when purchased in a local store.Amazonis a great place to find low prices on almost anything imaginable. Additionally, there are many products available on Amazon that will qualify for free super-saver shipping on purchases of $25 or more, which will save a lot of money.Ebayis also a great place to find very unique items to be given as gifts that you might not be able to find anywhere else and also for a price that will not break the budget.
Expand the Budget
For people that don't mind doing a little bit of work to increase their ability to give gifts, there are many ways that you can earn free gift cards online that can be later used for gift giving.Swagbucksis a great site that gives rewards for doing internet searches as well as many other online activities like taking part in special offers. The swagbucks that you earn can be redeemed for gift cards and for other items. There are many people that will collect swagbucks throughout the year and use their rewards to do the majority of the shopping for their gift giving needs.Mypointsis a rewards site where you earn points per dollar spent online at many major retailers. Additionally, they have paid emails that you simply have to click and will instantly earn five points. These points can be redeemed for gift cards that you will receive through the mail.
Despite the fact that you might be faced with a very limited budget, you will still be able to have the good feeling of being able to give a memorable gift to your loved ones no matter what the occasion by using some of these suggestions. As the recipients of these gifts open them up, their faces will light up with joy at the thoughtful gifts that you've given to them and you will be able to rest easy knowing that the gifts that you've given to them have not broken your budget.
