Gifting is a great way to show a loved one how much they mean to us! It’s such a joy to give and receive the perfect gift. But it can become quite expensive if we don’t keep our budget in mind. Here are some fun and original ways that you can consider that will help you come up with unique and thoughtful gifts within your budget. We hope they will make your gift-giving experience easier and more enjoyable!
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Plan Your Budget
First things first, it is essential to know your budget precisely. You can plan this by making a list of holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries throughout the year. Begin by deciding how much you would like to spend on each of these occasions so that you don’t splurge unnecessarily on over-the-top gift items.
Once you have chosen, go ahead and add around 20% to that amount. This factor will help your account for any surprise occasions and events that may pop up. Divide the final number by 12 – you have your final budget! Once you know how much you can spend, there are different ways you can use to stay within that amount.
Plan Smart in Advance
Sometimes we want to gift our loved ones something specific while staying within our budget. You can shop for your gifts in advance at the big sales during holiday seasons in such cases. Alternatively, you can choose to select a gift and then pay for it in instalments. This approach won’t break your monthly budget.
These days, there are several options that let you buy now pay later. These platforms allow you to purchase gifts on EMI-based transactions, and you can pay for them over multiple months as per your convenience. But always keep in mind how much you can afford. It is more important to stick to your budget than to meet expectations of giving gifts worth specific amounts in your circles.
Get Creative
Always had a creative streak that you never entirely explored? Why not channel it into some creative gift-giving? Personalized and tailor-made gifts are a great way to show your love and gratitude for your close ones. A deliciously baked cake or a favourite homemade dish are great ideas for a friend’s birthday. You can even illustrate a handmade card or pour your heart into a painting if you have the artistic flair! Make the gift-receiving experience as special and unique for them as they are to you!
Not All that Glitters
The perfect gift doesn’t always have to be something expensive. A warm gesture can be golden to someone close to you. It is an excellent idea to consider the occasion and the recipient’s personality and age. A bouquet of beautiful flowers would be lovely for an anniversary or Valentine’s Day. For a younger person, you can go for something fun and modern. For a mature individual, think of something more sophisticated.
But sophisticated doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money on it! Maybe go for something practical that they can use daily. Such gifts can be pretty inexpensive when selected from the right places and appreciated! They are a direct way to show your friends that you care about their lifestyle and everyday experiences.
Share Some Love!
You may have your eye on something great that is a little out of your budget. For such occasions, why not think about going for a combined gift with family, friends, or even colleagues. Events such as promotions and farewells at the office are perfect for this sort of gift-giving. Birthday parties and baby showers are also occasions where you can consider combined gifting.
Unexpected Surprises!
There will always be some unplanned occasion that will pop up and send your budget topsy-turvy! It could damage the additional 20% you could have saved while planning your expenses. It is always advisable to have some small gift items ready throughout the year.
You can consider gifts like chinaware items, unisex toys for children, a box of sweets, or a bottle of wine. Saving some money each month and keeping it aside for cash gifts can also come in handy. So if there happens to be a surprise event, you can relax knowing that you have a gift ready and enjoy your day!
Drive Down, Memory Lane
All of us have experiences that we bonded with someone over. While material things have a charm of their own, sometimes the perfect gift is the reminder of the great times shared. Had a first date at a movie? Watch it at home with a candlelit meal for two. Did you meet in a historical part of the city? Why not plan a drive there for a picnic? You can always find ways of reminding your friends and special ones of the good old times!
When it is about precious gifts or a trip somewhere cool, you can undoubtedly set your budget or opt for a platform that helps you buy your favourite products now and pay the amount later!
