How to Gift Like a Pro on a Tight Budget

The holidays are just about here, and while that can bring a lot of joy and laughter, it can also lead to some serious stress—especially when it comes to spending.

There's a lot of pressure around finding the "perfect gift" for everyone on your personal nice list, but this is a whole lot harder when you aren't exactly working with a bank account the size of Santa's sleigh. Gifting like a pro while on a tight budget is possible though, and it can even be easy and enjoyable when you follow a few simple tips.

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Planning Ahead

If you're the type of person who can never keep a secret, this one is going to a little extra difficult for you, but planning ahead and picking out gifts far in advance can help you avoid an overspending frenzy when the holidays are horrifyingly close. Keep your eyes peeled for sales that come well before the beast that is Black Friday, as that way, you can stretch your budget over more months and find gifts go a little extra above and beyond the usual finds.

(via Unsplash)

 

Also read about: The Best Gifts for Music Lovers in 2023

 

Put a Personal Touch Into Every Present

Sure, most people would love to receive a pricey gift when they see what awaits them under their Christmas tree, but what can be even more special at—a fraction of the cost—is something that has a touch of personal meaning to it. Whether it be a photo album filled with favorite memories, a custom ornament with an image of a beloved pet (like this one from Crown & Paw for just $24.95) or even a hard-to-find baked good that they've always enjoyed, a little extra attention can go a long way when it comes to gifting like a pro without spending a lot.

(via Crown & Paw)

 

Regift the Right Way

The word "regifting" can send a chill down your spine, but there is a way to do it right. If there's an item you've received that you've kept around with the intent of using but never found the time or way to actually do so, this might be your chance to give that item a better life with someone else. Don't just pick up any random thing you have lying around your room, though—gifts need to be personal, even if they were originally given to a different person. Think things like nice candles, photo frames, notebooks and other unused items that someone else could truly enjoy to the fullest without being too obviously regifted.

 

Choose Several Small Things Instead of One Big Thing

Sometimes, more really is merrier. If you can't afford to go all out on one big ticket item when buying a gift, opt instead for a variety of smaller things that you already know the receiver is guaranteed to love. Putting a gift basket or bag together is often a good way to do this, as you can include everything from sweet treats to books and other small (useful) items you pick up from affordable stores. There's just something about unwrapping multiple items instead of just one that makes it feel like there was more time, money and effort put into the gift than there actually was, so keep this in mind when sticking to your budget.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Also read about: Fantastic Fall Products for Putting Together the Perfect Gift Basket

 

Take Advantage of Black Friday Deals

Plenty of stores offer some serious savings at different times of the year, including some discounts that are a lot steeper than what they offer during Black Friday (hence the point above planning ahead). Some specials really are worth the hype, though, so you'll want to check in with your top brands over Black Friday and Cyber Monday to see if any much-wanted items on your loved ones' list are suddenly on sale.

 

Need to know which Black Friday deals to look out for this year before you get going on all your budget-friendly gifting? Click HERE for our list of top deals from our favorite beauty brands.