Now that the holidays are in full force I’ve decided instead of posting about the “12 days of Christmas” theme, I’d run a “12 Days of Savings” theme instead (completely logical coming from a personal finance blog, of course!)
Day 1
On the first day of savings my true love gave to me…
a gift card to JCPenney’s…… (it sort of rhymes with “tree”)
I know many people think gift cards are lame gifts, but I still love getting them and am just fine with giving them. I look at it this way, most people I purchase gifts for can afford the items I buy them; they aren’t in desperate need of something. So instead of guessing what they’d like to receive, especially for those who are just difficult to buy for, giving a gift card to a favorite store is a good alternative.
I receive gift cards to some of my favorite places every holiday and am truly grateful for them. For example, I often receive a $20 gift card to Starbucks which equates to a $20 savings on my end. In my mind, a well thought out gift card = savings.
Worst case scenario: you get a gift card for a store you don’t have nearby or don’t shop in. Sell it on Gift Card Granny or eBay. It’s that easy.
And if gift cards just seem too impersonal, give one with a small personalized gift like a favorite book.
The countdown to Christmas has begun!
How are you handling your shopping list this year? Does it get more difficult every year? Or do you have a new tradition that limits gifts?
3 Comments
Great minds… I wrote about selling gift cards today, too, in my ’12 Days of Christmas Savings’ series! My series is wrapping up (I am on day 9 today), so I can’t wait to see what great savings tips you give!
@Denise – I know! I read your blog today and realized you were running a similar topic. ( I think you inspired me!) 😉
Shopping is gonna be pretty light this year! Me and the gf are buying each other a trip getaway, and other than that, some nice things but nothing that will bust the bank.