How to Avoid Buying Gifts for Everyone You Know
Holidays can be the best of times and the worst of times.
On the one hand, Christmas trees, beautifully wrapped presents, and holiday baking make for a beautiful tradition.
On the other hand, huge expenses can rack up very easily for even the savviest consumer.
One of the most expensive parts of the holiday season is purchasing gifts for what feels like the rest of the universe sometimes. Coworkers, your child's teachers, your relatives and friends… everyone has to have an expensive gift, right?
Not necessarily! You can save money and still delight friends and family, and even make them happier than if you just gave them some generic gift for the sake of keeping with tradition.
While it's probably wise to avoid disappointing the little kids and get them a traditional present, adults who have to reciprocate every year will often see the value in making some kind of alternate arrangement that doesn't involve everyone spending outrageous sums of money getting everyone else a Christmas gift.
1. Draw Names
One group of friends draws names at the beginning of the holiday season, and everyone gets one name to give a gift to. This is a simple arrangement that usually leaves everyone happy. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars buying useless things for everyone, concentrate on finding a gift that one person will like and spend a little more on that person. You'll still save money in the long run.
2. Gag Gifts
Another family has made an agreement to only purchase gag gifts . When you do this, set a maximum value of €5, €10, or maybe €25. Everyone looks for something silly, outrageous, or really tacky. This can turn out to be hilariously fun if you have a group of people with a good sense of humor.
3. Stop That Thief!
Yet another arrangement that can work well is a gift thievery circle. No, really, it's fun and legal!
Everyone buys one present (possibly with a predetermined theme or value limit) and general appeal.
When it comes time to swap gifts, you sit in a circle and draw numbers. Starting with the person who drew the first number, you can either pick a present from the pile, or steal someone else's. If your present gets stolen, you can either pick a new present or steal another present from someone else (except the one you just lost). This continues until everyone's satisfied. This method also adds a lot of fun to the holiday season.
These are just a few of the many ways you can collaborate with your family and friends to save money while buying holiday gifts.