The holiday season is well on its way.
November and December bring with them incredible holidays filled with gratitude and joy. But these two months also usher in a number of unexpected and unbudgeted expenses.
It’s so easy to be caught off guard. The workplace Secret Santa exchange, gifts to bless the teachers in your kids’ lives, a special treat for your neighbor, babysitter or best friend — the need for presents multiples quickly.
If you’re like me and can’t afford purchasing gift after gift after gift, and you’re often caught with too few hours to shop, now is a great time to begin stocking your gift closet.
While it doesn’t have to be an entire closet, it could be a drawer, basket or plastic tub, it’s a great idea to have a number of generic gifts that can be wrapped and given when you don’t have the dollars or the time to shop. Here’s how you can begin building your personal supply without dropping big bucks.
Cash out your rewards
If you use any online or in store rewards programs, begin cashing in your rewards now. Most take 4 to 6 weeks to ship so you’ll need to move swiftly to ensure items arrive before Santa. My favorite rewards programs include My Coke Rewards, Pampers Gifts to Grow, Shopkick and Swagbucks.
Many offer gift cards that you could either use to purchase gifts or give directly to someone you love.
Shop clearance
Many items in my gift closet are smashing clearance deals that I’ve been able to snag all year long. From seasonal decor to toys, you can easily put bargains you discover back into your generosity stockpile.
You also can discover great finds at thrift stores, rummage or consignment sales, and yard sales. It is key to remember what you’ve purchased and where you place it, though. This is why a central geographic location within your house is essential.
Buy cards in bulk
Boxed greeting cards cost a fraction of what an individual card sets you back. Buy an assortment of birthday, wedding, congratulations, thank you and holiday cards. When you can, pick these up on clearance after a season, too. It’s not just the card itself that costs you money when purchased at the last minute.
The haphazard, frazzled adventure will also spawn multiple impulse buys.
Having cards on hand gives you peace of mind and an easy way to show someone that you care. After all, it’s your personal message on the inside that counts.
Stock up on gift cards
Simple blessings mean the most. You might not be able to drop $50 on everyone you know, but $5 is still a very good gift. Purchase an assortment of $5 gift cards for coffee shops, ice cream stores, movie theaters or even big box retailers. If you get in pinch, you can even print $5 gift cards from Amazon at home or give Starbucks gift cards via email. Keep a stash of various gift cards for quick and easy gifts.
Regifting
This practice needs to be executed with care. You never want to give a gift back to someone who has given it first to you, especially your mother or mother-in-law. However, there are certain new items that it’s totally fine to regift if you won’t use them. My husband and daughter have sensitive sinuses. Every time I receive lotions or candles, those items go into my gift closet to pass along to someone else. At a minimum, keep old gift bags in your gift closet to reuse. Just be sure you have removed any name tags or cards from the bottom.
Head into the holiday season with a strong gift game. Build your gift closet now so when unexpected needs arise, you’ll be able to pick out something just perfect without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.
