Celebrate moms, grads, and dads without overspending

<p>It’s hard to believe it, but we’ve already started receiving invites for graduation open houses. The months of May and June bring with them celebrations of every size. First, we honor our moms. Then, we watch our favorite scholars receive their long-coveted diplomas. All of our partying comes to a conclusion in mid-June when we recognize those special dads in our lives.</p><p>In the space of a fast and a furious month, we find ourselves purchasing gift after gift after gift. Deciding first how to budget for this type of generosity and then how to select the perfect present for each of our favorite people challenges us all.</p><p><span>Make a list</span></p><p>You can’t celebrate the people you love without knowing who you need to buy gifts for. Sit down immediately and make a list of people and dates. Be sure to enter special parties and gatherings on your calendar. Don’t forget grandma and grandpa and other significant moms and dads in your life, too.</p><p><span>Set a target budget</span></p><p>Now is the time to begin thinking through your finances. Waiting until the last minute to decide how much to spend spells disaster for your budget. Whether you add up the total number of people and divide what money you have equally or choose to give more significant gifts to your mama and your pops, you need to set a target budget.</p><p>Consider not only an overall dollar amount but also how much you plan on spending per person. Obviously this amount will flex if you receive a late invitation or forget someone on your list. But you need a basic game plan.</p><p><span>Give gifts with meaning</span></p><p>Any gift is a good gift. But this year, since you’re planning ahead you have the opportunity to give a gift with meaning. Many times, the most meaningful gifts don’t cost much. A handwritten letter, framing a long-forgotten photograph, or having someone turn a family heirloom into a work of art — each of these gifts helps you convey the depths of your love without a hefty price tag.</p><p>Did you know that artisans on Etsy can take a signature or handwritten note from someone you love and turn it into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry for around $25? Imagine the look of surprise and joy when your special someone opens the box to see an inscription from their own mother or father on a bracelet or necklace.</p><p><span>Check out gift card bundle deals</span></p><p>Retailers know well that many of us purchase gift cards during this busy season of life. These simple expressions of generosity make great presents since the recipient can purchase what they truly need and love. Even better, restaurants and stores offer some of their best deals of the year when you buy multiple gift cards. Or if you have a warehouse membership to Costco or Sam’s Club, purchase gift cards there for less-than-face value.</p><p><span>Think about the future</span></p><p>In years when you know more than one graduate, giving multiple gifts wreaks havoc on your budget. Instead of giving a gift in the here and now, consider presenting the opportunity for a delayed present. Create your own specialized &quot;care package&quot; mail order form. Make space for the grad to include their new college address, their favorite snacks, needed school supplies, and more. Include an envelope and a stamp so in the fall, they can request a pick-me-up from you. This simple practice spreads out the generosity so you’re able to spread out the impact over several months.</p><p><span>Avoid gift giving on credit</span></p><p>Most people I meet long to be generous givers. However, when push comes to shove, there’s little left in the bank account for this pursuit at the end of each month. And so, no matter the holiday or occasion, they resort to spending on credit cards. The truth is — while difficult to embrace — a gift purchased on credit is no gift at all.</p><p>You may have to send your good wishes without a smartly wrapped present this year. Or you may need to get creative to supplement your gift giving budget. Make a vow to give gifts you can afford.</p><p><span>Establish a generous fund</span></p><p>If you’re like me and immensely enjoy wowing the people you love with that perfect present, you’d be wise to save for the future. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, holidays: each hit our calendars with annual regularity. After you close out this year’s celebratory season, begin saving for the next opportunity for gift giving.</p><p>You may want to establish a separate checking account for this purpose. It’s also wise to put a small percentage of your check into said account every pay period.</p><p>The greatest gift you can give someone you love is that of your time and words. Someday, they might forget about the card or the wrapping paper. But, your mom, dad, and favorite grads will never forget memories made during shared intentional time.</p><p>Write the letter. Plan the coffee date. Bake a cake. Wash the car. There are plenty of ways to honor those you care for without spending a single penny this year.</p>