Lesson 47: Re-Gifting
Hello Revolutionists,
Before we start, a quick word on re-gifting.
It happens to all of us. We receive a gift that has been purchased with great thought and care (or not, as the case may be) and we stare at it in disbelief, wondering "what were you thinking?"
What do you do? You get that stunned look off your face immediately, and accept the gift graciously. Then you thank the giver for their gift and put it straight into your Present Box.
It is perfectly OK to re-gift these gifts to those who truly appreciate them, as long as it is to someone outside the circle it was given in. You don't want to re-gift that polka dot blouse your cousin gave you to your sister-in-law, only to have her turn up at Grandma's birthday wearing it!
And if re-gifting isn't for you, then pass it on. Donate it to a charity, where someone will find it and enjoy it.
Shopping Smarter
Last week you worked on your gift list and your gift budget. Believe it or not but that was the hard part. Now you have your detailed list, you can go shopping. And instead of it being a chore, it will be fun.
You are prepared, you know what to buy and how much to spend. Plan your shopping, and it doesn't have to be the traditional shopping trip, it could be online or from catalogues.
With online shopping you may well be able to knock over that shopping list in just a couple of hours in the comfort of your own home. If you're not convinced, work out the cost of petrol, your time, any gift wrapping, postage etc you will have if you shop the traditional way and compare it to the cost of online shopping. If you look for free delivery gift wrapping options, not to mention the time you'll save, you could be looking at slashing 20% - 30% or even more from your Christmas gift budget. It's worth thinking about.
If online shopping isn't for you then here are six simple tips that will make the Battle of the Christmas Crowds more fun:
Christmas Shopping Tip 1: Shop Early
If you're heading out to the shops this Christmas have your shopping list ready. It's a good idea to shop early in the season because, if you wait too long, that perfect gift may already be under someone else's tree.
Christmas Shopping Tip 2: Be Polite
Always remember to be polite...the shops are crowded, the days are long and hot and everyone is frazzled.
Christmas Shopping Tip 3: Watch the Sales
Watch the newspaper and junk mail for sales and don't forget to subscribe to newsletters from your favourite retailers (many of whom now offer online shopping too, so look for free delivery offers), you can always unsubscribe after you've done your shopping. You'll be receiving offers and discounts on all manner of things, so remember your list. And a word of caution: these can be money savers for all manner of things, but if it's not on your list you don't need it and it isn't a deal, it's a money-stealer.
Christmas Shopping Tip 4: Use Cash
Use cash whenever you can. Go to the ATM before you start shopping and withdraw your budgeted amount. Then use that to pay for your gifts. Using cash makes you aware of just how much you are spending and just how far it has to stretch. And once the money is gone, it is gone. When you use your credit card it is too easy to cheat and go over your per-person budgeted amount. Remember the Cheapskates creed: Cash is King!
Christmas Shopping Tip 5: Place Your Catalogue Orders Early
If you're shopping from a catalogue this year, be sure to place the order early. The most popular items sell out first, so get your order placed and on its way as soon as possible. There's no need to wait for a catalogue to arrive in the mail because you can log on to the Internet and find many catalogue companies online with product photos, descriptions, size charts and special 'Internet only' sale prices.
Christmas Shopping Tip 6: Buy in Bulk
If you have a lot of people to buy for, and aren't exactly certain of their taste, consider buying in bulk. You can purchase a nice package of scented candles, divide them up into multiple gifts and present them with a beautiful bow wrapped around the glass jar. These types of gifts are ideal if you have teachers, doctors, co-workers or other special people that you want to wish a Merry Christmas. Another terrific idea is to purchase small Christmas tins and several bags of assorted miniature lollies. Divide the lollies up into each tin and present them with a beautiful bow on top. These are ideal gifts because they are thoughtful and budget conscious.
Lesson 47 Challenge: If you need extra cash this Christmas, think about a temporary part-time job. Retail stores in your area are probably looking for temporary staff in the lead up to the Christmas rush, especially on weekends and over the extended weekday trading hours when most people will be out in droves shopping. If you don't have retail experience, it could be a good opportunity to get some experience and learn a new skill while you're earning that extra cash. And if you're busy working you aren't spending any money.
Before we start, a quick word on re-gifting.
It happens to all of us. We receive a gift that has been purchased with great thought and care (or not, as the case may be) and we stare at it in disbelief, wondering "what were you thinking?"
What do you do? You get that stunned look off your face immediately, and accept the gift graciously. Then you thank the giver for their gift and put it straight into your Present Box.
It is perfectly OK to re-gift these gifts to those who truly appreciate them, as long as it is to someone outside the circle it was given in. You don't want to re-gift that polka dot blouse your cousin gave you to your sister-in-law, only to have her turn up at Grandma's birthday wearing it!
And if re-gifting isn't for you, then pass it on. Donate it to a charity, where someone will find it and enjoy it.
Shopping Smarter
Last week you worked on your gift list and your gift budget. Believe it or not but that was the hard part. Now you have your detailed list, you can go shopping. And instead of it being a chore, it will be fun.
You are prepared, you know what to buy and how much to spend. Plan your shopping, and it doesn't have to be the traditional shopping trip, it could be online or from catalogues.
With online shopping you may well be able to knock over that shopping list in just a couple of hours in the comfort of your own home. If you're not convinced, work out the cost of petrol, your time, any gift wrapping, postage etc you will have if you shop the traditional way and compare it to the cost of online shopping. If you look for free delivery gift wrapping options, not to mention the time you'll save, you could be looking at slashing 20% - 30% or even more from your Christmas gift budget. It's worth thinking about.
If online shopping isn't for you then here are six simple tips that will make the Battle of the Christmas Crowds more fun:
Christmas Shopping Tip 1: Shop Early
If you're heading out to the shops this Christmas have your shopping list ready. It's a good idea to shop early in the season because, if you wait too long, that perfect gift may already be under someone else's tree.
Christmas Shopping Tip 2: Be Polite
Always remember to be polite...the shops are crowded, the days are long and hot and everyone is frazzled.
Christmas Shopping Tip 3: Watch the Sales
Watch the newspaper and junk mail for sales and don't forget to subscribe to newsletters from your favourite retailers (many of whom now offer online shopping too, so look for free delivery offers), you can always unsubscribe after you've done your shopping. You'll be receiving offers and discounts on all manner of things, so remember your list. And a word of caution: these can be money savers for all manner of things, but if it's not on your list you don't need it and it isn't a deal, it's a money-stealer.
Christmas Shopping Tip 4: Use Cash
Use cash whenever you can. Go to the ATM before you start shopping and withdraw your budgeted amount. Then use that to pay for your gifts. Using cash makes you aware of just how much you are spending and just how far it has to stretch. And once the money is gone, it is gone. When you use your credit card it is too easy to cheat and go over your per-person budgeted amount. Remember the Cheapskates creed: Cash is King!
Christmas Shopping Tip 5: Place Your Catalogue Orders Early
If you're shopping from a catalogue this year, be sure to place the order early. The most popular items sell out first, so get your order placed and on its way as soon as possible. There's no need to wait for a catalogue to arrive in the mail because you can log on to the Internet and find many catalogue companies online with product photos, descriptions, size charts and special 'Internet only' sale prices.
Christmas Shopping Tip 6: Buy in Bulk
If you have a lot of people to buy for, and aren't exactly certain of their taste, consider buying in bulk. You can purchase a nice package of scented candles, divide them up into multiple gifts and present them with a beautiful bow wrapped around the glass jar. These types of gifts are ideal if you have teachers, doctors, co-workers or other special people that you want to wish a Merry Christmas. Another terrific idea is to purchase small Christmas tins and several bags of assorted miniature lollies. Divide the lollies up into each tin and present them with a beautiful bow on top. These are ideal gifts because they are thoughtful and budget conscious.
Lesson 47 Challenge: If you need extra cash this Christmas, think about a temporary part-time job. Retail stores in your area are probably looking for temporary staff in the lead up to the Christmas rush, especially on weekends and over the extended weekday trading hours when most people will be out in droves shopping. If you don't have retail experience, it could be a good opportunity to get some experience and learn a new skill while you're earning that extra cash. And if you're busy working you aren't spending any money.