| Doris Dobkins is the publisher of $mart Money New$. You can subscribe by
visiting her web site at
CreativeFinances.com |
It's
not too early to start thinking of the holidays. They will be here
before you know it and if you don't plan ahead, you could find
yourself overspending, stressed out and even getting into debt. So
read on, and consider one of the following three options for those
on your holiday list this year:
1. Consider giving a service
gift.
Most of us have more junk and more stuff than we need. Our closets
are stuffed full. We need to build on to our homes to make room for
our things. The cars have to be parked outside, as the garage is too
full. The last thing most of us really need is "more
stuff." Maybe, just maybe, the people you are giving gifts to
might be in the same boat. Here are some service gift ideas:
Certificate to a hair salon for a manicure, pedicure or haircut.
Certificate to a day spa, facial, or massage. Who wouldn't like
something like that? Additional options are certificates to a
restaurant, car wash, yard or housekeeping service.  The list could
go on and on. These types of gifts show a little more thought than
just giving cash. Best of all, you won't be contributing to anyone's
clutter.
2. The next idea is for those hard to
please people on your list who like "stuff".
Consider giving them a Gift Certificate to their favorite shopping
store. Not only will they be able to get MORE for their money
because of all the post holiday sales, but they will be able to get the
exact color, size or model that appeals to them. This has multiple
benefits as it can relieve much of your stress, the recipient can
get exactly what they like and your gift will go further with all
the great coupons and discounts that seem to come later.
3. Lastly, try giving theme gifts
that you design.
If you have a golf lover in the family, make a cute basket with golf
accessories, a subscription to a golf magazine and some homemade
cookies decorated as golf balls. Or how about a basket to take care
of one's automobile such as cleaners, car wash coupons, car cookies
or whatever else you can come up with. The ideas are unlimited and
can include any amount of items to fit your budget.
I do hope these ideas have given you
something new to try for the holidays and for your gift giving
dilemmas. Be sure and take time to enjoy your families, spend time
with loved ones, and remember the important things in life.
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