Gift Giving Ideas When You’re Broke

Gift-giving allows you to bless someone with a unique gift that you created or purchased for them. If you are broke, it is important to find affordable gift ideas. You should at least consider inexpensive Christmas gift options! So, what types of gifts can you buy/made when you’re broke?

 1. How much should you spend on holiday gifts?   

As we approach the holiday season, we face the age-old dilemma: How much money should I spend on Christmas gifts?

Although I would love to buy Christmas gifts for all my family members, I know that I have to limit my holiday spending.

According to an October 2019 National Retail Federation survey, consumers are expected to spend $659 to buy gifts for their family, friends, and coworkers. Digit’s popular savings app has a steeper price tag. According to a spokesperson for the company, the average goal for gift savings is $1,560.

The amount you spend on each person will depend on how close they are to you. Spending more money on a family member who is close to you will result in a higher level of satisfaction. For family members that you don’t see often, a range of $5 to $15 would be a good choice. For close relatives, such as nephews or cousins, it is a good idea to spend between $25 and $40. You could spend $50-100 for immediate family members such as siblings, parents, and children.

 2. Inexpensive Christmas Gifts Ideas 

Every Christmas (and other holidays) rolls around, and everyone seems to be surprised at how much gifts actually cost.

You are in the right spot! We have affordable ideas to help you get through this holiday season.

A Streaming Service Subscription   

According to Leichtman Research Group, 78% of U.S. households are subscribed to one or more of three industry-leading streaming video services: Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Consider getting a 3-month subscription card for a friend, family member or loved one if you stream shows often with them.

A Gift Card To A Local Bookstore  

Books can be difficult gifts. The recipient might not want to spend hours reading the book, so it becomes clutter or a doorstop. A gift card to your local New York bookstore is the perfect gift for the avid reader. Because your local mom-and-pop business needs it more than Barnes & Noble, we emphasize the word “local”. Your favorite reader will always find amazing deals!

A Kitchen Tool  

Sometimes, the best gifts are not things people want but what they actually need.

A high-quality, durable kitchen tool might be something your friend would appreciate, especially if they cook a lot.

The right kitchen Tool: Consider one they don’t have or one they use daily. A can opener, potato peeler or fancy corkscrew are all examples.

 3. How to save money on Christmas    

Have you ever wondered how to have a wonderful Christmas while on a tight budget? Christmas is a notoriously expensive time of year when people accumulate debt and spend a lot of money on Christmas gifts. Many times, people don’t have a plan to ppayofftheir debt.

But once the holiday lights are gone, the new Year rolls in and those credit-card bills come in and they must open that bank account statements. It’s never really fun.

Plan Before You Spend!  

Calculate how much money you would like to spend and how much money you will need to save in order to have the Christmas you desire. Do not just spend it all on a credit card. Make a list of who you are buying for, and what you can afford after your bills and other essentials are paid.

You’ll be less likely to spend more if you have a budget. You can use an app on your smartphone, a notebook or an Excel spreadsheet on your laptop to track your spending. You can create an email folder to receive receipts. You can also create an email account to spend money so that you aren’t overwhelmed by marketing emails.

Alternatives To Buying Presents  

Nothing is more valuable than the gift of your time or helping someone else. You don’t have to buy a gift. Instead, help a friend or loved one in another way. Perhaps you have a loved one who is older or has disabilities. Help them with household chores, gardening, and running errands.

A picture is worth a thousand pictures. Photo albums can be purchased at a Goodwill or Thrift Store for a low price and you can make personalized scrapbooks or photo albums for your loved ones.

Shop secondhand is another option to purchasing gifts within a budget. There are amazing deals available at thrift shops, pawnshops and online on beautiful jewelry, name-brand instruments, electronic devices, and other items. Shopping secondhand can help you save up to half off the retail price.

Practice Energy Efficiency

The more guests, the merrier! The large gathering will heat up the room without needing any electricity and for every degree you lower your thermostat, you can save up to 3 percent on your Central Hudson bills.

LED Christmas lights use only 10 percent of the energy compared to traditional light bulbs and will last much longer. They are also much safer because they generate only a fraction of the heat so no need to panic if you leave them on for too long!

All of the above steps will contribute to reducing your energy bill. However, while you’re at, ensure you explore different offers as there are many providers throughout New York.

 Bottom Line 

All of the above steps will contribute to reducing your energy bill. However, while you’re at, ensure you explore different offers as there are many providers throughout New York. These tips should help you create a solid plan that will avoid holiday debt and allow you to achieve your financial goals.