The Christmas season is around the corner. You might not be sure what to get your family and friends without overspending, so we give you the know-how.
By: Boitumelo Mmakou
There is financial freedom in knowing that you don’t have to overspend when gifting people gifts because you will have extra money during the holidays for other essential expenses. If you have either been spending too much money on gifts or avoiding buying them because you might overspend, there is a solution to your dilemma.
Eunice Sibiya, Head of Consumer Education at FNB, says the biggest difficulty around making the change to giving inexpensive gifts is managing the expectations of the receivers. She gives five great ideas on gifting.
1.For the kids
There is so much excitement around the festive season and so many different products that are available to buy. So, rather take them to the zoo or buy arts and craft equipment so they can make their own stuff.
2. For extended family and adult family friends
“You shouldn’t feel the need, or be under any pressure to splurge when it comes to gift giving,” says Sibiya. If you are a baker consider baking a dessert or sweet treats to give to them. Gardeners can split plants to give as gifts. Or, if you have a bit of time, grow plants from cuttings.
3. For adult family members
When buying gifts for adults, how about doing the age old ‘Secret Santa’ to save money? Put the names of all participating adults in a hat and draw a person’s name for who they will buy a gift. The group can decide on a monetary limit for the gift to keep everything fair.
4. For partners
“You can be the most open with your partner when it comes to gifts,” says Sibiya. You will need his or her support through the season and help you with your plan to curb unnecessary expenses. So, instead of getting a present for your partner this year, why not write down their favourite activities and plan to enjoy those together?
