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There are many occasions within the year that we commonly associate with gift giving. Christmas season is a perfect example. But in especially dire times, completing a long gift list can be really hard on the pocket. And if you have set a budget, naturally, you'll have to either cut down your list shorter or find other ways to fit them in. This is definitely an ideal time to put creative thinking to good use and showcase some resourcefulness.
Here's a proven money-saving tip on gift giving - give gifts by families and groups. This way you significantly cut down your gifts without the need of eliminating names on your list. At least you don't have to comprise the quality of the gift, too. This is very practical if you have a lot of group friends and relatives.
Let's say, you have an uncle and aunt with 3 of your cousins down the block. Instead of buying them individual gifts, you could just give them one gift for their whole family. Ideally, give them something a bit general. Something the whole family can share or enjoy together.
This would also work for small groups. For example, if you have your math club or choir members in mind, give them something that they could appreciate as a group. If you do your counting, you might be surprised how much money you're saving.
Here are some examples of gift ideas for families and groups:
Food gift baskets are classics. You can find ready-made food baskets at your local stores at certain times of the year, all-wrap up especially during the holidays. There are different types of gift baskets as well. For example, there are gourmet gift baskets, picnic gift baskets, holiday dinner gift baskets, game-snacks gift baskets, etc.
If you want to customize the items you want to included, you may also do so. In fact, you can easily make your own gift basket. Make a list of food items you want to include; you can easily buy these on deli stores and supermarkets. Find a wooden basket and some laces or ribbons. If you have these at home, you can use them as long as they're clean and presentable. Put a piece of good cloth (an old, unused one will do), and fit it inside the gift basket. Then arrange the food items as you wish. You can tie ribbons at the handle and wrap it with clear or colored transparent plastic.
Besides food, you can also think of recreational activities the group might enjoy. For example, you can give them gift cards or movie passes. Put them in an envelope perhaps together with a gift basket full of movie snacks like popcorn, chips, and sodas. Or you can give them board game sets to play, like chess and scrabble. If they probably have one of those, you could choose another design or a different finish perhaps.
Another ideal gift would be framed pictures or portrait. You could ask a good copy of one of their pictures, or have it copied yourself. You can enlarge it perhaps or give it a nice effect, and then frame it. Put it inside the box and wrapped it.
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