It’s easy (and fun!) to focus on kid’s toys and present ideas, but today I appeared on KXII to share some of my favorite tips for buying gifts for grown-ups when you are on a budget. We want to bless the people in our lives, but we want to stay within a wise and moderate budget too! So these tips will help you stay on track with your finances but provide valuable gifts to the people you love.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rawIfpLwcY8[/youtube]
Tip 1 – Give the Gift of Learning
I mentioned two of my books on-air: Getting Prepared as an example of a book that will help someone take the overwhelm factor out of planning emergency preparedness, and Backyard Farming on an Acre (More or Less) which will assist beginners and experienced a like in adopting a new lifestyle of self-sufficiency. I’m a huge believer in the power of books to help shift a stubborn mindset, improve your skill set, or inspire a life change. See my favorite books for bloggers if you know someone who works online.
Tip 2 – Give Flexible Gifts With Year-Round or Multi-Use Potential
Instead of a winter scarf, feature a flexible piece like this jeweled scarf from Camibands, by Avenue X Innovations LLC. I love the flexibility of this jeweled scarf (available in multiple colors) and wore it as a belt to the studio. I only took it off because I was too short for it to be seen standing behind the table. LOL! I like the reasonable price point, $24.99, and how it can be used multiple ways.
Other jewelry pieces like the birth stone set from Wal-Mart have a more personal touch, and comes as a complete set. Or these Joseph Nogucci Memory bracelets (You know I LOVE that red one!) are items that can add a personal touch to gift-giving, while still being something that can be worn year-round.
Tip #3 – Add Luxury on a Budget with Bargain Buys
I love the Faux Fur Throw from Sam’s Club as an example of luxury on a budget. It was priced right at $49.99 and packaged super beautifully with the leather straps. Large enough to make a statement in a home’s decor, I loved the animal-friendly luxury of the throw. I see this as a great gift for anyone getting a new home or apartment, a high school student heading to college dorm rooms where a touch of luxury is needed more than ever, or just anyone who wants to add soft comfort to their favorite reading chair.
When you’re buying on a budget look for impact packaging, something that appeals to the senses (smells great, super soft, etc.) and something that can, again, make a statement year round and you’ll be sure to get the most for your money.
Tip #4 – Buy Tech on a Budget Mean Buying Complimentary Accessories
Most people already own at least one high-dollar tech item. Maybe they have a fancy DSLR, or they love movies and have a nice TV, or they love mobile technology and have an iPhone, tablet, etc., already. To give on a budget you want to focus on complimentary accessories that will work WITH the higher priced items they already have!
The example I showed in the segment was the JAM Plus Wireless Bluetooth Speaker from Office Depot that is priced right at that $49.99 price point. It’s a great example of a gift item that will make someone’s technology more easily used in a wider variety of situations including parties and gatherings or just hanging out with family. For a photographer you might consider accessories like a remote release shutter or a professional quality tripod (or both). For someone who loves movies, consider something like a Roku box to make their TV viewing more accessible. You get the idea.
Tip #5 Give Quality DIYs for Personal and Practical Gifts
I love a good DIY. In the news segment, I gave the example of the beautiful Homemade Herb Storage System my husband built for me using about $30 worth of supplies from Lowe’s. The trick with DIY gifts is to give something you know the recipient will enjoy! Take a look at this collection of DIY Gifts for Family, Home, and Health and see if any of these seem like something someone will enjoy.
What’s your best tip for gift-giving on a budget?
Congrats, Angela! That was great! Awesome tips, too! If I don’t win a copy of Backyard Farming (or get one for Christmas), I’ll probably buy one for myself after the new year. 😀
🙂 Definitely! I’m a huge fan of books. hehehehehe
Way to go, Angela! You did an AWESOME job! Your family must be so very proud of you!
Thanks! The kids think I’m a ninja who can sneak into the TV. I’m awesome like that.
Angela, nice job on the TV segment! You’re a natural.
Good picks for the techies among us. A wireless remote shutter release (Or wired if you HAVE to go that way) is one of the best additions to a camera set-up on the cheap that I know of. I love mine.
Oh yes! A tripod and remote release will transform photography possibilities. And if you can make your friend’s technology MORE USEFUL then that’s a total win.