Every Thursday, I share my thoughts on Family Finances.
Productive people look for opportunities to do things intelligently, to a high degree of quality and while minimizing effort and expense. Family Christmas shopping can be done productively, with a plan in mind, or it can be done haphazardly and with little forethought. Productive shopping may require a little more advance planning, but the end result will be not only purchases that save you money, but also gifts that truly mean something to the recipient.
Rather than simply spending hours trolling the mall this December, make a date with your family to thoughtfully plan your holiday gift purchases. Spend time brainstorming your family list, including friends, teachers, coaches, clergy and others you would like to remember with a gift. Remember that gifts do not need to be expensive to be meaningful. Plan shopping trips that will maximize yield - purchasing intended items for intended recipients, not purchasing impulse items for yourself that look tempting due to discounted prices. Avoid the temptation to go "off list". Also, consider online shopping as an excellent productivity tool - bargains abound and free shipping is often a huge time savings tool to avoid those trips to the post office.
Here are a few online shopping deals available on the web this week:
The perfect gift for music lovers in your life – iTunes gift certificates
Bath & Body Specials at AVON.com
Buy 4 or more Hallmark.com Keepsake ornaments and get FREE SHIPPING. Use code FSKEEPSORN.
FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $49 at SIRIUS Satellite Radio
I agree with sitting down with the family and making a plan about holiday shopping. It can be a stressful time of year. Me and my family like to do our shopping online and we use this site often. http://www.dealtaker.com. This site has helped us save a good amount of money this season!
Posted by: Amy | December 07, 2007 at 01:02 PM