Whether you are buying for a partner or a family member, gift-giving can be a minefield or high expectations and social etiquette. This can make gift-giving an extremely difficult experience when you do not have a large cash flow, especially around big seasonal events, such as Christmas. To make sure that you can still make your loved one feel special, here are some top tips to save you from upset relations and friends.
1. Spread the Cost with a Subscription
If you want to give your friend or partner the gift that they deserve, and yet are worried that luxuries are not within your budget at the moment, you should consider spreading the cost by buying a subscription. Subscriptions not only last longer than normal gifts by ensuring that your loved one receives something through the post every month, but they can often be cheaper in the short-term. For instance, at Scent Magic, you can get a mens cologne subscription box for a fraction of the price of a larger gift, and you can pay for this gift on a monthly, and more manageable, basis.
2. Plan A Day Out for a Later Date
If you are struggling for money now, why not give your loved one an IOU for a day out at a later date? Not only will you be giving them your time, which is the greatest present of all, but you will be able to arrange a date when you will have more money than you do now. This will also allow you to have time to save up toward this event. If you are concerned that you will not have enough money by this time, you should search for free events in your local area that you can plan for and that you can both enjoy.
3. Make Your Own Gift for Them
Even if you have no money, there is no reason why your friend or relative should not receive a gift for their special occasion. Instead of heading to the shops to purchase an estate, why not make them one yourself? Not only will you be using your time to make them something with love, but they will be able to treasure this personalized and unique item forever.
4. Start Buying Early
If you know that you will need to send out a lot of money on gifts at a certain time of year, you should consider fitting this gift-giving into your budget by starting to buy as early as possible. By buying a few gifts here and there, or when you have the extra money in the bank, you will be able to give your loved ones amazing gifts while also ensuring that you have enough money to pay your bills.
5. Tell Your Loved One
However, the best step that you can take if you find yourself in this situation is to tell your friend and even consider asking them to stop your gift-giving tradition. Most friends will be understanding of your financial issues if they are truly your friend, and this will allow you to avoid any disgruntled faces on their big day.