Frugal Family Gifts: It Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Family gifts are some of the most difficult to select. You know your neighbor at the office will be touched that you chose to get them anything at all. The same is probably true for your child’s teacher. But family members can be an entirely different ball of wax.

There are a lot of emotional issues tied up in gifts for you family members. You might think that if you don’t spend a lot of money on your family that they might think that you don’t care about them. Or, perhaps you don’t want them to know that you’re struggling with your finances, so you agree to exchange gifts with your entire family. Many different factors can influence your decisions regarding family gifts.

Rather than going overboard on family gifts this Christmas you should consider choosing more frugal gifts. While you can still share the fun and excitement of exchanging gifts, you will find that the thought put into your gift means much more than the price tag attached to it.

One way to put an emphasis on meaning rather than price for your family gifts is to choose gifts that show that you listen to your family member. Has your mom mentioned while doing the laundry that she really needs new towels? Surprising her this Christmas with a matched set or two of towels that coordinate with her bathroom will really make her day. Pay attention to conversations you’ve had with family members to find gifts that will be certain to strike a chord with them.

Another way to give a frugal gift that still carries a lot of meaning to the recipient is to give a gift of time. No, of course you can’t really give anyone extra time. But how many times have you heard your dad complain about having to shovel the walk. Why not have the grandkids present him with a book of coupons for sidewalk shoveling. Make sure, however, that the gift-giver is ready to follow through with their good intentions.

Finally, choose gifts with a nostalgic value for the most impact on their recipients. For instance, maybe you and your sister used to spend your afternoons playing board games. Why not give her family one of your old favorites so that she can recreate the tradition in her own family now? Board games are inexpensive, but the fun shared while playing them is priceless.

For more great content, remember to subscribe to my RSS feed. Subscribe