7 Gift Ideas to Save you at Christmas (and birthdays)

INSIDE: CHECK OUT THESE 7 GIFT IDEAS THAT WILL SAVE YOU AT CHRISTMAS AND BIRTHDAYS ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A TERRIBLE GIFT GIVER!!

I read a story recently about Freddy Mercury (it was not about fat bottomed girls either!), he said one of the greatest gifts he had ever received was the newspaper from the day he was born. He was a wealthy man so no one thought about giving him gifts. He said the gift isn’t about a price or something you need but rather something you didn’t know you would value.

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I believe this. And I know I’m hard to buy for, as is my husband. We had a friend that used to call us ‘The Kuball Stimulus Program’ or something like that…we are fortunate enough to be able to do that.

That leaves many people scrambling to buy us things we don’t need or want because they feel like gifts are essential. People think gifts cards and money are impersonal but to us, that means we can spend it on the things we like.

I would NEVER pretend to know what kind of fishing pole my husband wants. And he doesn’t have a clue what spa treatment I want. So……gift cards to places like Bass Pro and Spa Finder are perfect for us. It doesn’t make either of us feel like it wasn’t personalized.

So I’ve put together 7 gift ideas to save you at Christmas and birthdays, especially when you have no idea what to buy a person.

Gift Cards

Nothing wrong with letting someone know YOU want them to enjoy something they like.

• Target – DUH!!
• Amazon – I mean…how do you go wrong there?
• Fandango – Movie tickets that can be spent at different theaters
• Starbucks – Who doesn’t love free coffee!?!?!?!
• Cabela’s/Bass Pro – Most of the males in my family love the great outdoors. How about yours?

Prepaid Service

Sometimes it isn’t what they “wouldn’t buy themselves” but rather what they do buy themselves that you could help them save money on.

• Full detail car wash
• Babysitter
• House cleaner – or offer the service yourself
• Pre-cooked meals – Freshly will send meals to you or you can make them yourself

Subscriptions

I am not talking about magazines (or you can if you want)! Again, something everyone needs (like food and clothing) and obviously we all spend money on some of these things. So why not save your friend or family member some money and make it convenient for them by buying them one month or more of these great options.

• Amazon Prime
• Clothing services – Stitch Fix
• Food services – Hello Fresh, & Home Chef
• Beauty boxes – Ipsy & Birchbox
• Arts and Crafts – Cricut

Memberships

I love Costco! So much so that I buy fresh flowers, all my meat, furniture, electronics…I mean, it’s a wonderful place for a busy mom. On top of that, their customer service is TOP NOTCH!!!! But I have to pay an annual membership. If someone paid that for one year for me – happy mom right here!!!

• Warehouse stores – Costco & Sam’s
• Streaming services – Netflix & Hulu
• Local amusements – Museums, Zoos, & Parks

Savings

There are many things that you can do to help your family and friends save for a trip, something they want but costs A LOT…help them save.

• Cash – if you are using USPS, UPS, FedEx etc….send a check not cash
• Gift cards to that specific place – Disney, Airlines, Airbnb, Uber
• There is also the ever popular MasterCard, Visa, AmEx cards – don’t discount these. I use them for gas and food on trips. Less cash to carry and less worry about my bank stopping my purchases because I’m out of town.

Personalization

When you take the time to personalize an item, however small and silly it may seem to you, it means a lot to the recipient. I don’t have an embroidery machine in my house, so I would have to think ahead of time about having something embroidered.

• Calendars & Canvas – Shutterfly
• Cricut designed shirts, totes, tumblers, mugs, or really anything!

Charity Donations

It’s all the rage on Facebook. Asking people to donate to a cause of your choice in honor of your birthday. While there are a million charities to donate to, I encourage you to check out this list first.

I am a firm believer in my donation going to the people I attend to help…DUH! Organizations that have more than 60% of their annual earnings going to the cause, not overhead or salaries, are great choices. A little research on your part will get you this answer, it is public knowledge where the funds you donate go.

• Feeding America
• Marines Toys for Tots
• Reach Out and Read

Really, I could go on for hours…..but the bottom line is, making a donation in someone else’s name is really special – just make sure your money is going to the cause and not someone’s pocket.

These gift ideas have saved me at Christmas and several birthdays, I hope they help you!

Have ideas for easy gifts?? Comment below and help your fellow crazy Moms!!!

Happy Gift Giving,