Holiday Gift Guide
Do you find yourself wondering how much money to spend on Christmas gifts for friends, neighbors, or coworkers?
Every Christmas there are those people on your list that you want to give something to say I love you, but you don’t want to spend so much on them that it makes them feel obligated to get you something….we hear you! We look at birthdays as the time to spoil someone and lavish gifts on them, whereas Christmas is a time to give little reminders to people to say I love you. Here are some fun ideas to keep it sweet and simple! With each category you could easily spend between $10 and $35 without them feeling obligated to give you something in return.
PRO TIP: Start a new note in your phone at the beginning of the year. If you’re talking to a loved one or co-worker and they mention something they enjoy, something they would like, or something they don’t have, put it in that note! It’ll make Christmas and birthdays that much easier!
Hostess Gift – bouquet of flowers, candle, a gourmet chocolate apple, a quick bread mix with a beautiful spatula, cheese knife set, or personalized hand towel
Coworker – personalized Christmas tree ornament, something homemade, bag of gourmet popcorn, or treat the office to coffee and donuts and say, “Merry Christmas to All!”
Neighbor – floral bouquets, gourmet chocolate apple, or tin of specialty Christmas cookies
Mailman/Trash Collector – coffee gift card or cash
These last two areas are a little different. These are for the people who you couldn’t do life without. I always feel like I can spend a little more on them because they have no obligation to give me something; they already do so much for me! I can easily spend $50-$100 on them, although it’s not worth breaking the budget if you haven’t planned for it! Be sure to keep to your Christmas Budget no matter what!
Clients - They are the reason you are still in business. Ideas include a Harry and David basket, large Christmas poinsettia, a box of specialty chocolate, Yeti cooler and thermos, or fur throw. However, if you have too many clients a simple handwritten thank you card and a discount off product or a $5 Dunkin Donut gift card could be a special touch.
Teachers – They have our children for 30+ hours a week! Bless these wonderful people as best as you can and be super thoughtful. Would they like a coffee gift card or is there a place they love to shop? Would she love to have a beautiful Kate Spade thermal mug or is a Barefoot Dreams throw more her style? If your budget is tighter, make a treat to put in the teachers’ lounge for all to share, and deliver your child’s teacher their own coffee.
There is no right or wrong answer but most importantly, make a plan for your money and STICK TO IT! Let the season come with celebration and love and not overspending guilt and regret. Set yourself up for success in your 2021 budget!
Guest Blogger- Amy Benedetti
Amy Benedetti is a wife, mom of 3 and serial entrepreneur. She loves spending time with her family, friends and serving the local church. As a certified financial coach, Amy enjoys helping couples learn how to manage their money and reduce the stress that financial problems create in a marriage.
Instagram: @Benedettifinancialcoaching
