Sometimes we are in such a rush to get everything on our holiday shopping list that we don’t actually enjoy the process. In some ways, we are just going through the motions even when we are exchanging gifts and celebrating together. Choose to go about this differently this year. Here are some ideas to enjoy the holidays in a meaningful way for less.
1. Your presence is the best present.
The holidays are a time to reconnect with family and friends. Michele Phillips, a speaker, coach and author of the book, “Happiness is a Habit,” believes the best present you can give your loved ones is yourself. No matter what gift you give, Phillips suggests making time to disconnect from technology and have real conversations. She suggests setting a rule for everyone that’s visiting to put phones into a box upon arrival. In a highly distracted society, giving each other your undivided attention is a wonderful gift. Also, your attention is free and valued.
2. Make a digital shopping list.
Have your social media time work double duty for you. When you’re done liking, commenting and even uploading cat pictures, be on the lookout for friends dropping hints about potential gifts you can purchase for them. Some of their status updates may contain the perfect gift idea or you might just get a feel for what they like to do in picture form. Maybe your friend or family member is an avid traveler, wine enthusiast or wannabe foodie. Perhaps you focus on one of their hobbies that has a variety of items that people might run out of or haven’t purchased yet. One of my friends does yoga daily. There are a ton of gifts at varying price points like accessories, active wear, DVDs, classes, T-shirts and more.
Store these clues dropped in a post by using the “Save” function on Facebook. It can serve as a digital shopping list that can be accessed later or when out shopping. Tapping on the arrow next to any link, video, event or place will ship it to a Saved folder for safekeeping. To later locate your Saved items, go to “Saved” in the left column of your News Feed by web or in the “More” tab via mobile device. You can ensure that the recipient will then like and comment on the wonderful present that you bought them.
3. Movies make memories.
Also use social media to stay up on movie offers from companies like Red Box. Their social media channels offer additional incentives throughout the year. According to their recent survey, 90 percent of Americans will watch a movie as part of their holiday celebration this year and 63 percent say watching a holiday movie is part of their tradition. Keep the tradition going without giving your wallet a panic attack. A newly released DVD is as low as $1.50 a night. Get cozy on the couch, sip hot chocolate and rent three movies for the price of one from cable on demand.
4. Be an experiential purchaser.
A UC Berkeley researcher found that people who buy life experiences were happier because this type of purchase meets psychological needs that are essential to human growth, well-being and a sense of connection to others. Avid traveler, John Rampton of JohnRampton.com loves to give these types of gifts in the form of vacations. “This year I gave my mother, sister and her boyfriend a trip to Cabo so we can all spend Christmas in the sun. It’s a great way for me to get in a vacation, give a gift and spend time with family.” These are gifts that keep on giving with memories of meaningful times spent with special people. He points out that people love trips and getting away especially if it’s paid for by someone else. Whether you get away for a weekend or a week. Get alerts for travel deals to get away for less.
5. Take stock in the recipient’s financial future.
With holiday shopping in full swing, consider making a shortlist of stocks that might interest someone on your list. Stockpile.com allows you to just that. Get a gift card for stock. Select one you’d like from the categories listed or search by company, brand or symbol. Then choose your dollar amount and send it to the recipient. They will receive fractional shares of real stock.
Andrea Travillian of TakeASmartStep.com believes in giving a gift with a financial message straight from mom and dad. “I will actually give cash to our son to pick out his own stock.” She explains how it helps the receiver on many fronts. Also, there’s a life lesson of investing for the future vs. just buying more things.
With a little effort and planning, you can infuse meaning back into the holidays without spending a ton of money.
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5 Ways to Make the Holidays More Meaningful for Less originally appeared on usnews.com
