Holiday Gifts Can be Cheap and Cherished
Looking for ideas for inexpensive holiday gifts but don’t want to disappoint your child? We’ve come up with a few suggestions to keep you out of debt—and out of the doghouse (you know, that one reserved for parents).
- Ever notice the kid section of your local drugstore or grocery store? The items there are just as cool, and often cheaper, than the same items in more expensive child-themed stores. Possible finds include toy cars, bouncing balls, coloring books, disposable cameras, toy phones, trading cards, and art supplies. To save even more, see if the store’s website offers online-only gifts and coupons.
- In the weeks before the holidays hit, browse local fairs and farmer’s markets. Sure, some items can be pricey but you might just stumble upon a gem made by a local artist or store owner. You could, for example, turn a favorite food item – like a jar of boysenberry jam or honey – into a gift by simply tying it with a bow and putting your child’s name on it.
- Drop by your local Goodwill, Salvation Army or consignment store. At the ShopGoodwill site, you can browse a huge selection including dolls, plush toys, sports equipment, board games – and much of it for under $10.
- Don’t forget neighborhood garage sales. If you host your own in the run-up to the holidays and save the cash for holiday shopping, you may just break even.
- If your child has his heart set on a specific gift, resist the temptation to rush out and buy it. Scour the Internet for deals and used versions. The site mysimon.com allows you to enter an item and compare prices on Amazon, eBay and other sources. Then wrap it up in the funny pages.
