Spend less on giftsWhen you are crunched for money birthdays and holidays are high stresses because you want to give the best or give them what they want because you love them, but you just can’t. Going into credit card debt for gifts is not the way to go, there are alternatives.

1. Baby Showers ‘“ Buying baby clothes at the yard sale or getting stuff from freecycle or craigslist are ideal. Make sure you inspect them well for stains, rips and snaps that work. Mother’s just want their babies clothed, no one notices the brand name over the squeezable goodness of a baby anyway.

2. Anniversaries ‘“ If you are close enough to relatives and friends, offer to baby-sit their kids/pets for a night to get them out of the house and have a date. You give the ultimate gift ‘“ time together.

3. Large Families ‘“ My father’s side of the family is large and they would draw names for adults and some older kids for Xmas. That keeps the amount of gifts down a bit and no one is forgotten. Another alternative is a ‘˜white elephant’ gift ‘“ you wrap a used item or joke gift for everyone.

4. Spending Limit ‘“ At the very least set this up for you and let others know what your limit is. If can persuade others, make the cap a family affair.

5. Give Home-made ‘“ This includes baked goods, home-cooked dinners for a busy family or hand-made items that you see they may need around the house. Obviously give yourself time to get the item finished, so pre-planning is a must. For my mother’s birthday, some of her favorite oldie and newbie songs were burned to a CD for her.

6. In Their Name ‘“ Donate to a cause THEY feel comfortable with. In some cases this may go against what you feel is right, but would show your respect to that person and what their beliefs are. Remember the tax deduction receipt as well.

7. Receiving ‘“ Sometimes you just don’t have the money for giving a tangible item. Sometimes the best gift you can give is one of graciousness and gratitude when others help you out. Don’t forget the Thank ‘“You Notes!!

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Dawn C. is site owner of Frugalforlife.com where this is a repost from: Living on Less- Gifts. Dawn is residing in Colorado with her spouse, Teri, of 11 years.