We have all heard of those shrewd people who accumulate Christmas stocking fillers throughout the year and are stress free come December
. Well these guys not only benefit from a relaxing December when all others are rushing around the shopping malls but they also benefit from great savings often getting their gifts at sale price.
Often having a time restriction forced upon you can work in your favour as the mind is focussed and shopping is done more efficiently. However this normally only applies to certain types of gifts such as stocking fillers and less appropriate for romantic gifts.
A trusted technique used by many is to by an assortment of cheaper gifts and present nicely within a basket or hamper. Or if they are a good cook maybe a large stock pan. This way the items can be small useful gifts rather than expensive thoughtful ones.
This approach would be ideal for a child as it is well known that even the packaging of a toy can demand as much interest as the actual toy itself. Therefore thes gifts can be bought on a budget and it would be something that the child would enjoy opening.
Why not restrain yourself from buying a advertised TV toy but invest in a cheap toy that would provide an activity for the child. Some simple yarn, craft sticks, glue sticks and felt could keep the cost down otherwise a paint set, for finger paintings etc. This would be something the child could share in their playtime and would definitely inspire creativity.
The gift collection technique can be applied in many situations where family members would find it useful. Such as a 'going away to university' pack to include things as batteries, torch - which could all be presented in a laundry basket.
Restrictions do not apply when choosing how to present your gift. It just ideally has to be big enough to hold them all. How about a kitbag, wheelbarrow, cooking pot, school bag etc.. there are lots of possibilities.
Your gift basket should make a good impression but if not your safe in the knowledge that it was a cheap way to present a gift to a loved one.