You want to get something for all of your family and friends, and avoid that awkwardness that comes when receiving a gift from someone, and not having anything to give them in return. There are some ways that you could actually give someone a real gift without spending too much, or looking like a cheapskate, and maybe even giving yourself something at the same time.
Some stores in the area, such as Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads Trading Co. offer cash for clothes and accessories. You could bring in something that you don't wear or use anymore, anything from sweaters to hats to shoes. You might even want to bring in gifts that were given to you. Maybe your mom gave you a sweater not quite your style. Maybe you have a sweatshirt or t-shirt that your ex-boyfriend left at your house or lent you months ago. You don't have to give it back to him, you don't even plan on seeing him again, trade it in for either cash back or something new.
These stores carry new and used items for sale or trade, so it's not like you have to give someone something that was used, although in most cases, how will they be able to tell?
Other things to consider trading/selling at other stores are books, DVDs, CDs, video games and records. If you don't feel like you're getting offered enough money for a video game at a retail store, you could always try selling it yourself or trading it for something else. Try trading with someone on craigslist.org or selling it on eBay for what you think its worth or what you could reasonably get for it, you might be surprised. One man's junk is another man's treasure.
Another idea is to find deals like half price gift certificates or tickets. For example, Emmis Radio has online deals all the time. They have gift certificates for sale from restaurants, bars, spas, billiard halls, wine shops, etc. Here, you buy a gift certificate for half the price of its value. People will think that you spent double on them than you actually did.
Or, to give a gift of an experience, buy tickets to a play or show for someone, maybe they'll even take you. Hot Tix sells tickets to many Chicago area theaters. They offer certain shows for half price, but you might have to press your luck in acquiring these, as they often are announced shortly before the actual show date.
If you can put off the actual giving of something, and say, “Hey, mark your calendar for (insert your choice of date here)… I'm taking you out for an adventure that day.” Then, you can take that special someone out to something that maybe you might enjoy to, and hopefully on a day that is cheaper, but they don't have to know that. Examples of this, if you and your friend like skiing or snowboarding, there are resorts in the area that offer two-for-one specials.
Also, check to see what kind of discounts some stores may offer to certain types of people. Some stores (Apple), offer student and teacher discounts. If you are not a student but your little brother is, give him the money, and have him go buy the gift you wanted to get out of there. Since Apple reduced the cost of the iPod, they unfortunately took away the discount for purchasing of iPods, but other items still remain up for grabs and savings.
Search the discounted department stores. It is beyond me why people would crowd higher end department stores on Michigan Avenue and spend multiples more than they could have if they would have just took some time to look in the so-called second hand department stores like, Marshall's, Nordstrom's Rack, TJ Maxx, and Filene's Basement. Some of the stuff at those stores is the exact same as at the big, expensive stores. Some of it is just overstock, or past season. You can still buy name brands if you or your recipients are into that sort of thing, and rip off the added on “Marshall's” store-tag, and they won't even know you didn't spend as much as you could have.
If you are someone that likes to just do-it-yourself, you could try transforming plain and cheap things into unique gifts. T-shirts, scarves, gloves, hats, shoes, all can be easily decorated or remodeled into something truly crafty. Adding ribbons or buttons to plain scarves and hats adds charm. If you know how to sew, the possibilities for redesigning t-shirts or jeans are endless. Artsy types can take a plain pair of canvas sneakers, and paint on a pattern that nobody else will have.
These are just some suggestions, I'm sure there are more ideas out there. As for my broke self, I might be in need of some help now, seeing as how I just outed my secrets of saving. Happy Holidays!
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Good JoB!
Written by Guest on 2006-12-04 10:44:16
That actually calmed my nerves! Good tip on how to trade things in for cash! |
Great writing!
Written by Guest on 2006-12-04 20:46:40
some good ideas for gifts! Thanks!!! |
Written by Guest on 2008-07-08 15:45:00
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