Gift Giving On A Budget with Kadri & Sam
On this episode of Financially Naked: Stories from The Financial Gym, hosts Kadri and Sam dive into creative and budget-friendly ways to approach holiday gift-giving. They share their personal perspectives on setting gift budgets, prioritizing thoughtfulness, and planning ahead to avoid last-minute stress and overspending. Whether it's leveraging credit card rewards, making DIY gifts, or gifting meaningful experiences, Kadri and Sam provide plenty of ideas to help you celebrate the season without breaking the bank.
Podcast Notes
Planning Ahead & Thoughtful Gift Giving
If you are a person who gives gifts for Christmas, now is a great time to start planning. Starting in October gives you time to organize your ideas and budget for the gifts you want to buy.
Creating a list of everyone you need to buy a gift for and setting a budget for each person or the entire list is a great place to start. The goal is to be intentional but realistic with what you can afford.
Giving gifts is not about buying the most expensive thing; rather, it is about giving a gift that is meaningful to the receiver or reflects your connection to them. The holiday season is a time to enjoy the company of others, and gift-giving does not have to be the focus.
There are many ways to keep virtual wish lists, so if you're unsure what someone needs, ask if they have a wish list you can purchase something from or contribute to.
Creative & Unique Gift Ideas
Don't be afraid to get creative if you're on a tight budget. You can give something handmade or creatively package something small and meaningful.
Gifting an experience like going to a museum or a park outing can be a budget-friendly but memorable option, especially if you can find local discounts.
Holiday markets, thrift stores, and flea markets can be great places to find unique items and support small and local businesses.
Gift cards can be another easy and practical option, especially for co-workers or Secret Santa exchanges.
Adding a Personal Touch & Maximizing Resources
If you have credit card rewards or points, you can use them to fund holiday purchases, especially for gift cards or specific purchases on certain websites.
Listening to your friends and family closely throughout the year can help you with gift ideas. When someone mentions something, make a note so you can keep an eye out for sales on that item throughout the year.
Personal touches, such as reflecting on someone's year (e.g., a new job or hobby), can inspire gift ideas that feel genuinely thoughtful and meaningful.
Making food, like cooking a meal or baking holiday treats, can be a meaningful gift and shows care without needing a large budget.
If you want to work with a Certified Financial Trainer to help navigate your finances, schedule a free warm-up call today! If you have any ideas or questions for the show, send an email to trainerpodcast@fingyms.com.
Resources
Meet The Trainers
Meet Kadri Augustin, Certified Trainer Advisor
Meet Sam Cash, Certified Financial Trainer