Trying
to save a little money this holiday season? It seems logical to scratch
off a couple names toward the bottom of the gift-shopping list—like
the doorman, the nanny or the teacher.
But skipping out on gifts
for those who go out of their way for you much of the year is not the
right way to save money, experts say. Instead, be realistic about what
you can spend and on whom.
"It's still important to splurge on
people who fit you into last-minute appointments or take care of your
children—like an assistant, baby sitter, hairdresser or dog walker,"
says Stephanie Robinett, public relations coordinator at Amazon.com.
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She
recommends purchasing a case of wine—many retailers offer a
by-the-case discount—and giving a bottle to each recipient, such as
coworkers and assistants. Personalize each bottle by pairing it with an
accessory like an opener or set of stoppers.
"Anything you give will be appreciated," says Gillian Joseph, director of merchandising at
Gifts.com.
How to save
If
everyone should still receive gifts, how does one save? The key is
avoiding buying too many gifts for loved ones, says Rhonda Grote,
founder of
Thinkthoughtful.com, a gift Web site.
Instead limit
gift-giving for close family to one or two special, thoughtful
presents. Grote also recommends cutting back on the amount of money
spent on holiday cards and wrapping paper, which can quickly add up.
"The money you save you can then use for these other people on your
list, like your manicurist or hairdresser," she says.
When it
comes to extended family and friends (and their children), Joseph says
you should have a frank discussion with them early on about how much
you will spend and who will be trading gifts.
According to a
survey by
Consumer Reports, 59 per cent of respondents said they plan
to cut back on gift giving. Of those who plan to spend less, 40 per
cent said they are scaling back on friends and friends' families. So
instead of buying gifts for each of your friends' children, Joseph
recommends getting a family gift like an accessory for the Nintendo Wii
or a board game that everyone can enjoy together.
Appropriate gifts
The
Consumer Reports survey also found that 30 per cent of respondents
planned to spend less on service providers such as delivery people,
hairdressers and gym instructors, and 29 per cent aren't giving as much
to coworkers. But that doesn't mean those who hope to spend less this
year should revert to the classic fruitcake option or giving other
baked goods.
Instead, look for items that make the recipient's
life easier, Grote says. "It doesn't need to be expensive, but good
quality and have a purpose," she says. A fruit basket doesn't show
quite the appropriate level of appreciation. Instead, Grote recommends
a chic umbrella or goody bag filled with items to help keep one's car
clean or organized.
While gift cards tend to be an easy option,
especially for people you do not know well, they're not necessarily the
right gift when you need to save. For example, if you normally get your
dog walker a US$50 gift card to
Starbucks (nasdaq:
SBUX) and this year
can only give US$25, it will be much more noticeable than if you
purchase a cashmere scarf on sale for the same price.
Also steer
clear of gifts that cater more to the recipient's profession rather
than his or her interests. Your nanny would probably prefer a chic
handbag or clutch she can use on a night out, rather than an appliance
or gadget for the kitchen.
"Remember, these people are humans
first and their profession second," Grote says. "Avoid gifts that help
them do their job better and look to items they can enjoy in their
downtime."
Drawing the line
The final, and perhaps most
important key to saving on holiday shopping, is to know who you truly
need to buy gifts for and who you don't.
While it makes sense to
give back to those who make your everyday life better or easier, don't
feel obligated to purchase a gift for everyone you come across. If you
do not normally buy a present for a certain delivery person (or if the
delivery person isn't the same from day to day), this is not the year
to start, Joseph says.
"These people realize everyone is cutting back," she says, "and won't take offence."
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In Pictures: Where To Scrimp And Splurge On Holiday Gifts
