Is someone close to you celebrating a milestone? Are you thinking of giving him or her a gift? How do you deal with it when you find that you do not have enough money to spend on a gift?

From planning to buy a refurbished iPhone over a brand-new one to scouring for special offers, there are several ways to save money when buying gifts.

It’s the Thought that Counts

Some people really struggle when it comes to gift-giving. It does not help that there are societal or cultural pressures that also come into play. You might get self-conscious when giving a gift to your boss, or you may think twice when you give your DIY gift to a wealthy friend. Other cultures also have superstitions about gifts so you also need to consider that so as not to offend some sensibilities.

Of course, another serious challenge that you can face is when you have limited funds for buying a gift. However, you need to remember that giving a gift need not be expensive or extravagant. There are other smarter and more creative ways to come up with a present that will still delight the person who receives it.

While it is true that it is not the amount of money spent that counts when giving gifts, you also want your gift to be meaningful enough that the recipient will cherish it. Choosing a gift requires time, effort, and resources (no matter how much or how little). It’s your thought that truly counts – the consideration that you put into it, such as thinking of what the person enjoys or what he or she might like.

Ideas like creating homemade candles or soaps, buying refurbished gadgets, or chipping in for an experiential gift such as a seaplane tour can all be ways to dial down the expense factor when choosing gifts. Here are other tips for saving money for your gift-giving mission:

1. Create a Budget and Stick to It

If you really want to buy a gift, then the first thing that you need to do is to create a budget. Check your resources and see how much you can spare for a gift. Remember to only spend what you can afford. It should not encroach on your budget for necessities like food or rent.

When you have identified a specific amount, then you can list down possible items that you can consider. Make sure to think of who the recipient is when making your list. The gift should be something that you know the recipient will like or appreciate.

After making a list, you can go shop and see which of the items most fits your budget. When you have compared a shortlist of items, then you can choose one that best fits all the criteria that you have.

2. Plan Ahead

It is important that you do not leave things to the last minute. Buying a gift, especially when you have budget considerations, will require advanced planning. With your budget in mind, you might need to go around several stores and determine which one offers the best prices or deals for the gifts on your list.

In addition, there are gifts such as hotel, restaurant, or spa vouchers that will give you more value for your money when you book ahead of time. Take advantage of Early Bird offers or low peak season rates. There are also seasonal sales that you can watch out for so you can buy items at a discounted rate.

As with all the gifts that you buy, remember to remove the price tag. Don’t forget to check the whole item for red labels or promo stickers before wrapping it up.

3. Consider Refurbished Gadgets

Has your nephew been pleading for a new iPhone? Would you want to give your grandma a gadget so you can FaceTime each other more often? Gifting gadgets and other electronic devices need not break the bank.

There are trustworthy online sites that sell pre-owned, renewed, and refurbished items that give you your money’s worth. Just make sure to go to a reputable tech shop or online seller so you can be assured that what you are buying are authentic and reliable items. These sites also typically offer fast and free shipping, a money-back guarantee, and cash-on-delivery options.

4. Re-gifting Can Be an Option

If you received a gift that you haven’t used or see no use for but you think someone else will like, then re-gifting can be an option. When you decide to go this route, make sure that the gift is still intact and in good condition. Check if it is something your recipient will like or need.

When you re-gift an item, double-check and see if there are no more labels or tell-tale gift tags. Be mindful of this because you do not want your recipient to think that you’re being a cheapskate or give off the impression that you’re turning him or her into a recycle bin.

5. Chip In for a Shared Gift

If you’re stressing about what to give your boss or you want to give something extra special to your parents for their anniversary, then chipping in can cut down on your gift spend.

Whether you’re sharing a gift with your classmates, your office colleagues, or your siblings, dividing the cost amongst yourselves will significantly lower the individual cost. Just make sure that you are all in agreement with what to give and that the total amount is still within your agreed-upon budget.

6. Avoid Emotional Spending

That Game of Thrones gift set may be absolutely adorable, but hold your horses. Is it something that fits your budget? How you feel about the person receiving your gift may affect the way you choose a present. Be careful about emotional spending as it may lead you to splurge on something that you think the recipient will love.

Buying expensive jewelry, booking extravagant trips, or getting high-end clothes can all be examples of going way beyond your means simply to satisfy someone you care for so much. Just remind yourself that the scope of your affection is not directly congruent with the amount of your gift.

7. Try to DIY

Finally, you can greatly save on gifts by making one yourself. If you’re confident about your skills in arts and crafts, why not give it a go and make something that you can gift to a person? If you’re good with woodwork, why not make a table organizer? If you have a green thumb, why not gift a plant?

Make use of your natural talents or skills and give that as a gift. It may not necessarily be something you make. It can be a skill that you can do. If you’re a gifted singer, why not offer to sing at your uncle’s party? Or if you are a talented cook, then offer to contribute a dish or even cook for your niece’s birthday party.

Lastly, if you’re neither talented nor skillful, you can even give someone your time. Offer to babysit your sister’s toddler as your gift to her or volunteer your time to watch over your friend’s dog when she’s going out for vacation.

Gifts of Value

Your gift, whether it costs a lot or not, is not commensurate to the amount of love or affection you have for the recipient. The cost does not really matter as long as you have given it considerable thought. What matters more is that you have taken into consideration the personality and preferences of your recipient and that you have taken the time to think about what will tickle his or her fancy without making a hole in your wallet.

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