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A few weeks back I reached out to our Facebook and Instagram following asking for some gift-giving hacks, and thought I'd share a few of the most compelling ones with you because I know the holiday season can be stressful. I hope you find these helpful!
- I purposely got a credit card that has a rewards system (if you're using one that doesn't, I don't know what you're doing!). My credit card reward system works like this: for every dollar I spend, I earn a point. Each month, you can earn 1.5% of extra points on various expenses (ex: May might be Gasoline, June might be all restaurants). I usually put everything I buy on my credit card and pay it off each month, allowing the points to accumulate. (There is also the option to transfer your points to "cash back," where you essentially only have to pay X amount of your bill, and the rest can be paid using your points.) Every few months, I log on my account and transfer the points to gift cards. I like doing gift cards for people in my life who I don't necessarily know well enough but would like to express my thanks for all they do for me throughout the year - like the janitors in my building, my neighbors who get my mail and water my plants when I travel, etc. If you're interested in giving this a try, you can use this link. If you're approved for the card, you'll get a $150 bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. - Candace
- My gift giving hack to save money and sanity is to start taking notes ahead of time if you hear a loved one mention something they want. That way you're not stressed as we get closer and closer to the holidays. Also, buying tickets to do something fun is my favorite gift to give and receive. Memories > Things -YBCer Olivia
- I do a combination of buying gifts and making gifts; I like to knit and make aromatherapy jewelry for people. For the shopping part, I use Amazon Prime, which saves me the headache of driving all over town, and saves me money on shipping and gas. I try to think about loved ones' hobbies or current goals and find gifts that fit those. For example, my dad likes to walk, so I'm getting him a walking/running belt with a water bottle holder, and knitting him a warm hat in bright colors. - YBCer Tracy
- I shoot for local and something that will be consumed or used rather than just another trinket. Goat milk soap and lotion from a nearby farm, wine from a vineyard in town, maple syrup from the farmer's market. Kids get art supplies or books, and significant other gets a shared experience like a day or weekend trip. - YBCer Brighid
I have a glass jar on top of my fridge that I put all my gift cards in and if I don't use them within 90 days I regift for the holidays. I also take advantage of those annual/semi-annual spend more, save more sales you see around. -Lauren, YBC's Marketing and Events Director
I always tell my clients to give the gift of food. I once brought frozen meats to a gift exchange party and I was so embarrassed because everyone else's gifts were all high-tech and super cool, and there I was with food. But my gift ended up being the most fought over! Like I would love a stocking stuffed with fatworks, bone broth, kraut and honey! -Carley of Fairy Gutmother