If you have lots of people to buy gifts for throughout the year, then you’re probably buying presents all year round, likely at the last minute in a bit of a mad panic. However, what if you were to change the way you approached gift-buying and while you still bought them all year round, you did it strategically and not necessarily at the time when you need it. Whether it’s gifts for men, women or children, you probably go shopping or see things online all year round and things that a loved one would like, but it’s the wrong time to buy it for them, but why? If you have a half decent memory an excellent place to store everything then buying gifts as and when you see them will save you so much time and you’ll even feel like you’re saving money.
1. Budgeting
Buying your gifts strategically means that you can manage and plan your finances better. If you make a list at the beginning of the year of events and gift requirements, then you can work out how much you’re going need to spend. You can spread the cost of the gifts instead of hammering your credit card come Christmas time.
2. Save money
While you might still be buying the same amount of presents for the same amount of people, planning this helps you to hit the sales. You can start in the New Year sales and then take advantage of bargains throughout the year. A well-planned gift strategy can save you a lot of money. Not only this but you will save on extra charges for delivery when shopping online.
While many retailers will offer you free delivery when you spend a certain amount, the later you leave it to order, the less likely you’ll be able to take advantage of this. You might even have to pay more to guarantee delivery by a specific date. Some shops can’t deal with the demand during busy seasons and cannot ensure that you’ll get your order in time.
3. Be Impulsive
If you know that at some point you’re going to need a gift for a wedding or a big birthday but it’s months away; as long as you’re aware of it and it’s on your list then when you’re at a craft fair or farmer’s market, and you see something that would be perfect, then that’s a job done. Have your list with you, in your diary or on your phone and then you can decide quickly which gift you want and who it’s for.
4. Be Ready
Having a bank of gifts at the ready can be so useful. There are always going to be events arising that you’re unprepared for (weddings and pregnancies), where you might need a gift so having one on hand can be very welcome indeed, and you’ll be very grateful to yourself. Even if you have allocated a special gift to a specific person, having the luxury of time and money to replace it allows you to respond quickly.
