Prime Times

Here’s some sane advice on how to make gift-giving this year a pleasure for all, not a penance.

1 –  Start by making a list (and checking it at least twice!) of who really needs to be on your gift list.

This doesn’t mean you have to “drop” anyone from your shopping list – but be realistic by categorizing who’s on your A list (immediate family, significant others, close friends), who’s on the B list (distant relatives, work colleagues and business acquaintances, good neighbors) and who’s on your C list (high school friends, golf buddies, the mailman, local charities).

But wait, you might think, if I’m on a tight budget, why even have a B list or C list? Because your budgetary constraints do not excuse you from showing that you care and appreciate someone – think of it as realistically prioritizing your resources, not callously short-changing anyone. Remember: we’re all dealing with tight budgets these days, and a thoughtful gesture may be the best gift of all.

2 –  Create a quick profile of everyone on your  A, B, and C lists – age, interests, current situation and needs. This will go a long way in helping you choose a meaningful gift that will be much appreciated, no matter what it cost you.

For instance, your favorite niece with five kids will appreciate a grocery gift card more than a bottle of bath salts. A college student would love a homemade gift basket of packaged snacks, dorm toiletries, and a few gift cards for gas, pizza and movies near campus more than a new sweater. Your best buddy recovering from surgery would enjoy books or a magazine subscription more than a set of golf balls.

For the person who already has everything, make a donation to their favorite charity. A friend who’s always too busy would appreciate a gift certificate for a facial or massage at a local spa.  It’s the thought that counts – not the price tag – so give something that shows you really thought about it.

3 –  Change how you spend your holiday money.

If you haven’t been socking away money in a Christmas Club account, commit to spending cash only when you shop – leave the credit cards at home. If you absolutely do need to use a credit card, use the one with the lowest interest rate.