The Great Gift World: Ideas For Everyone

When Shopping for that Special Gift Keep this in Mind...

2012-01-30T14:51:00.000-08:00

When you are shopping for that special someone, you don't want to go so cheap that he or she breaks the item before this person can get full use out of it! You also don't want to get an item so expensive that it will take you years to pay for it! Stay within your budget. Make up in your mind what you want to get and how much you plan on spending. Be sure you have some idea of your partner's likes and dislikes before you start shopping.

Now looking for the right gift at the right place can be a challenge. You really don't want to go to a discount store for a designer name. Stick to boutiques, shopping malls, and large department stores when you know that a certain designer has products in stock there.

When it comes to flea markets/swap meets, online auction sites and classified marketplaces, be sure you know the condition of the item, possibly past history with other buyers, and store owner's policies before giving these people any money. You may not want to shop at a flea market or swap meet unless you know that the person you are buying for doesn't mind something used.

When you shop for popular items, always go to an Internet comparison shopping site to get the best deals. (See information about comparison shopping sites on this blog.) Now if it isn't a popular item, you will want to put the name of it in the search engine along with a plus sign with the name of your state. Chances are, the item will come up in your local area. This way you can just visit the store locally to be sure that it is what you want.

Avoid websites if you know that it is a must you have it very soon. Unless you are willing to pay for the fastest shipping service, don't assume the item will get to you within the designated time period. Some shoppers just don't understand when something gets delayed or doesn't arrive when they thought it should.

Another thing, when shopping for clothing and shoe items, it's always best to do that in person unless you know all there is to know about the certain item he or she wants such as: style, fabric and size.

Nicholl McGuire

Just a thought...

2012-01-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

When shopping for that birthday gift or upcoming Valentine's Day gift, consider using a comparison shopping site that will allow you to view what online stores typically charge for the item you have in mind. Sometimes you will find that there are stores that you wouldn't typically shop charging far less.

Here are some of those comparison shopping sites.

Shopzilla

Nextag

Price Grabber

Yahoo Shopping

Street Prices

Pronto

Google Products

Pricerunner (Note: this site is a comparison shopping site in the United Kingdom.)

Something you might want to do before you start surfing each site is to have in mind a list of items you will want to check out. This way you can save some time without having to go back and click on each site.

Happy shopping!

Nicholl McGuire is a writer and the author of When Mothers Cry and Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate

Give a Child a Gift that Lasts a Lifetime

2012-01-22T18:50:00.000-08:00

How many toys can you buy for one's birthday? Sure, a child will love receiving them, but for older children, there is a gift that they just might cherish for a lifetime. What about a book that has many of their best illustrations and writings as well as online work? Take the time to review their offline and online works. Check out sites that offer self publishing support. I created a list of sites that can help you turn their schoolwork, blogs and facebook pages into books. See here.

About Those Photobooks & Slideshow Gifts

2012-01-05T06:54:00.000-08:00

Plan, plan, plan and plan again! A really good photobook and slideshow can't be slapped together. Maybe you got away with it last year, but don't count on it this year. Planning for a photobook gift started at the last holiday celebration when photos were being taken. It's time to start collecting those photos now. If you recall certain events, comments and other interesting and memorable events then you need to start writing some captions to those photos like yesterday.

There are many creative people in this world, but not all can create the kind of book that will give someone that lasting experience. The kind that will make you want to keep the book out on display not bury it in a closet. If you want to be one of those people who have the kind of photobook that stands out, then you will definitely want to start planning the story your book is suppose to tell. What is the theme? How does the color, objects, symbols and other things you choose for the book relate to the story you are trying to convey?

Slideshows are just like books, they tell stories too. Now unless you are just the abstract artist type that just takes a little bit of everything to say something, then by all means have a ball making that slideshow do a little bit of everything. But if there is something touching that you want to share with someone then make that slideshow say it. Use the photos, the visual effects and the music to come together to make that one point, "I love you...I appreciate you...I want you in my life...These were the good ole days...Remember when..." Know how you want that person to feel before you start randomly putting things together, selecting fonts and colors, and picking transitions.

Both photobooks and slideshows require research if you want to create them in such a way that will make an impact on your audience. View other peoples work on websites. Interview your subjects. Take photos and video all year round. Keep a folder and a notebook set aside with all the material you have collected over the year. Being organized is key to a successful book and/or slideshow too.

Be prepared for bumps in the road when producing your book or slideshow on and offline using software. Check to be sure your computer can handle a 100 plus photobook and/or slideshow. Use a flashdrive to backup your work. Get others opinions before you start the task and especially before you give it to that special someone. As mentioned before, you want to create a memorable experience.

Nicholl McGuire
View her photobook here. View slideshows here.

7 Tips on Planning for Your Next Gift Buying Experience

2012-01-05T06:36:00.000-08:00

Now that another holiday season is behind us, one thing we shoppers are sure of is much money has been spent trying to help, encourage, motivate or simply put a smile on someone's face! You may have looked at last year's spending and hope to do something different this year. There are some ways to make this year less stressful and more plentiful if only we would create and keep with a plan when it comes to buying others gifts.

One. Make notes on your calendar in advance of special days.

Now is the time to make note of birthdays, company celebrations, holidays, and personal things that you want to do. All of which require a spending plan.

Two. Look at your current income.

Pay close attention to what you spend your money on and how you can curb costs to make room for those upcoming celebrations throughout the year.

Three. Examine the things you already have.

Sometimes we have things we simply don't need or want from the holidays, if you know you won't be using it, give someone an early birthday or "just thinking of you" gift or wrap the item up and save it for whatever special day. It's best you put the item aside now and label it before you forget who gave you that useless thing. Otherwise, you might end up giving it back to the individual by year's end -- how embarrassing! You could also re-sell these items and then take those profits and save them for a future gift for others.

Four. Update your address book.

Don't waste money this year sending out mailings to incorrect addresses or waste time dialing bad phone numbers. Be sure you have recent information from everyone in your database.

Five. Note the things people want in advance.

Oftentimes we sit with people and don't note the things they say to us that are important to them. Set aside a small notebook with a list of things you recall someone telling you about their needs. Then refer back to it when his or her special day nears.

Six. Start putting money aside.

How much money can you afford to put away that you wouldn't really miss? Maybe $10 a week, $50 every two weeks or $100 every month. Whatever the amount you can afford to put toward gift-giving, put that money in a place that you know won't be easy to spend it.

Seven. Know what you won't do.

When you establish boundaries, in advance, on what you plan on doing for others, it will make you rest easy knowing that you aren't being taken for granted. People who don't think in advance of a situation are always being taken advantage of. These people don't think about the what ifs. "What if Suzy has a problem this year and asks me for money like she always does, what will I do? What if my son needs something for school? What if my church has a function and expects me to chip in?" Have an idea what you will contribute to the causes you believe in and what you won't partake in this year.

Now that you have some idea on planning for your gift-buying experience, be sure that you start implementing these practices as soon as you can.

Nicholl McGuire

Check out more helpful tips by this writer here.

Plans for Valentine's Day?

2011-12-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

It is never too early to plan for the next holiday. Valentine's Day and other similar holidays are great opportunities to make up for those gifts you bought during Christmas that just didn't go over so well.
You might want to buy a gift card next time or take a relative out to dinner--scale down not up. Most people understand that Christmas shoppers are strapped for cash by now so they wouldn't expect nothing extravagant. But if you still have room in your budget, why not grab a few things now before those prices start creeping back up again.

Remember the Valentine's Day holiday isn't just for couples. You can show your love and appreciation to anyone you feel worthy on Feb. 14th or any day of the year.

Nicholl McGuire

Never Feel Sorry About Not Getting Someone Something

2011-12-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

The pressure people put on themselves in an attempt to make everyone happy during the holiday season is overwhelming, stressful, and downright ugly. Every year someone is murdered, dies, argues, lies, or does something around the holiday season that drives a wedge in someone's heart.

The holiday season for many is mentally, physically and spiritually binding! If God called man/woman to be free, then many believers aren't appreciating nor considering their freedom when it comes to man-made holidays. Rather, they feel guilty, depressed, and will even go out of their way to try to do for people who deep down inside couldn't care less. It isn't any wonder that people experience so many negative feelings before and after the holidays. So how might you feel free of your own holiday disappointments? A simple answer to this question is, plan not to do what you did this year. Consider all that you did this year and do something different next year that will lessen financial, physical, spiritual, and mental burdens.

We are all guilty of doing things year after year that we know are not healthy to our minds, bodies and spirits. Some of us believe in a prosperity gospel that says, if you give, you shall receive. But the truth of the matter is no one is obtaining an abundance of anything but the one who is preaching the message. Most of us must work with our own hands to get those blessings. The one true God isn't just throwing blessings down from heaven while watching us fight over them.

Sure, there will be a few nice things that happen to you here and there because you gave to someone, but you were still going to get blessed in some way whether you did something for that particular person or not. There are many kind ways to do for people outside of a holiday season.  Some church-goers will reason, "Well if one hadn't given to others maybe his or her blessing would have been held up, forgotten, lost, or something else. It's better safe than sorry." However, what's sorry is to think that everything good that comes to you is a result of giving to those that are richer or poorer than you. In this world, if you are at the right place at the right time, know the right people, work with your right hand, and over all live righteously good things are going to come to you whether you step out on faith or not! There will always be trouble on the horizon for those who put way too much importance on what they do for others ie.) pretend like they are Santa Claus. Try this, sit back for awhile and try tending to your own needs like that debt you may have accrued as a result of your holiday gift-giving. Of course, the concept of "not giving" around the holiday season would be unpopular with those who pressure you to give, but try it next year.

Don't feel guilty any longer!  Avoid saying things like, "I should have...I could have...why didn't I..." Statements like these keep you in bondage. If you had the money, you know you would have. If things looked better financially, most likely you would have spent more. But the truth is, you learned a lesson from a lie, now do something different. People create lies in order to motivate others to do what they want. The store lies about prices, people lie about their circumstances, parents lie to their children about the existence of a man in a red suit with elves that have pointy ears like demons who do good things, employers lie about the amount of bonuses, etc. It's unfortunate, but Christmas and other holidays like it are really Xmas.

Every believer should know by now that you give as the Lord leads not as society leads. Do a kind deed not because the calendar told you or some fanatic on traditions pressures you with, "You should...we're family...it's the thought that counts..." But give because there is no other way to express how much you truly love someone on any given day!

Nicholl McGuire
For more writings by this author, visit http://spiritualpoemsbynicholl.blogspot.com/

After Christmas Returns...

2011-12-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

After surfing the web in search of a few sale items, I noticed that there are many people returning items from the holiday season. Most are clothing returns. Just when you think you know someone's fashion sense, you find out you really don't. Better off getting a gift card. The following is what one website is reporting when it comes to store returns.

"Target, which used to allow 90 days for customers to return certain big-ticket items, now will only accept returns for 45 days after purchase. Toys-R-Us stores won't take back electronics if the packages have been opened. Both Target and Walmart now only offer limited returns if you don't have a gift receipt. J.C. Penney, Macy's and Express require that "special-occasion" dresses be returned with the original tag still attached, in order to deter one-time wearing, and Amazon.com now has not one, but 30, different product-specific return policies." shine.yahoo.com

Nicholl McGuire

Get Gifts Cheap! See here...

2011-11-30T08:56:00.001-08:00

Learn more about No More Rack.

Great Gift World Partners with Amazon

2011-11-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

If you are seeking a one stop shop for just electronics, then take a look at our new site. Banner ad free! A very simple shopping experience that gets to the point, finding that great gift in our corner of the world. We have partnered with Amazon to bring you the very best in electronics, so please do check us out! We are brand new and still growing!

How to Save and Buy Unique Gifts Stress Free

2011-11-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

With just about every month that comes around, there is a holiday to celebrate and it seems that the pressure of everyone wanting something can become a bit overwhelming. How does one eliminate the stress?

The following tips will assist you with finding the right gift, while alleviating the stress on your money and your head.

Don’t buy anything that isn’t on sale. Avoid any place on the Internet that requires you to pay shipping and handling and most of all don’t reward you for being a customer with future discounts, points, sweepstakes' entries, etc.

Forget about people who don’t bother acknowledging your birthday or your children’s birthdays or achievements. If you think that buying these same people gifts year after year will improve your relationship, move on their hearts to get you something in return, and so on – don’t expect too much. Instead, if you must send them something, send an empty card with a note, “Happy Birthday! Or Happy Holidays!”

Ignore requests from family and friends that specifically tell you what they want when you know it is out of your price range. Tell them you simply can’t afford to buy it and you have a growing list of other gifts to buy. Ask them to pick something else or let them know you will have to buy the item next year. Chances are they will come up with something else, rather than do without a gift or risk the same thing happening to them next year.

Let those closest to you know that you will be unable to buy them for every holiday. Pick one that you know is most convenient for your paycheck.

Don’t buy gifts all at once. Get a few at a time. Spread out over weeks or months. This way you won’t feel stressed or guilty about the money you spent, because you got a great price on everything before prices increased and lines in the stores starting piling up.

For the person who seems to have everything, get something engraved whether it is a picture frame, a cup, a statute, or a piece of jewelry. Other ideas would be to have an old photo retouched, a treasured item fixed, a family photo, scrapbook, video, or arrange a visit to a place that holds wonderful memories for them. Gifts should come from the heart and be creative.

Shop at flea markets, yard sales, discount stores, closeouts and/or Ebay for young people or anyone who doesn’t care whether a gift is new, old, or used. He or she may be relocating, getting married, having a baby, home decorating, starting a business or a collector. They are looking to save money as well too. So the next time you pass a vendor selling something, think of those around you who could really use that old computer desk, baby dresser, book or artwork.

You may have many co-workers. Buy a gift for the boss and the people whom you go out to lunch or invite them altogether, grab some coupons and treat them out to lunch. Don’t feel obligated to buy everyone, but if you must, settle on buying everyone something you can buy in bulk. Create a snack bag with assorted holiday treats, distribute lottery scratch-offs along with a holiday card, buy magazines if you know everyone’s interests, bake cookies or cakes (cut in slices) or simply buy trays of food or assorted desserts.

Think of service people who drop off your mail, fix appliances or manage your building if you live in an apartment building. Make these people your best friend. Tip your favorite service worker. Send flowers to the management’s office. Write a positive letter to a supervisor about anyone who provides you service.

Most of all, think of charitable organizations. Make toy, food, clothing, furniture or monetary donations.

Utilizing these tips will help you deal with the challenges ahead. With a proper plan that includes who you will buy for, how much the item will cost, and what store you will purchase from, you will be able to have a better shopping experience. Best Wishes!

By Nicholl McGuire

Birthday Blues

2011-08-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes there are those people in a family that simply don't want you buying anything for their birthday or any other holiday. Birthdays don't always bring warm, fuzzy feelings with everyone. If you still want to do something nice without offending the person, why not do nothing? "What!? Do nothing!" you say. That's right. When a person specifically asks you not to buy them something and you do it anyway, you aren't respecting their feelings or boundaries. If this person is already having some birthday blues about his or her birthday, you may be making this person feel worse by drawing attention to it. Treat the birthday like any other day and make no mention of it.

If you must do something for the person who doesn't want his or her birthday acknowledged, try waiting days or months later. Do them a favor without labeling it a "birthday present." When you take that moment to step out of your box, and look at someone else's you just might keep the peace in your relationship or friendship.

Nicholl McGuire

Father's Day: It Came and It Went

2011-06-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

So you thought about getting dad something, but you didn't because money was funny, you forgot, or let's just face it, you aren't that fond of your dad. Whatever the reason, you might want to still get something for old dad. Here are a few tips:

1. Avoid the sentimental card especially if you aren't into him.

2. Don't make a big deal about missing the Father's Day holiday.

3. Get straight to the point when talking to dad, say something like, "I got this for you, dad."

4. Avoid bringing up past issues the day you give your dad a gift.

5. Don't ask dad for something when you know you didn't bother to call or stop by on Father's Day.

6. Try not to spend alot for a gift or do anything out of the ordinary, because most likely dad will think you are up to something.

7. Keep away from gift items you know your dad will not use.

Now that you have seven tips to help you get dad that belated Father's Day gift, you might want to start surfing before the next holiday is upon you.

Nicholl McGuire

How to Surf for the Best Deal Online for Your Money

2011-06-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Birthdays and other special holidays are known for arriving during a time when one has very little extra cash to spend! Therefore, a shopper must be smart and know how to use the Internet to the fullest to get a great deal on a quality present. So what do Internet bargain shoppers know that others don’t? They know how to research! Here are some tips on getting the best deals!

First, get a pencil and a notepad ready to mark down any deals you may find during your search and where you found them. It is very easy to lose track of how much something costs and where you found it. When you type in the keyword for the item you are in search of in the main search engines add other words like “+ free shipping” and other specific keywords that will help you find what you need faster. You can add pricing information, buy one get one free, and other keywords that are usually associated with the product you have in mind.

Next, think of programs you already belong and check for discounts/coupons on their sites first. When you shop sometimes you are asked if you would like to join a special program hosted by the store. You accept and when it’s time to shop for that special gift, you forget about your memberships. One of the first things you should do is check those sites for specials discounts on the items you are seeking. Once you see some of the sales, you may change the item you had in mind to buy, for one similar that could be less expensive.

Third, check online auction sites and Amazon. There are many small businesses selling items dollars cheaper than the bigger stores. If you don’t mind, shopping with private sellers, try one of their sites.

Fourth, visit popular sites known for their deep discounts. Some of the most widely known names tend to have good quality merchandise at affordable prices. Stores like Walmart, Kmart, JcPenny, and Sears just to name a few. When you visit these sites type “clearance” in the search to see what items have been marked down.

Fifth, check local store websites. You may have stores right in your hometown you haven’t thought about and didn’t bother to check their websites either. Sometimes you will find that the store has a better deal online then if you walked into the store. If this is the case, you can print the item out from the Internet and if it is in the store, you most likely will get it for the same price you saw on the Internet.

Sixth, visit comparison shopping sites. Some of these sites will provide you with a variety of store locations for the single item you choose. This is a simple way to see who has the best price for what you are looking for. However, don’t solely rely on these sites, because it is impossible to list every single store in their databases that have the best deal.

Seventh, there are specialty shops that have discounts on shipping and handling or offer free shipping like the larger stores if you spend a certain amount of money. Sometimes they will offer some unbelievable deals because they aren’t as popular as the others. These companies use these special promotions to get people to visit their websites and make a purchase.

After you have done all seven of these things, you should have a good idea of what you are willing to spend, whether or not you will have to pay for shipping, and if you might want to be included on their mailing list in the future. Be sure that the website that you choose has an excellent return policy, has a phone number and email you can contact, and doesn’t have any other programs they may happen to sign you up for when you give them your credit card information. If you notice, many popup windows offering you to make other purchases be careful because some of those offers could be the kind that keep taking monthly from your credit card or bank. If you are unsure about any site, place a phone order.

By Nicholl McGuire

Clever Things Relatives and Friends Will Do to Get You to Celebrate a Holiday

2011-05-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

You may have already told them, “I won't be celebrating my birthday, Valentines Day, Easter, Mothers Day, Christmas etc. this year.” A partner, some relatives and friends might understand, yet others won't take “no” for an answer.

In the past you may have changed your mind about committing to holiday celebrations and gift-buying resulting in an overdraft bank account, an argument with a partner or worse distance from certain relatives and friends altogether! There are sneaky tactics that manipulators will use to make you do things you really don't want to do and if you are caught off guard, you may find yourself saying and doing things that go against your better judgment.

One. Force an unexpected gift exchange in order to obligate you to buy a gift.

Whether it is someone at work coming up to you with an envelope asking you to contribute to a grab bag (because everyone else is doing it) or a relative calling you on the phone to get you to commit to buying someone else a gift, if you are strong about your decision to not spend money this holiday season on frivolous things or participate in holiday events, then you will not feel obligated. However, if you are wishy-washy about it all, you will feel pressure to go against your own thoughts. There may be relatives and/or friends who will buy gifts with a disclaimer to the recipient, “Don't worry over buying me anything.” However, there are others who may say, in so many words, “Consider buying me a gift too, because I have done more than enough for you over the years.”

Two. Plan to ask you to do something for them in the near future.

The big ticket item didn't arrive in your hands without a big ticket request. If you know that the person who bought you the gift doesn't typically spend that kind of money, ask yourself, “What is he/she up to?” Find out behind closed doors why would this relative or friend buy you such a gift. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, give it back.

Three. Talk negatively about you to others.

“Can you believe she won't celebrate the holidays with us!? I told you he is so ungrateful.” Despite their negative comments about you, they will continue to get you to come to their event while putting a bug in you ear about a grab bag or needing a particular item so you will buy it for them. They hope that the negative gossip will get back to you, so you will break down and come to their event.

Four. Enlist someone close to you to talk some sense to you.

“Will you please talk to your brother?” a controlling mother might say. “Do you think you can talk to dad?” a sibling might ask another. These people ignore all reasons as to why you don't want to be in the presence of certain trouble-making individuals or why you don't think it's a good idea to spend money you don't have. Yet, they believe that if they can get the one you confide in to change your mind, then you will be doing it for your favorite relative or best friend rather than for the one you don't like so much.

Five. Make a big deal out of nothing.

Cry, scream, yell even lie, whatever it takes to get you to “be there,” they will do it. They may talk about how the family isn't as close as they once were, they may brag about how great the event will be, they will gossip about others' actions to get you to think about yours, and on and on. The more they talk about why the celebration is so special and why your presence is very much needed, the more you will compromise your views and do what they ask. Meanwhile, you know from experience why this person's planned event is something you no longer agree. You recall what kind of people will be there, what they will be doing, and why you don't want to be around them or their gift-opening experience, but the relative or friend wants to change your perception of reality and shower your mind with a bunch of fantasies. “It won't be that bad...do it for me this once...we will have plenty to eat...you don't have to talk to so and so...there will be plenty to drink...I will be inviting that pretty girl you like so much!”

There is no holiday or event that requires one's presence year after year. None that need to be celebrated or honored every year especially around people you don't get along with and vice versa. Think of how many people could have saved themselves some drama if only they had listened to that “gut feeling” or “little voice” that told them to “sit this one out, stay home.”

When you know things aren't doing so well with you mentally, physically and/or financially, don't surround yourself with people and things that will bring you down and definitely don't go because someone is forcing you to go either! Rather, seek out the people and things that will uplift your spirit and if being alone makes you happy, so be it! Plenty of people opt out events and holiday celebrations and are glad they did especially after they hear the gossip the following day. Don't allow people to give you a guilt trip about missing an event. “Oh we had a great time in the Lord...you missed out..,” the Christian says. “The party was great! There was all kinds of craziness, you would have had fun!” the party animal boasts. It's up to you, play along with words like, “Oh wow, I should have been there.” or “Really? Good for you. I had a peaceful time staying at home.”

By Nicholl McGuire

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2011-05-05T20:32:00.001-07:00

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Does there always have to be a holiday to remember a loved one?

2011-05-03T23:45:00.001-07:00

Each year a holiday comes around reminding us to give someone a gift. But do we really need holidays? If you are the giving type, then maybe you don't need the holiday reminders. However, if it wasn't for holidays, would we sincerely give someone something? Oh we might, but it would be few and far in between. So I thought about "thinking of you" gifts. You know those cards and small tokens of appreciation that are just given to relatives and friends any old time of the year. I like receiving those, but even they come to me rarely. It seems the holiday still beats the thinking of you gifts.

People are so busy that sometimes they even forget to say, "Thank you!" So I am not shocked at the many people who just don't bother to buy a thinking of you card or gift.

So I thought of a few "thinking of you" gift ideas for that person you haven't told, "I love you" in awhile or that co-worker who is often doing something to help get a friend out of hot water.

1. Stop on the way home and pick up an inexpensive item maybe it's a celebrity they like on the front cover of a magazine, a sale on favorite flowers, a tasty drink or something good to eat, surprise your loved one or co-worker.

2. Plan a trip or an event or pick up tickets to a concert. It doesn't have to be over the top, just something that both you and that person can look back and say, "Wow, I didn't see that one coming, thanks a million!"

3. Drop by a relative's home that may have been expecting you to call on a certain day at a certain time. That is of course, this person isn't the private type.

4. Have fun with the children doing nothing special. Sometimes they just want you to sit on the floor and just listen to them. Surprise them by making yourself available to them uninterrupted.

5. Help relatives or friends unexpectedly. Imagine the look on their faces when they see you are willing to help them get a project done!

These thoughts might encourage you to do something nice for someone without the need for a holiday. I hope that you will consider making someone's day today!

Nicholl McGuire

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2011-05-03T00:53:00.001-07:00

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2011-05-03T00:51:00.001-07:00

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2011-04-26T23:04:00.001-07:00

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2011-04-26T23:01:00.001-07:00

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2011-04-26T23:00:00.001-07:00

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Looking to Save Money Shopping for Gifts?

2011-03-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

Here are some good ways to save money on shopping for gifts during a variety of occasions.

1. Don't buy for people who didn't think of you last year.

2. Avoid buying gifts for people who have everything. Simply acknowledge their birthday by sending a card in the mail. (Your choice to put something in the card or not.)

3. Ignore birthday hints especially when you know you can't afford to spend money on anyone's birthday.

4. Treat others how they treated you in the past. For instance, if your sibling sent you a Facebook "Happy Birthday" note, you do the same for him or her this year.

5. Make a birthday cake, cookies or bring birthday balloons home with a warm letter or birthday card (be sure to add that you would have liked to do more, but just couldn't this year.)

6. List choices (within your budget) on ways to celebrate your loved one's birthday and have her or him pick one.

7. Seek out items that are marked-down.

8. Check out yard sales and thrift stores for new in box or gently used items (especially for children--most don't care unless you tell them.)

9. Plan now for the fall and winter season gift-giving (October, November and December.)

10. Don't obligate yourself to buy something on credit knowing you can't afford to pay it off quickly. Sleep on major purchases.

Not Interested in Buying Anything for Valentines Day for Partner?

2011-01-24T16:23:00.000-08:00

Maybe last year you went all out, but this year has got you down. The pressure from retailers can be a bit overwhelming. Here's what you might want to do, if you are on the fence about celebrating the holiday.

Talk to your partner, before the holiday about your feelings.

Don't ignore your negative disposition about Valentines Day. There is a possibility that your partner is expecting you to do something. If you say nothing, you will cause unnecessary conflict on or after Valentines.

Purchase something thoughtful not expensive.

It doesn't have to be something to top last year's gift. The thought sincerely counts when your partner may not be anticipating anything from you. You can bring peace to your relationship with a simple token of appreciation.

Offer your service.

When money is indeed funny, create a unique way of offering a service to your partner. It could be a simple card with a promise to do something on a certain day. You might record an audio and display it privately on YouTube with your offer to help your partner with some task. You might want to put together a video presentation with photos and a nice message stating what you would like to do for he or she.

Valentines Day was never meant to be a high pressure sales project complete with expensive decor and gifts. It was a simple holiday in honor of a Saint who brought couples just a little bit closer. Look up Valentines Day history.

3 Don'ts When Buying Gifts for Relatives

2010-11-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

One. Don't buy them something they already have.

This might sound stupid, but you would be surprised at how many people do this just because they want to be in competition with others, have given up on what to buy or simply don't care one way or the other. Don't get upset when they give your item away, exchange it or sell it online.

Two. Don't tell other relatives what you are getting.

Some people just can't wait to tell each other what they are getting someone else then they say, "Don't tell." Come on, do you really think they won't? Notice the phony expression on your relative's face on the day he or she opened the gift, chances are he or she already knew!

Three. Don't mention how much the gift cost, that it was on sale or any other tacky statement related to cost.

Some braggarts just love to do this--as if it will make the item more valuable or more important. If anything, it will deflect from your thoughtfulness and unfortunately put you in a negative light.

There are plenty of other don'ts like, "Don't buy something they already told you they don't want" or "Don't talk about others gifts if you don't have anything nice to say." But you get the point, the key is to make sure you are not the problem this holiday season.

Be blessed.

Nicholl is the author of When Mothers Cry.