Regifting as a Holiday Debt Alternative
Since I’ve tackled how not too splurge too much on last minute Christmas shopping, let’s tackle more ways on how you can tighten your budget on the season when everyone’s inclined to be frivolous. As a suggestion to save up this Christmas or as a way to have enough just in case you’re short of cash this season, why not try re-gifting? Honestly, I’ve only done this once, last year, when I was really broke but needed gifts. I found items I bought but never really used before, so I wrapped them up nicely to give away. Some people might find it unethical and some, eve insulting. However, in light of the fact that money doesn’t grow on trees (too bad, huh?), we need to make do of what we have at times.
1. Don’t Give Out Bedraggled Old Stuff
The ten-year old beat-up teddy bear won’t do, even if you’ve had it dry-cleaned. Don’t give out old, faded clothes or chipped mugs. Antiques are one thing. Giving away old things you wanted to throw out in the first place is another matter altogether.
2. Take Note of What Your Give to Whom
If possible, don’t re-gift to people with one group of friends. Just imagine what the one who originally gave the gift to you would think if they suddenly found their gifts with another one of your friends.
3. Don’t Give out Personalized of Hand-Made Items
With regards to personalized items, I think it’s self-explanatory why you can’t give them away. And as for hand-made items, can you really bear to give away a hand-knit sweater, for example? Even if it looks horrible, someone spent lots of time trying to make you something personal. Keep them in a chest, if you will, but re-gifting hand-made items is bad idea.
Filed under: personal finance
