Budget tip 3: buy your Christmas gifts now
Getting a tree, Sky Radio on, hanging up lights and if you ask me, we should start celebrating Christmas today. What else should we do with this time? I promised myself that I would only start decorating after my birthday on October 31, otherwise my new neighbors might think I've gone crazy, but I make one exception. That fits perfectly as a budget tip: start buying your December gifts now.
Every year, some agency investigates the price increases of products leading up to December and every year it turns out that we are being ripped off. The trendy sweater is suddenly ten euros more expensive overnight, the price of the perfume skyrockets, and by the time the holidays are in sight, you are practically bankrupt. We don't want that. Because we would be saving for a higher goal, like a new couch or the renovation of the bathroom or a designer bag.
How do you approach it? Give yourself a budget per gift and scour the deals in September (sorry, this tip is a bit late) and October thoroughly. There's a good chance you'll find a great deal, especially since October is also home month. By the way, it's much nicer to work without wish lists, because if you're stuck on what someone really wants to receive, it's less easy to choose a deal and the ritual at the tree quickly turns into a disappointment. Therefore, ask each person for a category, such as: something for the home, beauty, a gadget or accessory.
I usually try to choose a gift that someone probably wouldn't spend much money on themselves. A luxury scented candle for example, a nice notebook or an exclusive shampoo. And keep your ears and eyes open throughout the year, because that birthday of your best friend is definitely coming up and Gisou's hair oil is usually available at a discount during the shopping nights of Glamour and Vogue. Just saying.
1. Wine Journal, €29.90 the Beehive
2. Before They Pass Away coffee table book, €49,- Flinders
3. The Mini Series, €49,- Gisou
4. Scented Candle Figuier, €50,- Eau des Sens Eau de Toilette
5. Hand Lotion, €29,- Marie-Stella-Maris
