Budgeting for gift giving is not an easy thing to do. Many of us are struggling to pay our bills each month. Coming up with the extra it takes for special occasions where gifts are expected takes ingenuity and creative know-how. We're already stretched to the limit. Still birthday, anniversaries, and holidays cannot get overlooked just because we don't have the money to pay for gifts.

There are a few things you can do to make gift giving less difficult. Some of them take more time than others. However those last minute dashes might be perfect for someone who just wants to get the gift giving part of their celebration over with in a hurry, so they can move onto the reason for the actual event without stressing about the exchange of material goods.

*Plan way ahead of time: If you know you have an annual gift giving expense, put a select amount in your budget every year. This way you will always have the necessary money available to provide for that gift. Perhaps you can't put aside the amount you will need in one lump payment. Through careful planning, you can actually create a gift savings account and deduct a specified amount each month until your reach your goal. You don't have to actually open a real savings account, as this can be done only on paper, right on your computer spreadsheet. Work the numbers and set aside enough to build toward your financial goal for the occasion.

*Watch the sales: Plan to shop in the off season, as this is probably when you will get the best deal for your money. Even if you need a gift today, you can purchase something from last season's market. Sweaters are sweaters, and if they're cute and stylish, no one is going to fault you for buying last season's fashions. Jewelry never goes out of style, so hit the sales rack.

Watch for stores who are stocking up on new items. When you see new stock being put out, find the clearance aisle and stock up on all the items that were moved there to make room for the newest selection. Watch the sales in conjunction with planning. If you can, shop after the annual event and prepare for next year an entire year in advance.

*Use coupons and budget stretchers: Clip those coupons and use them. Go online and search for what you need. Put the word "coupon" in your search phrase. Combine coupons with budget stretcher cards for maximum benefit. This is especially beneficial when it comes to buying food for the occasion.

Using these simple ideas, you can stretch your dollars and hopefully enjoy gift giving again. Remember, every gift is special because of the simple fact that it is given. You don't have to spend a lot to participate in gift giving, and to be honest, if you really can't afford it, you shouldn't spend anything at all. After all, one of the greatest gifts you can give is the one without guilt or strings attached.

Learn more about this author, M. J. Joachim.
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