Tag Archives: gift-giving

Gift Giving on a Budget: How to spend more wisely this Holiday Season

Posted By |

By Tyler Thielmann, Spring Financial

Special to Financial Independence Hub

A recent survey from Canadian fintech company Spring Financial, found that nearly three quarters (74%) of respondents plan on reducing holiday spending this year and shoppers, particularly Gen Z (66%) and millennials (64%), are finding the financial strain of buying gifts to be the most stressful part of the holidays.

The economy has been challenging this year so it’s no surprise that shoppers are feeling added stress this holiday season. Whether you’ve already started your shopping or you haven’t even started your list, below are some practical holiday shopping tips to help make your spending less stressful and more manageable.

1.) Spread the joy of pre-loved items

This one might be easier said than done but with half of shoppers opting for gift alternatives, there’s a good chance your friends and family may be relieved about the idea of traditional gifts with more financially feasible alternatives. For example, places like Facebook marketplace often have gently-used children’s toys that offer a more budget-friendly price tag for the little ones on your list, while a traditional baking or book exchange can be a great alternative to Secret Santa games for the adults in your life.

2.) Set a budget and stick to it

It can be so easy to overspend during the holidays. There is always someone to shop for and shops — whether online or in-store — are set up in a way that encourages impulse buying and overspending. To set yourself up for success, set a budget and shopping plan before starting shopping to ensure you’re sticking to a spending limit that works for you. Don’t forget to account for all the extra expenses that come with this time of year like food, host gifts, and transportation to and from any holiday parties you have coming up.

3.) Compare your debt options

Sometimes, taking on a bit of debt is necessary to keep the holiday magic alive. The good news is, there are lots of financial options available to shoppers. Comparing the interest rates on any buy-now-pay-later programs as well as credit cards, lines of credit and loan is a great way to determine which debt option will be the easiest to pay off post-holidays. Continue Reading…

9 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Every Occasion: Holidays, Birthdays, and Other Special Days

Posted By |

By John Lewis

Special to Financial Independence Hub

Life can get hectic, and sometimes special occasions sneak up on us faster than expected. Whether it’s a friend’s birthday, a colleague’s promotion, or a last-minute holiday party invitation, forgetting a gift can leave you scrambling. But fear not! With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can still find the perfect present, even if you’re on a tight deadline.

This guide explores nine fantastic last-minute gift ideas suitable for any occasion, from birthdays and holidays to anniversaries and graduations. These options cater to various tastes and budgets, ensuring you can find something thoughtful and memorable, even with limited time.

1.) Hand-painted portraits

A unique and personalized present, a hand-painted portrait captures the essence of your loved one. You can commission a portrait based on a favourite photo, featuring their pet, or showcasing a cherished memory. While some artists might require a significant lead time, many online platforms offer expedited services where you can receive a digital file within a few days. This digital file can be printed on canvas, framed, or used to create a variety of personalized gifts like mugs, phone cases, or tote bags.

2.) Audiobooks

Audiobooks are the gift of knowledge and entertainment, making them perfect for busy individuals who enjoy listening while commuting, exercising, or doing chores. Consider the recipient’s interests when choosing an audiobook. Do they love historical fiction? Perhaps a captivating biography or a classic novel they haven’t read yet would be ideal. For mystery lovers, a suspenseful thriller could be a great choice. Many online audiobook retailers offer instant downloads or gift memberships, making them a convenient last-minute option.

3.) Colourful Wall Art

A vibrant piece of art can instantly transform a space, adding personality and a touch of joy. Explore online art marketplaces or local galleries (if time permits) to find unique prints or paintings that suit your recipient’s taste. Abstract art offers a conversation starter, while landscapes or floral prints can add a touch of serenity.

Pro-Tip: Consider the recipient’s home decor style when choosing the artwork.

4.) Cheesecake and Rose Bouquet

Who can resist the delightful combination of a delicious cheesecake and a beautiful bouquet of roses? Many online bakeries and gourmet shops offer gift sets featuring decadent cheesecakes paired with stunning floral arrangements. This decadent indulgence is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply to show someone you care.

5.) Create a Video Tribute

For a sentimental and heart-warming gift, put together a video montage celebrating your relationship with the recipient. Gather photos and videos from throughout your time together, add some heartfelt music, and maybe even record a personalized message. Continue Reading…

Last-minute gifts on a budget (yes, even gift cards!)

Posted By |

Beautiful gift cardFrom Sheryl Smolkin’s Retirement Redux blog comes this useful list of budget gift-giving suggestions for the holiday season.

Sheryl is a bit hard on gift cards, which I find perfect for younger people when you have no clue what they really want — plus of course, you can specify precisely how much you will spend for each gift-card recipient.

I find most millennials are quite happy with iTunes gift cards or, if they’re readers, with cards for Chapters or Amazon.

If you’re not convinced about gift cards read this piece from Time a few weeks ago about why some believe gift cards make the best presents of all.

Magazine Subscriptions

Next-Issue-Logos_Vertical-on-darkBeing a magazine guy on and off over my career, I agree magazine subscriptions are both affordable and have the advantage of showing up all year round.  The ultimate here is of course Next Issue, which has been characterized as the “Netflix of magazines.”

If the magazine lover you’re thinking of prefers tablets to filling the blue box with dead-tree editions, then Next Issue may be the way to go. However, at $10/month for monthlies and $15/month for weeklies and all other frequencies, it isn’t quite as affordable as a print subscription to a single publication, which often run about $20/year.

On the other hand, it’s certainly something a whole family could enjoy, with at least 140 magazines  to choose from, there should be something for everyone: a Yoga magazine for mum, for example, a golfing mag for Dad, a gaming magazine for the teens, etc.  It will literally be in your face (or that of the giftees) every day, depending on how many magazines are chosen (there’s no limit)

My only caveat: It can be a real time sucker if you are intent on getting your money’s worth from the subscription.  You may begin a given day all caught up on your magazine reading, only to find yourself at day’s end behind by three or four issues as new editions flow in. You feel a bit like the mythical figure, Sisyphus, forever rolling a boulder up a hill.

e-books

As a postscript, I may as well add a third suggestion: e-books. In particular, if you think US$2.99 or C$3.37 is a bargain price (and it is!), then consider the US or Canadian editions of my own e-book, pictured below.

You can find the US e-book at Amazon here. The Canadian e-book is here.

The good news is that while it may be too late to get physical books delivered from Amazon, you should be able to get an e-book delivered right down to the wire. And of course, Amazon does let you specify an e-book as a gift, provided you have the recipient’s email. If they don’t have a Kindle, they can download a free Kindle app for whatever device they have.

campaign5