Here are 10 tricks for giving gifts from the heart that go easy on the wallet.
1. Don't buy at full price -- sales are happening all the time. Take your chances and wait a while; you might luck out and find that perfect item on sale either somewhere else, or right where you first saw it.
2. There is no shame in frequenting discount malls and liquidation centres -- you'll find amazing deals on brand new, good-quality stuff.
3. Clip coupons, too. Check product websites for printable coupons. Say you're in the market for a camera: Visit websites of both camera shops and camera manufacturers and you might find some deep Christmas discounts.
4. While we're talking about coupons, give someone you love a DIY coupon for something that won't cost you a cent, just your time and attention: help with some chores; an offer to babysit; a sexy, hour-long massage; or a dinner for two, cooked by you. Not very artistic? Here are some templates to get you started.
5. Not only are police and bailiffs auctions an interesting experience, but you should see the deals on everything from a repossessed speed boat to bottles of perfume seized at the border. Bonus: The items come with cool police-drama backstories. Visit Police Auctions Canada (www.policeauctionscanada.com) and start bidding right now, online.
6. We think it's perfectly fine to give preloved gifts, but if you're not totally comfortable with that and you like to see a tag hanging from that piece of clothing, don't disqualify secondhand shops. Do some digging and you will find brand new items -- tags on, and everything -- hanging on the racks.
Giving preloved gifts for Christmas? Follow these rules: First, always scrub, polish, wash, dry-clean or mend the item, until it's almost new. Second, If you can, include a message that makes the gifts more than just a thing: "When I saw this it reminded me of all the time we spent at Value Village when we had our first apartment together." And third, try to find a box or tin to give the item in -- it makes it more special.
Page 1 of 2 - Read four more tips on page two including tips on regifting
