Read This Before Getting Yourself a Christmas Gift

by David@MoneyNing.com · 8 comments

For some of us, the Christmas gift for ourselves this holiday season is just as important as any (in fact, I suggested this as one of the 32 holiday shopping tips).  If you fall into that category, consider the following before making that order.

Get Something That Lasts

Build quality and durability is important but even more crucial is how long the gift we want to buy is going to stay on our “wish list”.  Before we get it, everything is on our wish list but will what we plan to buy really something we will cherish and love?  Nothing will ever last forever of course but the more expensive the gift, the longer it should make us happy.

Waiting Till Last Minute is Crazy

Stop procrastinating and get it once you decide.  I’m famous for my patience before I decide to buy anything and my impatience once I decide.  I can literally contemplate for months (or even years) and once I flip that switch to turn on the buy signal within my brain, I wanted it “yesterday”.  This is bad because one of the few scenario happens:

  1. I really want the next day shipping (which cost more money).
  2. I might go to a store to get it just so I can get it sooner (same consequence as the first).
  3. I really frustrate my family as I keep talking about it until it’s in my hands.

Actually, more than one of those scenarios can occur (all three are possible too, trust me).  So, consider getting it early a simple frugal tip as well as advice for disaster avoidance.

Think Twice If It’s Going to Make Someone Else Upset

There is probably a reason if everyone is telling you not to get something.  Remember that they disagree with you only because they care about you.  Otherwise, they wouldn’t waste the effort.

Also, make sure you aren’t going to get the same thing as a gift from someone else.  I’m happen to think out loud of what I want a lot (it really does get annoying I’m sure) so chances are Emma or anyone else close to me knows everything that I want to get at any moment.  Getting a gift for yourself and then receiving it again from someone else is not good.  If that happens though, at least act surprised and happy because you can return it (the one you got and remember the thoughtful person who was incredibly generous to get you the same thing).

Consider Those That Love You First

Before you spend every penny on yourself, remember those that are close to you.  They (not anything you buy) are the ones that make you happy, joyful and satisfied with life.  People bring joy, not that gadget or handbag.  Buy those people who gave you so much something nice to show them how much they are appreciated and I’m sure you will be much happier than just buying something for yourself.

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{ read the comments below or add one }

  • BettyLaVerne says:

    We focus too much on buying “Things” Some of the best presents are entertainment tickets, making dinner for someone special, helping the community, and celebrating our holday religious traditions.
    As for shopping today, it is a game of strategy where the marketers are so adept at removing your money, you must have eyes everywhere, on the internet, at the stores, on the streets, and even on the radio. They are the Big Brother out to get your money, and it is so pervasive.

  • Play Games Win Prizes says:

    The people that waited more than likely spent more money than if they planned it out.

    -Mike

  • Peter says:

    I agree that waiting til the last minute can be crazy, but if you wait just a little longer until after christmas, there are a lot of good deals to be found on stuff for next year.

  • MoneyNing says:

    Dorothy: You are absolutely correct but it never hurts to revisit the decision if everyone else is disagreeing with you.

    Andy: That’s exactly the reason why I plan to go buy something today. (I hope my wife doesn’t see this comment before she gets the present tonight.)

    marci: That’s a pretty good rule. 🙂 After Christmas sales are great and there’s definitely none of the fighting for parking spaces that occur from time to time.

  • marci says:

    Mom’s rule when we were growing up (a long long time ago) was: Never buy yourself anything in the 3 months before Christmas. Someone else or Santa Claus may be bringing that to you.

    So we learned to wait to spend our Christmas gift money or our own money until
    after Christmas. It’s words of wisdom that has stood the test of time – my kids heard it, and now my grandkids are hearing it 🙂

    Due to time and distance and ease for my aging parents, my Christmas $ has arrived from my folks, and they know what I intend to buy with it, to save them the shipping expenses etc, I will be waiting til after Christmas to buy it. Waiting for after Christmas sales and less stress – all good things. I can take my time and enjoy the buying process.

  • Andy says:

    Some great points and I am the same as you when it comes to getting something I want. The thing I like about gift giving to loved ones, is the expression on their faces the moment I give them the gift. It can be priceless, espically for the little ones.

  • Dorothy says:

    Not so sure about this one: “There is probably a reason if everyone is telling you not to get something. Remember that they disagree with you only because they care about you. Otherwise, they wouldn’t waste the effort.” Yes, take that into account, but ultimately you have to be responsible for your own decisions…

  • Craig says:

    You never want to make someone upset over a present. That’s the opposite idea of the whole point. Ask them what they want and what would be useful, that way you can avoid any problems. For me I’d rather be given something I can actually use. A gift card I know for something I want. Some type of magazine I like to read, something in that realm. For me it’s all about what I or someone will actually get use out of.

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