Expensive electronic ones were the order of the day. But, like everything else, they had to be the right electronics to satisfy the new owner.
We’re plunging through January 2016 now at what seems like breakneck speed. The Australian tennis cup is in full swing. Looking back a little, Boxing Day crazy shopping is over.
The day before that many of us celebrated Christmas day in whatever way we do. You walked your little legs off looking for just the perfect gift for people. |
Oh, and by the way, that figure represents just 10% of all gifts purchased. The survey by MarketTools broke it down this way:
- Clothing and shoes, 62%.
- Toys, games and hobbies, 16%.
- Consumer electronics, 14%.
- Kitchen and bath, 13%.
- Beauty and cosmetics, 10%.
- Jewelry and watches, 10%.
So, the math seems to indicate that collectively $460 billion is spent at Christmas time. Of course that doesn't include food and drink.
This may go to show buying gifts for others can be sort of thankless. Maybe that's why gift cards are so popular. Not as nice as unwrapping the real thing, but the recipient gets to buy what they want. Of course it also makes the present section under the tree look a bit bare, but I guess you could always put the cards in big boxes. And let's face it, if you pare this down logically, even your card might not be that welcome, if it's not the right one! Seriously, most young people would rather have a nice big wad of cash, to do whatever they like. And they're not above asking for it either. The world has changed, from when we were taught it isn't the gift that's important, but the caring and thought behind it.
Another idea I really like is the family activity of putting names into a hat and drawing the member you’ll present with a gift. That keeps a lot of expenditure under control, and let's you connect in a deeper way with your chosen recipient.
Start looking now!
It may seem strange to think about Christmas in January, but the best way to have a better January in 2016 is to start thinking about it, and taking action to pare down the non-essentials.You can still be happy. Promise.
Vicki