Summer Gift-Giving Guide

Between baby showers, weddings, graduations, holidays and birthday parties, our pocketbooks can feel the strain of gift-giving. Luckily, you can give meaningful, inexpensive gifts without being a total Scrooge. Here are some tips to help you support your loved one’s happiness and still have money left over for your own!

Learn to say no. Of course you can’t turn down a wedding or party invitation from your brother or best friend, but a former co-worker whom you rarely speak to may merit a pass. Sending a celebratory note or card—rather than a gift—will usually suffice.

Take advantage of the off-season. Always be on the lookout for thoughtful birthday, graduation, wedding and baby gifts. Spread the cost throughout the year by purchasing these items on sale and stashing them away for a later day.

Be creative. Some of the most special gifts are from the heart. Are you crafty? Make some scrapbook templates for your favorite graduate, or help the bride and groom design their own wedding invitations. Love kids? Offer the mom-to-be an afternoon of free babysitting. Have a green thumb? Help the birthday girl or boy plant flowers. Give a unique (and cheap!) present by sharing your natural talents.