Giving and Spreading Joy Without Breaking The Bank.

Yes the Holiday Season is upon us and everyone is in good cheer and merriment abounds.

Yet here we are assaulted by Specials and commercial messages that tell us we need to spend, spend, spend to make our loved ones love us back. Materialism is the message of the advertisers and if they are to be believed (NOT!) that is the meaning of the season.

Ah but intelligent people know better, but still we are ingrained that the season does require the exchanging or giving of gifts, no matter which Holiday you are celebrating (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus). And of course one must give in order to receive.

Ah but what do good budget conscience people do when money is tight or not in abundance? Well that is what thrift shops and flea markets are for. Yes if you are smart and discerning you can find wonderful gifts at places like the goodwill, Salvation Army and other similar stores.

Most of these stores I have gone through have aisles and aisles of toys, electronics, books, and knick knacks to rival any boutique one finds in the malls. Depending upon the area you live, there are usually dozens of sports related memorabilia from Jerseys, hats all the way to clocks and videos of one's favorite teams.

Baby clothes are another item that is in abundance and one can find a wonderful selection, just take care and a god look as sometimes things get by with nasty stains. But usually those items are rejected at the inspection phase before making it out to the sales floor.

It is amazing how many rare books I have come across in my ventures. One of my favorites is a History of World War I published in 1919, a year after the war was over. It included commentary from General Pershing, and a few other dignitaries of the day. Of course the language used to describe the vanquished nations was a bit harsh, but it reflected the feelings of the age. It always fascinates me to read old books and I get a good laugh at the peculiarities of the language and thoughts of the times (I am sure someone in the future is going to be repeating this about the foolishness of our beliefs and political/editorial writings as well).

Other great items I have found include old videos, cassettes, LP's and CD's that have enhanced my collections. If you have a person on your list that is into these it is amazing the treasure store of classic media that awaits. Of course you might have to go to the electronics section and pick up a VCR, Record Player or Cassette tape player to go along, but it will be worth it to see the joy in their faces of a memory long forgotten revealed.

Camera buffs will also be amazed at what ends up in these stores. I have a nice collection of old cameras and other photography equipment that still work (but finding film for a Kodak Brownie is difficult) and are basically collectors items.

Computer equipment is another matter, and usually the monitors and boxes are obsolete and unless someone is a die hard collector, or a nostalgic gamer, they are pretty much not worth anything. However one can still get a decent smaller printer for those occasional letters etc. Heck I have an older Okidata Laser printer that I picked up for $10 that still works beautifully.

One thing to be wary of, if not avoided) is Women's Clothing. The speed at which women's fashions go out of style is mind boggling, and unless you find a rare coat or hat that your loved one has been pining for and can't be found anymore, then I would avoid it like the plague.
All in all Holiday Shopping doesn't have to break one's budget if done right and one shop's smart. One can save money without being a “Scrooge” and still be a hero on the appointed day of gift giving. Oh and while you're at it you just might find something special for yourself as a reward for your intelligence and generosity.

So get out there and remember, it's not what you buy, but how you buy it that counts.

Come back next time for more tips. Tricks and techniques to assist you in Living the Champagne Life on a Beer Budget. Remember we're all in this together and I'm pulling for you.



Mahalo.





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