A U.S. survey recently revealed that the consumers are setting aside an average of $832 just for Christmas shopping this year. However, due to the global financial crisis, the said amount may seem too expensive or steep. Financial experts say that one doesn’t have to overspend this holiday season. Seriously, there’s no need to overspend on gifts!

Here are the top 5 tips I can share on Christmas gift shopping:

1. Make a written plan: Be realistic when it comes to how much you can spend for the holiday gifts. As much as possible, don’t allot more than you can afford!

2. Spend on sentimental gifts: Gifts such as picture frames with memorable photos will be for sure more valuable for the recipient. A personalized scrapbook highlighting your travel photos for this year will be for sure more treasured by the recipient.

3. Practical thinking: Think of gifts that are of practical use to the recipient.

4. Go and shop at secondhand stores: Don’t cringe! Believe me, you will find a lot of unique, very interesting and not-so-expensive stuff in second hand stores.

5. Do not buy for yourself: You could throw a hint or two to your loved ones as to what gifts you yourself would want to receive this Christmas. This way, you get to focus more on buying gifts for your loved ones and let them think of what you probably need or what.

Remember, we should all start controlling our expenses! Shopping smart is a must these days.

What about you? Do you have any tips to share?

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