It can be easy to lose control when it comes to gifting. We all want to give our loved ones a Christmas they’ll never forget, after all! But it’s important to have a plan and keep your budget firmly in mind to avoid overspending. We have some simple tips to help you give the perfect gift to every person on your list without breaking the bank. Make Your List Much like Saint Nick himself, you should make a list before you start looking for gifts. First, you need to know who you’re buying for. It’s also a good idea to make a list of the kinds of items each person may like. Have a Frank Conversation (or Two) Holiday shopping can get expensive very quickly, partly because we often feel pressure to give a little more than we should. If you have an honest conversation with your friends and family about what you can each afford and agree on a limit, you’ll lessen the pressure. Shop Around It can be tempting to go to a big department store and buy all your gifts in one trip, but that’s rarely a cost-effective option. Plan to check multiple stores before you commit to a purchase. Look for Coupons and Discount Codes Spending a little time looking for coupons or promo codes that apply to your orders could save you a lot of money on Christmas gifts. There are many platforms where you can find a selection of coupons and promo codes, of course, but you can also find exclusive discount codes on retailer websites or get special coupons if you have a rewards card or membership at a store. Claim Cash Back When planning your holiday shopping, think about how and where you’ll shop, as well as what you’ll buy. Cash Back offers present an opportunity to get a little money back and make the period between Christmas and payday a little easier. You can always activate Rakuten Cash Back offers (thanks to the browser extension, it’s easier than ever!), but try to stack your returns by paying with a Cash Back credit or debit card when you can. Keep these tips in mind while you plan your holiday shopping, and you’ll be in a great position to take advantage of the exceptional gift ideas that are about to follow! Unique Gifts for Him Is the main man in your life hard to buy for? We have a range of unique ideas to help you find the perfect gift with a personal touch to make him smile. These gifts are a little different, ranging from practical items to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A personalized tool kit: Whether your dad is a DIY lover or your husband likes to tinker with his car, a personalized tool kit that suits his needs is sure to put a smile on his face. A race day experience: Nothing adds a personal touch quite like giving someone an experience that speaks to their passions. If you have a car lover in your circle, a race day experience could be the perfect gift! Experience days are also perfect for loved ones who live far away, because they’re usually delivered as physical or virtual gift cards. A craft beer brewing kit: Everyone needs a creative outlet, and an at-home craft beer brewing kit offers the chance to make something enjoyable and learn in the process! Creative Gifts for Her You’re looking for the perfect gift for someone special, but it can be tough to think of new gifts every year! Whether your sister is a beauty maven or your friend is an avid crafter, we have creative gift ideas that will help you bring a smile to her face. Tailored beauty sets: When it comes to beauty products, there is a wide selection of gifts. From skin-care bundles to makeup boxes, you’ll find many beauty gifts in the $40 to $50 range, as well as more and less expensive options. The best way to make a beauty maven in your life smile, however, is to add a personal touch by creating a beauty set of products to suit their taste! A personal crafts basket: Know an avid crafter? A tailored selection of crafts supplies will help them indulge in their hobbies and make new, exciting things in the year ahead. Handpicked gourmet gift baskets: If the special lady in your life is a serious foodie, a gift basket full of the finest snacks to suit her taste will make her day. The best part is how easy it is to tailor it to her needs. You can make an affordable gift basket or go luxury, but remember to keep an eye on the weight to manage shipping costs. Fun Gifts for Kids Buying Christmas gifts for kids may seem like the easiest part of holiday shopping, but it can be hard to find something they’ll love that they don’t already have. Check out these fun gift ideas for children. A thematic nightlight: Some kids don’t like the dark, and others just like a little fun in their rooms. You can find nightlights of all kinds these days. Know a kid who loves the ocean? A unique marine nightlight will bring a smile to their face. For stargazers, there are nightlights that project images of the galaxy on the walls and ceiling. There’s an option for every child! A personalized storybook: Put your kid at the center of their bedtime stories with a personalized storybook. A crafts kit: Children are inquisitive and creative, and there are tons of crafty and creative gifts for children. Whether you need a chemistry set for a little scientist or a perfume-making kit for a creative soul, these gifts give kids a chance to explore the world around them. Give a Little Extra This Christmas The holidays are a season for giving, but you don’t have to empty your wallet to do it. Shop savvy by keeping an eye on big sales like Black Friday and seeking coupon codes to help you get the best price on every order. Don’t forget to make claiming Cash Back even easier by installing the Rakuten browser extension!