by Anne DelBalzo

The first few years I was a single mom on a tight budget, I found planning for the holidays was a very stressful experience. Between the big ones like Christmas and Easter, plus the kids’ birthdays, Mother’s Day (for my mom) and Father’s Day (for their dad), it felt like I was constantly facing expenses that my budget just couldn’t handle. I found myself paying for things with a credit card and going deeper and deeper into debt. Finally, a friend gave me a tip: buy things throughout the year and save them for special occasions.

I took her idea and ran with it. I started buying small items for my kids and my mom whenever I could get a good deal on something they would like. I took over one closet in the house and used it to store my gifts until they were needed. Of course, most of the things I bought were small items since I couldn’t afford big expenditures, but that was okay. The first year, Mother’s Day rolled around, and I realized that I had six different presents in the closet that my mom would enjoy. Instead of wrapping them separately, I bought an inexpensive basket and filled it for her. She was impressed by my creativity – she even thought I had a professional create her gift basket.

Since then, I’ve made it a habit to look for gently used gift baskets and other containers at yard sales during the summer months. With the addition of some ribbon and cellophane, they help me turn the small gifts I buy during the year into attractive presents for my friends and family. Having all the supplies on hand means I don’t get stressed if I need to come up with something on short notice, and my wallet sure does appreciate my more balanced approach to spending. I am truly grateful to the friend who suggested I shop all year, and I am happy to pass on her tip to all of you!