With the cost of living increasing by the day, all of us look for ways to cut down on the expenses. Whether it is car insurance or any other necessity item, we try to avail discounts. In the midst of tight budgets, importance of gift planning has increased too. No matter what occasion it is, planning for the gift well in advance does not just save last minute nerve but your hard-earned money too. Gift planning is the buzzword if you wish to avoid burning a hole in your pocket.

Homemade gifts are one of all time favorites, are easy on pocket, and add a personal tinge to gift. After all the idea is to make the receiver feel special, not break the bank. You can keep the interests of receiver in mind and prepare some homemade gift for him/her. The gift will surely bring a smile on the receivers’ face.

One of the most effective ways to save money on the gift is shopping in the sale. Whether it is someone’s birthday, anniversary of the thanksgiving, buying the gift before hand can be useful. Especially for Christmas gifts, buying gifts from the off-season sale can help in saving a great deal of money. And the best part is that you will not have to compromise on the quality for buying affordable gifts. Just because it is an off-season sale, one is able to get gifts at cost effective rates.

Giving a gift hamper is affordable option too. Hampers are ideal for birthdays and baby showers. You can buy them from the market or can assemble them yourself too. Keeping the preferences and needs of receiver in mind, pick necessity items, and get it packed in a beautiful basket. Hampers not only help in saving money but are also considered as smart gifts as you are gifting all the items that would be well used by the receiver. Gifting discount coupons is also a good option. Whether apparel discount coupons or restaurant discount coupons, they would be useful for the receiver. Restaurant discount coupons can be used by the receiver to treat his friends and family too. With gift planning, you can buy cool gifts for any occasion without spending too much.