Control your emotions 

One of the most common reasons for excessive shopping is an attempt to fulfill an emotional need. This could be unchecked feelings of desire, depression, greed, envy, or loneliness. Our cognitive ability declines when we are not in check with our emotions. You use This rational or logical part of your brain to make decisions. Without it, you are buying based on your emotions. 

Try to avoid online shopping when you are strongly feeling a particular emotion. You may want to take some time to recognize and acknowledge your emotions. You can then avoid excessive online shopping with a calm, clear head. For some, excessive online shopping is a symptom of deeper unresolved mental health issues. Speaking with a professional can provide the necessary help. 

Heuristics

On average, we make 33,000 to 35,000 decisions every day. For many of us, this leads to decision fatigue. Similar to our muscles becoming tired when we work out at the gym, our brains become tired from making an endless number of decisions. Our brains can process only so much information at a time and in a day. So, to cope with this, we unconsciously use heuristics, or mental shortcuts, to make decisions. It allows us to make decisions more quickly and efficiently. This process happens so quickly that you aren’t even aware you are doing it. Examples of heuristics when online shopping include: 

• Automatically repeatedly buying the same brand without comparing product quality. 
• Assuming a product is a good deal solely based on sale price. 
• Allowing marketing to influence how we perceive people who buy a particular product. 

It can be challenging to not go into autopilot mode when online shopping. However, there are some methods for reducing mental decision fatigue. With a refreshed mental state, you are better able to identify and avoid heuristics. Delegating some of the decision-making reduces your workload. Having your friends and family create Giftster wish list accounts eliminates the task of you having to find the perfect gift. Simply browse their wish list, choose an item, and make your purchase. You don’t have to worry about being distracted by other brands, products, or promotions. 

Disconnect from marketing

Companies have entire marketing teams that use data to perform detailed analytics on current and potential customers. They study psychology and human behavior. This information is used to create marketing campaigns that are incredibly effective at getting you to spend money. You will see this in your email inbox, social media, and texts. There are relationship-building, problem-solving, educational, and promotional campaigns. Most importantly, there is always call to action text telling you to do something. These tactics are incredibly effective at getting you to buy something. 

If you find yourself susceptible to this type of marketing, then it can motivate you to spend more and do online shopping more often. Disconnecting yourself from these marketing messages can help you reduce your online shopping. When you don’t see the constant reminders to “buy buy buy,” you are less likely to actively seek out online shopping opportunities. 

Set boundaries for shopping 

If you aren’t setting boundaries or following a system when shopping, you are more likely to spend and buy more. This is similar to people being more likely to spend more when using a credit card versus cash. There is a different mental process that you go through when spending money. Websites are designed to streamline the online shopping process, allowing you to make a few clicks and buy. This reduces the number of mental boundaries you go through when making a buying decision. 

Establish a set of shopping boundaries for yourself. Put the thought process and rational analysis back into your buying process. This mimics the calculation and thought process you go through when spending cash. Your buying rubric can be as simple or as complicated as you need. 

• Is the item something a gift receiver or I need or want? 
• Have I researched the item to compare features, quality, and price? 
• Do I or the gift receiver have space for the item at home? 
• Is the item within my budget? 

Delay your purchases 

If you find yourself impulse buying, you aren’t alone. The average American spends about $151 monthly on impulse purchases. While you feel good in the moment, it can lead to greater feelings of negativity later. Its potentially negative impact on your budget can lead to greater feelings of stress. 

One method for reducing impulse purchases is to follow a 24-hour rule. When you find something you want to buy, save it to your Giftster list for at least 24 hours before making your purchase. This creates a cooling-off period where you escape the feelings of urgency that can motivate you to buy. It also lets you step away from the moment and clearly consider whether your purchase is a “need” or a “want” decision. 

Reduce your excessive online shopping 

If you want to reduce your excessive online shopping habits, you must figure out what motivates your spending. It could be an emotional crutch, a habit, marketing-motivated, or simply too easy or impulsive. When you disconnect from marketing and set boundaries for your spending, you can regain control of your mindless or emotional shopping habits. 

Create a wishlist for yourself with items you see online and want to buy. Instead of impulsively buying, you can impulsively add items to your wishlist. Then, wait a day or two before committing to your purchase.

Sign up free on giftster.com and take a step toward reducing your frivolous online shopping. Who knows, maybe someone will gift you one of those items too!

The post How do I stop excessive online shopping? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

In the UK alone, consumers use 227,000 miles of wrapping paper each year.

Are you interested in giving less to the landfills this year? Here are some ideas for eco-friendly wrapping paper alternatives.

Stockings 

All of those stockings hung by the chimney with care are excellent eco-friendly gift wrap options. You don’t need wrapping paper for presents that fit in stockings, so to reduce waste make sure not to double up. 

On the topic of stockings, socks can be great wrapping options for small items like jewelry. Choose a cozy, holiday-themed pair for a useful, waste-free gift wrap.

E-mail 

You might be tempted to purchase gift cards and place them in holiday cards. But for an eco-friendly wrapping paper alternative, digitize them instead. 

Most stores have electronic gift cards or certificates that don’t use paper or plastic (and are harder to misplace). “Wrap” them up in an email and the recipient still gets to “open” them.

Furoshiki

Furoshiki are traditional Japanese fabric wrapping cloths. They are reusable, versatile, and creative. Once you’ve tried this gift-wrapping art, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to wrap even the most oddly shaped present. 

Learn more about how to tie Furoshiki here, and all the gifts you give this year will be eco-friendly and beautiful.

Old papers

Do you get a newspaper delivered to your home? Are there unused road maps in your car? How many coloring book pages are on your refrigerator? 

Think of how fun and environmentally friendly it would be for a gift recipient to have a present wrapped in the Sunday comics, a map of a famous city, or a crayon drawing of a dinosaur.

Containers

If you think about the gift you’re giving, you might be able to come up with a corresponding “container,” like a box or jar, to put it in. They are incredibly versatile, which means the recipient of your gift is likely to reuse the container it’s “wrapped” in instead of throwing it away.

A few ideas might be candies or cookies in a tin or mason jar, books in a fabric tote bag, or spa items, wrapped in a towel, in a basket.

Just a bow (or no wrapping at all)

Potted plants, bottles of alcohol, or candles would look lovely with a simple ribbon or no wrapping. And while it might seem unconventional, according to AP News, “nearly two-thirds [of U.S. respondents] said they would happily receive gifts without wrapping.” 

If you want to be creative with just bows, here are 25 Ways to Wrap Ribbon and Bows on Gifts.

No matter which method you choose, we hope you and the recipients of your gifts are happier with these environmentally friendly options for gift wrap.

Happy gifting!

The post Eco-friendly Wrapping Paper Alternatives appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Or does your gift have a little something extra, a creative twist, that makes it stand out and shows you put a lot of thought and effort into it?

Here are 25 creative gift-wrapping ideas for ribbons and bows that will give your present a fun and classy visual appeal.

Tie a unique bow

1. Big bow: You don’t have to be a gift-wrapping professional to top your gift with a large, fluffy bow. Here’s a quick and easy guide for the perfect pom-pom bow that will make a big impression.

2. Curly strings: Do you remember when you first learned how to use scissors to turn ribbons into tight curls? Create curly strings with several ribbons, then tie them together for an eye-catching present topper.

3. Shoelace bow: We call this the shoelace bow because it has two loops and two strings. But if you use this tutorial, the bows on top of your gifts will look beautiful (and nothing like a shoelace).

4. Layered bow: This bow looks like it was bought in a store. You’d never guess that it’s super easy to make on your own with ribbon and some tape.

5. Bow tie: Simply tie a ribbon around a present like you’re tying a necktie, and you’ll have a cleverly wrapped gift for Father’s Day.

Incorporate unconventional ribbon materials

6. Fabric: Use cloth instead of ribbon on your gift. You can find creative and fun patterns, and it’s a unique way to upcycle old clothes or sheets. Consider making a statement with fabric like leather or lace.

7. Chains and Beads: Wrap a nice chain or strain of beads around a gift instead of using ribbon. It adds dimension and texture you won’t get from fabric. You can find these materials at most craft stores.

8. Paper: One of the joys of using paper is that you can decorate it however you want, then use it for a ribbon. Better yet, let a child do some artwork for a sentimental twist on one of these two easy paper bows.

9. Marker: If you’re feeling artsy and witty, don’t add ribbon or a bow at all. Just use some marker to draw one onto your wrapping paper. Dark wrapping paper? No worries, just pick up a white paint marker for a similar effect.

10. String and yarn: You can create a rustic or artsy feel to your gift wrapping by using string, yarn, or twine instead of conventional ribbon. After all, sometimes simple is better.

11. Lights: A strand of battery-powered fairy lights is an unexpected yet illuminating (get it?) material to use for a ribbon around a present. Plus, the gift recipient can reuse the strand as a decoration.

Add items to the ribbon or bow

12. Small gifts: Use your ribbon and bow to tie a small gift, like a holiday ornament or tiny toy, right onto the wrapped gift.

13. Pictures: Memories are a wonderful gift. Tuck or tape photographs onto your ribbon for a beautiful and personalized wrapping job. Use small frames so the pictures will last after the gift is opened.

14. Plants or herbs: Flowers, small pine branches, or even herbs like rosemary can be tied onto a gift for a fragrant and lovely surprise. As a caution, holly is beautiful, but the berries are poisonous to people and animals, so a fake bough of holly is probably best.

15. Jewelry: Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and even some earrings can easily loop through ribbons and bows for an elegant and (maybe) expensive twist. Keep an eye on the gift opening, though, so your purchase doesn’t get lost.

16. Treats: If you’re wrapping presents for a child’s birthday, consider tying a candy bar or lollypop onto the outside of the gift. The birthday boy or girl won’t be able to wait to see what’s inside their neat package.

Create patterns and designs on the gift wrapping

17. Christmas tree: Around the holidays, use a thin green ribbon to make a Christmas tree right on a package. Simply tape it in a zig-zag pattern, wider at the base and narrow at the top.

18. Words: Use ribbon and tape to spell someone’s name right on their present. You won’t even need a gift tag. (We recommend saving this for short names unless you have a lot of time and patience.)

19. Weaving and Plaid: Follow this tutorial to create a beautiful woven design with ribbon. By using ribbons in different colors and sizes, you can turn a wrapped gift into a work of art.

20: Slant, v-shape, and off-cross: If you like the traditional look of using ribbon to bind gifts, try these slight variations. Your gift wrapping will look unique, and you’ll learn a few new techniques for tying ribbons.

Make ribbon useful

21. Tie gifts together: If you have several gifts to give to one person, stack them up and then use a long ribbon to tie them all together. The large stack will look impressive and all your gifts will stay with each other.

22. Create handles: This gift-wrapping hack lets you incorporate some ribbon as a handle. Now your present will be practical and easy to carry.

23. Hide wrapping paper overlap: You know that part of your gift wrap where the two sides of the wrapping paper overlap? It’s completely normal, but if you want to hide it, make your ribbon useful by putting it along the seam.

24: Use as the gift tag: Instead of putting an extra piece of paper or a sticker on your present, let the gift wrapping do the job. Write out your “to” and “from” on any visible area of the ribbon.

25: Use by itself: Sometimes, a gift doesn’t need any gift wrap. All it needs is some ribbon or a bow. A bottle of wine or liquor is the perfect example of a present where the biggest impact is also the simplest.

Struggling to wrap an odd-shaped gift? Check out our handy wrapping guide that just might get you unstuck.

Happy wrapping!

The post Gift Wrapping Ideas: 25 Ways To Wrap Ribbon and Bows on Gifts appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

If you’ve found yourself in a rut using boxes and bags for everything, you’ve come to the right place. No matter what you find on a friend or loved one’s wish list, we promise there is a way to wrap it and present it with class.

Here is the ultimate guide on how to wrap odd shaped gifts. These versatile wrapping videos will turn you into a gift-wrapping expert in no time.

How to wrap a cylinder

Several types of gifts come in a cylinder or circular shape. But don’t stress about wrapping them. There are a few creative and beautiful tricks to wrapping these types of presents below.

Tall cylinders

This tutorial from @mama_mila_au is perfect for round items or presents that come in cylinder shapes and containers, such as candles, coffee tins, games, and candies.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chantel Mila Ibbotson (@mama_mila_au)

Round tins

Whether you make your own baked treats or buy them premade, tins of cookies are a popular gift. Here is a simple but beautiful technique from @effectivespaces to wrap these round tins.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Natasha Swingler (@effectivespaces)

Wine bottles

Do you typically just put a bottle of wine into a gift bag? Here are a few creative ways to give the gift of wine using wrapping paper instead. This fun tutorial is courtesy of @effectivespaces.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Natasha Swingler (@effectivespaces)

How to wrap large gifts

Not every gift is perfectly sized for traditional wrapping paper. If you have a large gift to wrap, try one of these unconventional tricks. 

Fabric

The Furoshiki method of gift wrapping uses fabric in a Japanese traditional style. This tutorial from @shihomasuda_giftwrapping shows you how to use fabric for wrapping. You can use larger pieces of fabric for larger gifts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shiho Masuda (@shihomasuda_giftwrapping)

Fancy Pleats

Just because the gift is big doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style. Here’s a tutorial from @janemeans for wrapping a large present that looks luxurious. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sophie Liard | home | travel | Amazon Finds (@thefoldinglady)

How to wrap toys

Toys come in so many different shapes and sizes. Sometimes it’s tempting to just throw them all in a gift bag. But if you want to learn some ways to wrap toys as gifts, check out these tips and tricks.

Packaged toys

Parents know the difficulties of getting toys out of plastic packaging. Thankfully, @thefoldinglady shares a creative way to wrap them.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sophie Liard | home | travel | Amazon Finds (@thefoldinglady)

Small objects

Watch this wrapping video from @lenniamc for a versatile way to use wrapping paper. With this trick, you’ll be able to wrap almost anything.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LENNIA (Folding Queen ) (@lenniamc)

Pick a present from your family member’s wishlist on Giftster and start wrapping – no matter how large or oddly shaped it is. Happy gifting!

The post How To Wrap Odd Shaped Gifts appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

But has it started to feel like these sorts of presents get repetitive, and just don’t have the extra special touch of thoughtfulness, especially if they can show up to your door already wrapped?

It might be time for you to consider making a handmade gift for a friend, coworker, or loved one.

However, before you delve too far into craft stores and hobby websites for ideas and supplies, give a quick read of the pros and cons of giving handmade gifts so you can decide if you’re ready for this creative venture.

Pros of giving handmade gifts

Thoughtful gift-giving: Anything you make yourself takes time and effort and isn’t quite as easy as a trip to the store or a click to order online. In this sense, handmade gifts are a very thoughtful gesture. 

Money-saving: Many times (but not always) you can save money by making a gift instead of purchasing it. If you are crafty, you probably already have some materials for creating a wonderful handmade gift. 

Fully customizable: If you’ve ever gone to the store and been unable to find the perfect present for someone, you and the recipient might appreciate a handmade gift. You can personalize it for the recipient’s tastes and preferences. 

Cons of giving handmade gifts

Time-consuming: Making a gift yourself will take some time. Just ask anyone who has knit a blanket and hat for a baby (or started to and never finished). If your life is busy, buying a gift will be much easier. 

More expensive: Usually a handmade gift will be easier on your wallet, but not always. If you buy specialized equipment or expensive materials, you could spend more money than a similar gift you could buy instead of making. 

Off the wishlist: Many people use an online gift registry like giftster.com to create wish lists for special occasions. Consider that your handmade gift may veer from what the recipient wants. 

Handmade gift ideas

If you’ve decided the pros outweigh the cons, here are a few ideas for handmade gifts that you might consider. 

Food: Catherine, Princess of Wales famously made jam for the Queen of England for Christmas. If homemade food is good enough for royalty, it’s worth a try. Pickled foods, jams, baked goods, and cookie mixes in mason jars are all fun options.

Clothing: Crocheting and knitting are satisfying and often relaxing hobbies that will allow you to make scarves, socks, and even cute stuffed animals. 

Personalized items: If you’re part of the Cricut craze, you probably have the supplies to make a cute or funny customized mug, shirt, bag, or water bottle. 

Home & Decor: Homemade soaps and candles make brilliant gifts. Consider personalizing the home goods further with a custom label or scent.

Art: Let your creative talents shine through with a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork, like a canvas painting, rustic-themed welcome sign, or jewelry. If the gift recipient does have a Giftster online wishlist, you might be able to find an item they want that you can make on your own, with a few personalized tweaks, instead of purchasing it.

The post The Pros and Cons of Giving Handmade Gifts appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to Christmas prep 101. We’ve included everything you need to know about gift-giving, from stocking stuffer ideas to Christmas gift-wrapping tips.

Preparing stockings for Christmas morning

According to legend (and Smithsonian Magazine), the tradition of Christmas stockings began with a widowed nobleman who had no money to marry his three daughters. To help the family, Saint Nicholas dropped three bags of coins down the chimney, where they landed in stockings the girls had hung to dry by the fire.

The tradition evolved from there, and hanging stockings for Santa became increasingly popular throughout the 1900s and still is today. 

While you’re preparing for Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve, here are some tips for stocking stuffers and hanging your stockings with care. 

Stocking stuffers

The options are nearly endless for stocking stuffers, though we do have a few ideas. 

• Useful gifts: Stuff your child’s stocking with socks, underwear, deodorant, shampoo, and toothpaste. Make it a little more fun with a bath bomb, nail polish, or grooming supplies. 
• Edible gifts: Collect candy, gum, bags of chips, crackers, small oranges, fruit pouches, hot chocolate packets, and other age-appropriate treats so your child has a stash of snacks. 
• Toy gifts: Small stuffed animals, action figures, cars, dolls, fidgets, slime, card games, or arts and craft supplies are perfect for stockings. Plus, you can usually find small “toys” for kids of any age. 

Santa’s visit

Traditionally, stockings are hung from the chimney. Of course, not everyone has a chimney or fireplace, so you might need to be creative. A bookshelf, hooks on the wall, stair railing, or DIY mantle are good alternatives.

Many families get creative with the “evidence” that Santa has visited the home. Aside from filled stockings and consumed cookies, you can make “footprints” out of fireplace ashes to help keep the spirit of Santa alive.

Tips for the perfect Christmas gift wrap

If you walk down a gift wrap aisle at a store, you’ll see a few options for wrapping gifts so they are a surprise to the recipient: wrapping paper, gift bags of various sizes, and gift boxes. 

However, if you have experience purchasing a variety of gifts for the people on your Christmas list, you’ll know that not every gift can be easily wrapped or put in a bag or box. Here are our tips for the perfect gift wrap.

Wrapping Paper

There are several situations where wrapping paper is ideal:

• Gifts for kids: Little kids love to tear open presents on Christmas morning. Use wrapping paper so they’ll have tons of fun.
• “Box” shaped gifts: Anything that is shaped like a square or rectangle is easy to wrap in paper. Board games and books are good examples of this type of Christmas gift.
• Oddly shaped gifts: It might seem hard to use wrapping paper if gifts have unconventional shapes. But with a little help from Google or Instagram, you can wrap these gifts beautifully.
• Fun and creative wrapping inspiration: Wrapped gifts allow for innovative folds and wrapping paper designs, ribbons and bows, and attaching accessories like holly sprigs or cookie cutters.

Gift bags

Gift bags are easy to use for a variety of gifts. Keep them on hand for oddly shaped presents, clothing items, edible presents, and anything you buy last-minute. 

One of the best parts of gift bags is that they are reusable and convenient. They also make the perfect place to put a collection of gifts so they don’t get mixed up in paper and other trash.

Ideas for presenting a Christmas gift card or cash

Gift cards and cash are convenient gifts, and while they seem less thoughtful than a carefully-selected present, they are actually quite generous. When you give a loved one a gift card or cash, you are letting them choose how to spend it.

If you’re looking for creative ideas for presenting a gift card or cash, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some ideas:

• A holiday card: Pick out a holiday card that is as humorous or sentimental as you want. They even make cards specifically for cash or gift cards. You can add your own handwritten greeting or holiday wish.
• Wrapping paper: Gift cards and cash are small, but you can wrap them in a small amount of wrapping paper. If they are gifts for Christmas morning, consider putting them in the tree instead of under it.
• A box: If the recipient has a sense of humor, you can put the gift card in a box, inside a box, inside of another box. It adds a little creativity to a card or cash.

Gifts for kids: do’s and don’ts

Christmas morning with kids can be a little crazy. After all, they’re excited to open their presents and play with all of their toys. To help parents out a little with all the holiday fun, here are some tips for presents for kids.

• Do take gifts out of complicated packaging: If you know the Christmas gift won’t be returned, take it out of the plastic and packaging before wrapping it. The child will be able to play with it right away.
• Do put together large gifts: Kids won’t have fun unwrapping a box to a toy that still has to be assembled. Put large gifts together so they’re ready on Christmas morning.
• Don’t give loud gifts without asking: Gifts with lots of sound and lights may not be welcome by the kid’s parents. Always ask before buying a noisy present.
• Don’t go off-list: Use the child’s wishlist when purchasing presents unless you’ve asked about a particular, original gift you have in mind. Giftster makes it easy to know exactly what a child or parent wants for Christmas.

The post Christmas Gift Prep 101 – Stocking Stuffers & Wrapping Tips appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

This year, many of the Black Friday deals consumers are looking for are driven by the trends in how shopping has changed.

Keep your eye out for these types of deals this year:

1. Local products

Many consumers want to buy local, and will look for Black Friday deals from small businesses in their area. This trend stems from wanting to support smaller companies and individuals over name brands and mega retailers. 

Plus, since local products aren’t mass-produced, they feel more personalized and special. 

2. Buy now, pay later

When it comes to spending, consumers are conscious of their budgets around the holidays. So a particularly appealing Black Friday deal would be one that allows shoppers to buy now and pay later. 

Several apps and websites promote these sorts of delayed payments, so retailers who partner with them and advertise their flexibility will attract savvy shoppers. 

3. Sustainable goods

The holidays are the season of giving, and consumers carry this mindset with them even while they’re hunting for the best discounts. 

While sustainable goods may still cost more than their less environmentally-friendly counterparts, shoppers will be drawn to any Black Friday deals on products that help them feel like they’re giving back. 

4. Budget-friendly shipping and easy returns

Anyone looking for an excellent Black Friday deal knows that it isn’t just about the product; store policies like returns matter, too. And for online shoppers, shipping costs can be a deal-breaker. 

Expect consumers to look for generous return policies for purchased products and low shipping costs so they can experience easy and budget-friendly shopping. 

5. Marathon discounts 

This year, Black Friday is November 26. But many retailers start offering discounts in the days and weeks leading up to the biggest shopping date of the year. 

Particularly this year, when staffing shortages and supply chain issues are affecting the shopping experience, consumers expect Black Friday deals that will last for more than just a couple of hours Friday morning. These marathon deals let consumers shop earlier for peace of mind. 

6. Safe shopping options

Safety is still on the minds of a lot of shoppers. Not everyone feels comfortable in large crowds, especially those typically drawn to Black Friday deals. 

Usually, to get the best discounts, shoppers had to be in stores at certain times (like the wee hours of the morning). But this year, consumers want deals to extend to other buying options, such as online or curbside pickup. 

Using an online wish list service with your family (like Giftster) can make it really easy to prepare in advance for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals from the comfort of home. Giftster has a built-in shopping list feature that displays every gift you marked reserved or purchased for your family. This makes it so easy to check prices on items you plan to buy in one fell swoop.

And who doesn’t like a few extra hours of sleep along with a great deal or two?

7. Big-ticket electronics and toys 

While some 2021 Black Friday deals reflect changes to shopping trends, other things seem to never change. Consumers are still looking for amazing discounts on toys and big-ticket electronics, like TVs, smart home devices, video game consoles, and kitchen appliances. And like in previous years, Black Friday is still the best time of year to go hunting for these types of deals.

Happy gifting!

The post 7 Black Friday Deals Consumers Are Looking for This Year appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

According to compiled data, Americans spend more money during the winter holidays than at any other time of the year. 

This, of course, includes Christmas, which can be a pretty big budget item for a family of four.

The 2020 Christmas season felt a lot different than previous years (thanks, Covid), with many families forgoing traditional travel or large gatherings. 2021 promises a bit of return to normalcy. 

With these trends, how much does the average Christmas cost a family of four these days?

Finance personality Dave Ramsey estimates that the average family will spend almost $1,000 on Christmas this year. That’s down about $50 from last year, but still a significant amount of money.

Here’s a breakdown:

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

Typically, decorations and food are a pretty big part of the average holiday spending.

The modern custom of cutting down and decorating a fresh Christmas tree has its origins in 18th century Germany. For families who find a real tree each year, this certainly contributes to the cost of the holidays. Last year, the average price of a Christmas tree was $81.

So does staying on top of holiday decorating trends, even if they’re DIY. Beautiful, premade decorations and craft supplies both cost money, after all.

If you’re hosting a party, expect to spend on food, drinks, and festive decorations.

I’ll be home for Christmas

Travel continues to increase after last year’s lockdowns, and many more families are sure to be filling up the tank or taking to the skies for the Christmas holidays.

It’s not much of a secret that the cost of gasoline is going up in the US, with the current average at just under $3.50 per gallon. That’s a cost that can add up significantly for long road trips.

And for families who might fly to reach their holiday destination, airfare is currently trending down, but still averages $260 per person for a round-trip flight. Any family of four flying for Christmas can expect to spend much more than the average family this season.

My true love gave to me

Christmas is the season of giving, which also often means it’s the season of spending. Typically, gifts make up the greatest percentage of Christmas spending.

Some families will spend much less on small, intimate holidays with close family and friends and a few meaningful presents. Others will spend much more on extravagant, festive gatherings with dozens of gifts for everyone on their lists.

There could potentially be a lot of people to buy for, especially in a family of four. Neighbors. Teachers. Sports teams. Coworkers. Classmates. And of course, friends and family.

No matter your family’s Christmas spending habits, you’re sure to spread holiday cheer with decorations, visits to loved ones, and thoughtful gifts.

Need help keeping all those presents straight? Giftster.com has you covered for family wish list management. It’s the perfect solution for the season of giving, so you’ll get it right every time.

The post How Much Does the Average Christmas Cost a Family of Four? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

So how exactly do 5 billion pounds of gifts end up in landfills?

When you return an item, the chances it ends up being restocked and resold are surprisingly small. The logistics to process a return can be quite cumbersome for retailers, not to mention expensive.

Have you ever requested to return an item only to be told to keep it instead of mailing it back? This is sadly becoming a common practice, especially for smaller retailers. The cost to handle the return can be more expensive than simply having the customer keep the item.

What goes into processing a gift return?

The transportation and energy costs involved in returning an item are quite substantial when you add up all of the returns made in a year.

In 2020 alone, $428 billion in merchandise was returned in the U.S..

– National Retail Federation and Appriss Retail

When you ship an item back, the shipping service must deliver it back to first be inspected, credited back to you, and then repackaged if it’s going to be restocked.

If the item is going back onto shelves there are more steps involved. The item must be transported once again back to the store from the warehouse/processing center. And the inventory added back. Multiple steps for a retailer to manage and pay for.

So how can you make an impact to reduce the waste that comes from retail returns?

How using Giftster helps to reduce gift returns

Giftster was founded on the idea that the tradition of gifting shouldn’t be a wasteful one.

Giftster helps families gift responsibly, reducing gift returns and the amount of trash ending up in our landfills.

How? By making and sharing wish lists between friends and family, members both give and receive gifts they actually want or need. And specifying sizes, colors and other important details reduces the chances an item will need to be returned or exchanged.

And the best part? It’s completely free to use.

Instead of having to wait in line at FedEx or a store to return a gift you can spend your time doing more enjoyable things.

Gift-giving was meant to be a joyous tradition. We’re doing our part to keep it that way.

Happy gifting!

The post The 5 Billion Pound Environmental Impact of Holiday Gift Returns appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

This year feels a little different than most. 

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a strange 2020 school year, with many students learning from home, or with hybrid schedules.

So for the large majority of American families, this year’s back-to-school shopping season also feels like a return to normal, and a transition back to in-person learning.

How much, exactly, are Americans spending on back-to-school shopping in 2021? The average amount families plan to spend on elementary through high school students, according to the National Retail Federation, is $848.90. That’s about $59 more than last year.

Here’s why:

Students need more supplies

Pencils, notebooks, binders, calculators, highlighters, and craft supplies are relatively common and normal items that appear on back-to-school shopping lists across the country.

And many students might also receive new clothes, backpacks, and lunchboxes each year.

However, in 2021, students need a few more supplies to transition back to their school buildings. Teachers are, understandably, asking for students to come to school stocked up with a few other supplies, like hand sanitizer, masks, reusable water bottles, and cleaning supplies to contribute to the classroom.

These extra items contribute to the increased cost of back-to-school shopping this year.

Educational technology has become more important than ever

According to the NRF report, electronics made up the top category of back-to-school costs this year. This makes sense.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, students stayed in touch with their teachers and continued their education using technology, notably personal computers, and Internet access.

Any technology isn’t cheap. But these items have become needed and nearly mandatory back to school items in 2021.

Some schools provide computers to students. Even these families might purchase accessories for the year, such as a computer mouse or extra charger. All of these costs certainly add up.

Kids grow a lot, and so do clothing prices

Last year, a lot of students could sit around their house in comfortable pajamas and sweatpants, so there likely wasn’t a huge surge of back-to-school clothes purchasing.

Of course, kids grow. So with the start of the school year comes the purchase of new clothing items. 

And this year, the cost of clothing has also increased, contributing to higher back-to-school costs. Essentially, there are some shortages of fabric and workers due to the global pandemic, and demand is quite high this year for clothing items and shoes.

For all of these reasons, back-to-school shopping costs have increased this year.

Under-funded classrooms

Teachers are often looking to enhance their classrooms and don’t always have a big budget for supplies. Websites like giftster.com offer a way for their members to create wish lists with items from any store that others can help them purchase. Sharing a classroom wish list with specific items can make it easier for parents to know which items to donate.

With the elevated costs of supplies, families and teachers will have to get creative this year. Let’s hope 2022 has better things in store for parents and teacher’s back-to-school budgets.

The post How Much Do Americans Plan To Spend on Back-To-School Shopping in 2021? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.