Just because you want to buy holiday gifts doesn't mean that your checking account will cooperate. When you're short on cash, and you're trying to keep your credit card balance low, turn to these options to celebrate the holidays with last-minute gifts.
Fun Socks for Winter
Fun socks are trendy, but they don't cost much money. Head to a department store like Target or T.J.Maxx to see what novelty socks they have in stock.
You can take this idea to the next level by stuffing a stocking with a few pairs of holiday-themed socks.
Frame a Photo
Digital photographs are convenient, but they're easy to lose or forget about. Framed photographs tend to stick around because people can hang them on walls or place them on shelves.
To keep the gift as affordable as possible, look for frames at discount stores like Tuesday Morning. Have a local store print a meaningful photograph of you and the recipient, slip the picture into the frame, and watch your friend's face light up.
Bake It Yourself
Instead of dropping $50 on Godiva chocolates, you can make your own goodies at home. For $20 or so, you can buy all of the ingredients that you need to make cookies, cakes, and chocolate-covered candies.
If you can afford a bottle of half-decent bourbon, you can make bourbon balls. If liquor store prices feel a bit daunting, avoid the bourbon and make peanut butter balls. Gifts don't get much cheaper than peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a bag of chocolate chips.
Gift Cards Are Always Appreciated
Feeling pressured to finish your holiday shopping before Christmas morning? Stores might have empty shelves, but they never run out of gift cards.
Choose a gift card from a store, restaurant, or company that you know the recipient. Even if you only put $10 on the card, your friend or family member will appreciate it. After all, you can't go wrong with a gift card. It lets people buy what they want, but it's not as gauche as cash.
No one wants you to spend more money than you can afford. This year, pick up last-minute gifts without breaking the bank. You'll thank yourself when next month's bills are due.
If you need a little help buying presents this year, you can get a low-interest personal loan from Boro. You may qualify for up to $2,000 even if you don't have a credit history or co-signer because we base your creditworthiness on your education and earning potential.