Found 8 posts tagged as "Holiday"
Someone needs to buy Santa some pumps and a pretty party dress. It turns out that jolly old St. Nick is actually a woman, or so a new BMO survey says. In reality, we’re talking about holiday gift shoppers versus a fat man in a red suit, and I, for one, am not surprised that more women do the shopping. That’s the way it always was in my house growing up. And I’m thankful for that, because I’m pretty sure my dad would wrap a present in tinfoil (if I was lucky).
BMO’s Holiday Spending Outlook found that 80 per cent of holiday shopping is done by the female head of the household. Interestingly enough, the survey also found that her methods have taken a turn for the technological. Online tools are becoming the norm for holiday shopping.
According to the survey, 43 per cent of women use the Internet to shop during this time of year. That figure is nine per cent higher than last year. BMO attributes this change to the ease of comparing prices online, which can lead to savings in both time and money. I’d argue that avoiding crowds is one of the largest benefits of online shopping. Why visit the zoo that is The Eaton Centre when I can shop in my pajamas from my bed?
We're a nation of last-minute shoppers. According to a survey by BIGresearch, the average person has completed less than half of their holiday shopping by the second week of December.
With only days to go before Christmas, maybe it's time to employ a few last minute shopping tactics to check everyone off your gift list before the big day. If your presents are wrapped and under the tree, you can relax, balance your budget, and bake some cookies. But like the rest of us, being mindful of these shopping tips could save you a little sanity.
If you go on Craiglist, you will sometimes see people trying to buy or sell unused portions of old gift cards. As is common on Craiglist, the pricing is laughable – paying 10% of the unused credit, for example – but the concept is golden. Many gift cards go unused and the only entity that wins is the company. So, if you’re sure you will never use them, why not sell your cards? Or better yet, why not trade them for something you actually want?
There are a few Canadian gift card-swapping websites that have hit the market, making it easier to find people looking for this type of trade or bargain.
The holidays are upon us and many are already knee-deep in gift shopping. And, like clockwork, an old question has once again reared its head: Which is the better gift, cash or a gift card?
First off, neither of these gifts are the ideal solution. In a perfect world, we’d all be able to think of customized presents for everyone in our lives. We’d know exactly what the person enjoyed and exactly what he or she needed. But unless you’re Miss Cleo, that famous psychic, you’re not going to be able to read minds. In fact, I think it's been proven that Miss Cleo can’t even do that.
Presents like wads or cash or gift cards only work for people you do not know well. They are useful ways to say thank you to those who provide services over the year, like a kid’s teacher or a postal worker. But don’t try and give your spouse a gift card to Sears and then wonder why you get a dirty look in return. For those you know intimately, both these choices are a lazy option.
When they are appropriate, however, gift cards can work wonders. Here are a couple of reasons why gift cards are a better gift than cash:
1. If you customize a gift card to reflect a person’s interests, it can show a thoughtfulness that cash does not. When I worked as an administrator at a Pilates studio, some of the clients bought me Starbucks gift cards for the holidays after noting that I consistently had a massive venti coffee on my desk.
2. A gift card can force someone to spend money on his or herself. A lot of people have trouble purchasing material items for themselves, even when they need new things, so a gift card can be a helpful push in the right direction. You can’t control what the person purchases, but you can cater the type of gift card to an area in which you know they need new items.
And two why cash might be more appropriate:
1. According to a recent interview with the president of the Consumers Association of Canada, up to 40 per cent of gift cards go unused. People only use gift cards that are immediately useful. If you don’t know someone well enough to know what they like or what establishments they frequent, cash might be a better option.
2. It is sometimes difficult to use an entire gift card without going over. If you buy someone credit at Tim Horton’s or another coffee shop, they can likely spend it accordingly. But if you give gift cards to clothing stores or anywhere similar, it is not always possible to find a purchase that fits the exact amount. Your gift might either be too little to purchase a whole item, or the credit might exceed the price of one item, with leftover money to spare. If somebody wouldn’t normally have spent money in that particular store (and, thus, does not want to put out the difference to buy a second item), the unused credit after the initial purchase will likely go to waste.
Whether you choose to give someone a gift card or cash, most people will be appreciative of the gesture, especially if the gift is an unexpected one or one designed to express thanks. With family members, it’s always easiest to ask for a list of desired gifts to avoid this conundrum. Ask for double or triple the number of items to keep an element of surprise.
Do you give people cash or gift cards for the holidays? Which would you rather receive?
With the average Canadian household debt into six figures, many families are looking for ways to keep the kids busy this March Break while on a tight budget. Sure, traveling to foreign places and sunny locations is the dream, but in reality there's a lot of frugal fun to be found by staying local. Whether you have a toddler or a tween, here are five ways to enjoy March Break on a real budget:
1. Use your city guide.
Go online and check out your city guide for inexpensive March Break activities in your area. Most city guides have a kid's section listing family-friendly events during the break, and many of these activities are frugal or free. The Toronto.com City Guide boasts an entire March Break Attractions section where prices, places, and times are handy for last minute parental planners.
2. Visit your library.
Spend the afternoon browsing kids books, DVDs, and magazines at your local library. Signing out materials is free, and many libraries offer free programs for local kids learning to love books. Don't forget your library card at home and call ahead for March Break activities -- spots can fill up fast!
3. Camping indoors, crafts.
Your kids just want to spend time with you, so skip the expensive family attractions if your children are happy to play at home. For younger kids, plan an indoor camping day by pitching a small tent in the living room -- it's the novelty of the idea and the excitement of something new that can fill hours of play time.
For creative kids, check out this March Break Crafts Headquarters listing from Today's Parent magazine -- there are a bunch of kid-friendly recipes too.
4. Get the annual family membership.
Investing in an annual family membership for the museum, science centre, or zoo is an affordable option if your kids love to visit these places frequently. The total cost is often the full admission price for two visits, so your third visit and beyond is free. Your annual membership may also include discount rates or free passes to other tourist attractions in your area. For example, Science World charges $140 for an unlimited annual family pass in Vancouver, plus you get free admission to 250 other science centres worldwide and 20% off admission to the Vancouver Aquarium, the Greater Vancouver Zoo, and the Space Centre.
5. Watch out for souvenirs, bring your own snacks.
Many local attractions will try to squeeze you for a few more Spring Break bucks by enticing your kids with pricey keepsakes and souvenirs, so do your best to steer clear from these displays.
If you're taking the kids on a day trip, go ahead and pack a cooler with sandwiches and water. Bringing your own snacks and drinks will keep costs down and meals healthy.
Your Turn: What budget friendly activities do you have planned for March Break?
Kerry K. Taylor writes at Squawkfox.com, a blog where frugal living is fun. Kerry is the author of 397 Ways To Save Money: Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less.
Grandparents Day has been celebrated in
Canada since 1995 on the first Sunday after Labour Day. Originating in the U.S.
in the 1970s, the idea was to recognize the important contributions made by
senior citizens. This year, why not show how much you care by planning a
special celebration for grandma and grandpa on September 12. These great ideas
will help you plan a grand day, with tips for every budget.
- Create a memory book.
Buy a beautiful book or album and fill it with photos, cards, letters, newspaper
clippings, and tales featuring the entire family. Spend time with your
grandparents to learn more about their stories and memories, and continue
to add to this commemorative book. Wal-Mart Chapter’s and Indigo have a huge
selection of beautiful albums to house your collection.
- Share their hobbies. Does
grandma enjoy baking, painting or playing cards? Is grandpa a fisherman,
golfer or car enthusiast? Plan to share their hobbies with them on
Grandparents Day—the best part will be the time you spend together! Check out Flyerland.ca for coupons or
special deals on the activities they love.
- Picture the memories.
Go through old photo albums to find favourite family photos and scan them.
If a photo is damaged, you can use a photo restoration service to repair
and restore family heirlooms—visit Flyerland.ca and try the service
offered by Black’s Photography. Once the photos are digitized upload them
to a digital photo frame (available at Best Buy or Future Shop) or make a
beautiful print as a special gift.
- Tackle the “to do” list. Help your grandparents out with the tasks they need done around
the house or yard—from small repairs to preparing the garden for fall or
technical help setting up the computer or DVD player. Whatever the chore,
they’re sure to appreciate a helping hand!
- Grow your family tree. Take the time to sit down with your grandparents to help fill
in the blanks, and enjoy stories from days gone by.
- Give homemade gifts. Cards
and gifts the kids have made with their own hands and give from the heart
is a thoughtful way to honour grandparents on their special day. Michael’s
has all the supplies you’ll need at great prices—see their flyer on
Flyerland.ca.
- Visit a retirement home. When the kids are making cards and gifts, create a few extras
then visit a local retirement home and share them with the residents. This
is sure to bring smiles to the faces of those grandparents whose families
are far away.
By Debbie Frye, General Manager,
Flyerland.ca
 There's no better day to celebrate being a Canuck than Canada Day. This July 1st marks our country's 143rd birthday since the beginning of confederation in 1867. If you're the celebrating type, here are 15 ways to help you throw a frugal Canada Day barbecue.
Barbecue Food on a Budget
1. Throw a potluck: Friends and family love to help out and feel included when it comes to a backyard barbecue. So don't be shy, ask guests to bring their favourite side dish, snack food, or main course to help keep food preparation costs on budget.
2. Bring your own meat (BYOM): It's no mystery that the biggest barbecue expense is the meat portion of the meal. Steaks, burgers, chicken, and pork chops can get expensive when it's only the host cleaving the bill. Chop your costs this year by asking guests to bring their own meat for the grill. As a plus, everyone will munch on their preferred burger while you save money.
3. Grill some veggies: You don't need to be a vegetarian to enjoy a few cost-cutting veggies on the grill this season. Become a money saving omnivore by barbecuing zucchini, mushrooms, corn on the cob, roasted peppers, or eggplant. Grab a skewer and make marinated vegetable kabobs -- with little effort you'll look like a Canuck culinary star.
4. Buy in bulk: Find savings by buying burgers, chicken, and chops in value packs from a bulk warehouse club or a large chain store. You can always wrap and freeze the extra for another party.
5. Make a grocery list and shop the sales: Planning the menu ahead of time is free and saves you from making expensive last minute meal decisions. Grab this free Printable Grocery Shopping List to get a head start on your dinner preparation and to find the best grocery sales in your area.
 Father’s
Day is June 20…and while much fuss is made about mom every year, dad deserves
his special day too! To celebrate the world’s greatest dad, think about his
hobbies and interests and be sure to plan ahead to make this a day he’ll
remember! These 11 unique gift ideas will suit every taste and budget.
- BBQ party. Give the master BBQer a break—let him relax and have mom and the
older kids take over the grilling duties. Cool new barbecue tools he can
use all summer long are a great gift idea—see Flyerland.ca and the Certified
BBQ Experts for delicious deals.
- Hit the links. For dads who love to golf, give a day on the course, or get together
with friends and plan an outing for all the dads. If there’s a particular
new club he wants or some new golf attire, swing over to Flyerland.ca where
you’ll find super savings from SportChek.
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