Okay, I know. Every year this sort of article comes out in some magazine or other. So I’m not claiming to have hit upon the secret to gift buying that will solve all your problems. It never hurts, however, to be re-exposed to a few good ideas, so here they are.

1. Whittle down your list. Be ruthless. If you are caught in the trap of buying gifts for some people because they always buy for you, stop to consider that maybe they are buying because you buy for them! For those you have given to but want to stop, try one of these:
   a. Talk to them! They may be as relieved as you are.
   b. If you are too chicken to do “a”, try this. Give them a small token gift this year, preferably edible. Next year, remove them from your list altogether. I call this the two-step maneuver.
   
2. Use a budget. Decide ahead of time how much you can afford to spend for the entire holiday season. Then decide what portion of your total holiday budget you want to spend on gifts for each person. Using a simple Excel spreadsheet or a plain sheet of paper, list each name and the amount you designated for them. When you make a purchase, enter what you bought and how much it cost. Keep a running tally for each person and for the total you have spent. If you want, date your log and put it away for next year so you can actually remember what you bought. Now is not the time for me to get on my budget soapbox, but suffice to say that you really do not want to go into further debt just to buy Christmas presents.
   
3. Decide what you are buying BEFORE you go shopping. Whether you are heading for the mall or the internet, know ahead of time exactly what you are looking for and how much you are going to spend. Be sure to have your list and your budget with you when you shop.
   
4. Consider the following ideas for gifts:
   a. Gift certificates. Book stores, music stores, restaurants and movie theatres make gifts that are hassle-free yet appreciated by many.
   b. Donations. You can give farm animals, mosquito netting, medicine and other goods to those in great need. These gifts can be given in honor of someone on your list. World Vision, Oxfam, and other charity organizations make it very easy to do this online.
   c. Cash. This is especially attractive to many kids and teens.
   d. Babysitting. Parents of young children are always grateful for opportunities to go out, knowing their little ones are in good hands. Make it for a specific date or occasion so that the offer is convenient to your schedule.
   e. Wine. When you come across a good sale, stock up. These make great last-minute gifts for someone you forgot to put on your list.
   f. Think Local. Jars of hot sauce from your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant or soaps made from local herbs. Austin’s local merchants offer lots of interesting gifts and goodies, including local wines.

The main point here is that you do not have to blow your budget or a fuse in order to give gifts that are appreciated by the people on your list. And don’t forget to have fun as you let your creative side out to play this holiday season.