Question From A Reader

I got this email yesterday from a reader and wanted to share.

Hi, Amy!  I've been reading your blog for nearly a year now and visit it everyday.  I've noticed that you don't comment too much on what kinds of Christmas gifts you give.  I was wondering how you handle family members who know you use coupons to get gifts. I'm guessing many of them know you have a blog.  Some of my friends and family members think that it's not fair to spend less than the set amount on a gift.  For instance if we set a gift amount at $20 and I get a gift that's regularly $20 on sale for only $10 - some get a little miffed about it.  How do you handle such situations?  Plus, do you buy a lot of practical gifts?  I find myself doing that more and more with my kids.  I guess I just may be a little nosey, but I just want to know how you do Christmas.  Thanks for all the deals!

Margaret from PA


Oh, Margaret, I do occasionally get some flack about getting gifts that are on sale.  But I tend not to pay any attention to those people anymore.  The way I see it is that it doesn't matter how much you spent on the $20 gift.  If the person getting the gift didn't hit the sale they would have spent $20 on it.  Plus, it really is the thought that matters.  When I got flack I suggested nipping the gift giving all together.  If someone isn't appreciative then I'd rather not spend my money on them. If I didn't use coupons and sales I wouldn't be able to buy as much as I do.

When it comes to Christmas I buy gifts all year long so that I don't feel overwhelmed at Christmas time.  I get them when I find them on sale.  I especially love hitting the Target 75% off clearance sale that happens in July.  I also use my Amazon credits to get toys and gifts.  As far as practical gifts I do get quite a few.  However, I make sure that what I'm getting is going to make the kiddos happy.  For instance I get them toothbrushes that are their favorite characters with the "sparkly" toothpaste.  It's something that they need and makes them happy at the same time.

We all do what we have to to take care of our families.  You do what you can.  If someone gets upset just remind yourself that they aren't paying your bills.  Thanks for reading my blog, Margaret.  It's readers like yourself that makes me keep this blog going!