The Holidays should be time of peace, enjoyment and relaxation but all too often it's filled with frustration and stress. This year much of that stress is due to the changes in the economy. To help relieve some of the strain this year consider a few ideas that will increase your spending power.
Although many retailers may go out of business in 2009, gift cards are still a good way to increase your spending power as long as you use them for your own personal shopping and not for gift giving. During the holidays many stores and restaurants offer gift cards that you can purchase and with that purchase you receive a bonus gift card. For example Blockbuster is offering a bonus $5.00 gift card with a $50.00 gift card purchase. If you have $50.00 worth of items to buy then purchase the gift card first and use the card to buy the items you want, by doing this you receive the $5.00 bonus card that you can use for additional purchases. The other option is to use the $5.00 bonus gift card as a stocking stuffer for some on your list.
Use web sites like www.restaurant.com to purchase restaurant gift cards. This site offers gift cards from $3 to $40 but the value of the cards received range from $10 to $100 respectively. These cards are a great value but keep in mind that many of the restaurants require a minimum meal purchase of $35 so be sure to read the details before you purchase them. If you always eat out or you plan to buy dinner for a group this holiday this web site could provide tremendous savings. You can even view menus for many of the restaurants and the site even offers a frequent diner’s option for additional savings. The gift cards on this web site are instant so you can purchase a card, print it out and use it immediately.
Open the door to many shopping opportunities by using a free online offer from Entertainment Book. You will be able to choose 3 shopping, entertainment or restaurants coupons to print online. An example of some of the coupons you can select from are stores like Macys.com, Target.com, Cost Plus World Market, Radio Shack and restaurants like Uncle Sams, Cici's Pizza, Senior Coyote Mexican Grill and many others. To register visit www.entertainment.com/custom/freetrial where you will be asked to enter your email address and zip code in order to view the offers in your area.
For the gamers on your Christmas list introduce them to trading video games & video game equipment online. You can set up an account for them or offer to pay for a certain number of trades. Web sites like www.goozex.com/trading/asp/about_howitworks.asp offer trades for $1.00 per trade and they guarantee each trade. Sign up is free and there are no monthly service charges or rental fees, you pay only shipping charges on items you send in for trade but otherwise it works off of a point system. There are many game trading web sites as well as physical storefronts like GameStop and Game Crazy that offer special promotions and sales.
A few stores that offer great items at discount prices are Big Lots and Beall's Outlets (AKA - Burke's Outlets). Both of these stores offer a variety of items like clothing, toys and housewares. If money is very tight for you this year consider second hand stores like Goodwill and Savers. You can buy books, candles, costume jewelry, sewing and craft supplies or choose from a variety of other items. Both stores have one day per week that a selected color tag goes on sale for 50% off. Sometimes at Goodwill when you donate items, you receive a coupon good toward a future purchase at the bottom of your donation receipt. Consignment stores are also a great idea if you're looking for unusual or unique items.
No matter what you can or cannot buy this year look for simple ways to enjoy time with your friends and family. Maybe this is should be the year that you give of yourself and not your checkbook. Money never defines a person...
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