5 Great Ways for Gift Giving Without Breaking the Bank

You’ve been dating someone for a month, and it’s their birthday. You’ve got to find something to get them that shows that you care without saying that you care “too” much. And you don’t want to spend a fortune.

As much as you’d like to get gifts for the special people in your life, it can be a struggle to find middle ground between gift giving and budget-balancing. If you’ve just started to get to know to someone, it can be tough to find gifts that will leave them smiling without leaving you wondering how you’re going to pay the bills. A gift doesn’t have to be flashy to show someone that you care – sometimes, it really is the thought that counts.

Remember not everyone needs gifts

While receiving a gift usually feels pretty awesome, you don’t necessarily have to physically give them something to show that you care. Do something for them instead. For her, instead of your normal dinner and a movie date, pack a picnic for an early dinner of appetizers and wine and head to a local park. If you’re the adventurous type, plan to go rock climbing — even it’s just in a gym, it’s a fun way to spend time together. Stay tuned to Living Social and Groupon for fun things to do in your town.

Make the gift

If you are artistic or handy, purchase the materials and invest your time and energy instead of your money.  Many people appreciate a gift someone else made because the gift contains more meaning than something purchased. Did you two do something fun together over the first month? Print out some pictures and arrange them in a photo frame collage.  Talk Craft to Me has some great ideas for homemade gifts for her.

It really doesn’t have to be big

These outrageous displays of affection are everywhere, and if you’re not careful, you can easily get sucked into the myth that you have to do the same thing if you ever hope to wine their heart over. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Even something as small as fresh flowers of a stuffed animal can make a big impact, especially if you add some personalization behind it. The Serious Teddy Bear has some great teddy bear gift baskets that you add more to your gift than just a bear

Add in some surprise

Unexpected gifts can have a great effect when used effectively. If you see something that you know will make her happy, you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to give a gift.  It can even be something as small as a book you saw that reminded you of her or a $15 iTunes gift card so she can download the new band she’s always been talking about. Gifts are about showing someone you care, and there’s no better way to do that than picking up something just because.

Wait patiently for special deals

You can see big gift giving occasions like birthdays, anniversaries or Christmas coming from months away, even if you have just started dating. Shop for deals throughout the year (or hit up post-holiday clearance sales and hold onto your gifts for a few months) so you aren’t putting yourself on the hook for a massive gift bill at the same time. You’ll have plenty of time to find deals and promotions so you save as much money as possible.

When you follow these tips for gift giving, not only do you end up pleasing the one you love, but you won’t have to clear out your savings for every special occasion.  And that’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Dating Symbol’s blogger today is Erin Leigh ia writer for Hope Paige which provides stylish medical ID bracelets.

Editor Note: – I love gift giving and of course receiving gifts but the hardest part is to find the gift for me! How about you?