Can you afford to buy the perfect gift for someone special? Maybe not. But what if there were a way to get it anyway? You’ve probably heard that saving up money is the key to buying great gifts, but how do you know when you have enough saved up? The answer depends on your budget and what kind of item you want. So, here are some tips on how to save smart every month so that one day soon, your loved ones might be opening presents from YOU instead of just dreaming about them!

Take advantage of your favorite shops and stores

If you like shopping at any one particular store (and who doesn’t love to shop these days?), then it might be smart to check out their coupon codes and online discounts before heading in person. There are many sites that make getting promo codes for various shops and stores easily, but always read the fine print just in case! Many big brands offer discounts and promotional codes pretty often, and that includes brands like Nike, O’Neill, Avon, Garnier, Madison Reed, Adidas, etc., and using them can save you a substantial amount of money when buying their products. While O’Neill promo codes are great if you are looking to shop for some clothing, Madison reed promo codes are fantastic if you want to save some money while shopping for hair color and hair care products, especially if you are buying a few items of the same kind! Sometimes less is more when it comes to saving up for a special purchase because every little bit counts. Also, keep track of what kind of promotional emails or direct mailings you get from that store since they will usually tell you about upcoming sales or promotions that could save you even more money! So if you know you’ll be spending a certain amount that month at that store, then take advantage of what they have to offer and set the money you save aside for your gift.

Set a goal and make the most of every dollar you spend

It seems like we all use our credit or debit cards these days to either pay for things online or swipe and go at the grocery store (although you can save on your groceries if you use coupons and shop smart). But spending is one thing, saving is another! If you want to get that gift for someone special, then it’s time to start putting money aside. You know how much cash you normally have leftover every month after bills and expenses (and maybe treat yo self purchases), so figure out what kind of gift could fit into that monthly “buffer zone” and set a distinct savings goal. Once you know how much money you can safely set aside, you’ll be well on your way to buying the right gift.

Come up with a plan B

Sometimes we have a picture in our minds of what it will be like when we finally get the perfect gift for someone special. But if it so happens that your dream gift isn’t going to happen this year (or even next year), then adopt a “plan B” mindset so you don’t stress out or feel down on yourself. Maybe there’s something else just as great that could also make that person happy, which would now mean no more saving needed! Or maybe it means trying something different so that in the future, there’s a better chance of you getting what you want. If the ideal gift is still in your heart and in your mind, then it’s worth keeping track of it for when you can finally open up that present.

Be smart about how much you save

There are different ways to save money depending on how you view things. Some people are fine with sacrificing certain things so they can sock away cash every month, while others are frugal because they love to shop around or use coupons! No matter which one describes you, make sure to do the math before setting aside any cash each month and come up with a savings plan specifically tailored for what YOU want and need (not just for someone else). By knowing how much you can spend and then planning for monthly purchases, you should be able to come up with the perfect gift without overspending or going into debt.

Remember that it’s about them

The point of saving up for a gift is not (just) because YOU want something nice, but rather to make another person happy! So if the idea of buying someone special a gift doesn’t excite you all that much, then maybe it’s time to take a look at your relationship and see if they may feel the same way. If not (and even this isn’t necessarily true), then maybe it would be better to put less focus on giving gifts and more focus on showing someone else you care. And if neither of those options seems appealing either, then try to find a middle ground where both of you can be satisfied. In the end, it’s all about how much effort and thought you put into any gift so that they really feel special!

Saving up for a gift is not always easy, but it doesn’t have to be too hard. You can take advantage of your favorite stores or shops’ coupon codes and discounts in order to save more money on the things you need anyway. If you are able to set aside some cash each month and plan ahead for monthly purchases at that store, then there will likely be additional savings opportunities available!  It’s also important to remember that this is about making the other person feel special, not just getting something for yourself. If you don’t look forward to preparing a gift, then think of other ways to be thoughtful and express your love toward someone. Remember, it’s the thought that counts!

Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)