C’mon it’s an entry you all saw coming… and an important one at that.

The holidays can be a time of smiles, hugs and laughter, but it can also be a time of frowns, shoves and scowls. I know. And it happens when people go searching for cash they just don’t have.

This “holiday-themed post” may actually come a little late. I have a few friends who are about to finish their shopping by the time November comes around. And this blogger started giving out advice almost two months ago.

I’ve searched the Internet for the best gift-giving-money-saving ideas and I’m presenting them to you for your shopping convenience.

1. Buy one nice gift—not three or four “pretty good” ones. When you buy a bunch of smaller gifts, you often restrict yourself to inexpensive items, which are usually less useful. Why not put all that money towards something the person will really appreciate?
2. Start early. For the record, I consider now early. I’m usually an I’ll-get-it-the-day-before-or-day-of kind of guy. If you start early, you can make sure that you get the perfect item. This also gives you a chance to comparison shop. You’ll also avoid some of the crowds that mid-December attracts.
3. Set yourself a budget. Yup, it sounds cheap… but you are cheap, aren’t you? This doesn’t mean you have to buy something that the person won’t appreciate it; it just means you may have to use your imagination.
4. Put some thought in it—Don’t just head to the mall and hope for the best (something I may have been known to do once or twice in my lifetime). If you spend some time getting your ideas together, you’ll save time and probably some money. By researching that special someone’s pastimes and hobbies, you may come up with a unique idea.
5. Can you make something? We all love food. What about a scrapbook? Homemade gifts, while time consuming, are definitely the most appreciated gifts.
6. Pictures. Everyone loves ‘em… just think about all the time you spend creeping people’s pics on Facebook. No one prints pictures anymore, so if you frame a couple of your favourites, you’re bound to make someone happy.
7. Pool your cash to get a big present. It’s a common thought that the more gifts there are to unwrap, the better the holiday. Not true. Students and recent grads would much rather one good gift than five pieces of junk. Get together with your brothers and sisters or your close friends to buy one single good gift.
8. What about waiting until after the big day? I know, it’ not very conventional, but I’ve often thought that my family should wait to exchange gifts on the 27th. This way, we could take advantage of all the deals on Boxing Day. Take caution when suggesting you postpone Christmas, however. The idea isn’t always met with smiling faces.

Good luck with the shopping and, please, feel free to share any other money-saving ideas.