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A lot of people like to have parties during the holidays where their friends gather together. A newer twist on this idea also helps you and your friends get the holiday shopping done, as well.

Home parties have come a long way since the traditional Tupperware Party days and they are no longer something you “have to go to and buy something” because your sister-in-law is hosting it. They’ve become a great gift buying venue. Whatever you are looking for there is probably a home party that will provide it.

What’s great about home parties during the holidays is that you get to gather with friends and avoid the crowds at the same time. In the comfort of your own home, or that of a friend, you get to see exactly what you are buying, the order is delivered to you and best of all, if you are the host, you can pick up several items at little or no cost to you!
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Sometimes a one-time gift just isn’t what you are looking for. You want something that will keep on giving throughout the year. Enter the “Of the Month” clubs. There is an incredible variety of “Of the Month” clubs you can choose from.

Fruit

One of the more widely known is the “Fruit of the Month” club. For a set fee your gift of fruit is delivered on a timetable of your choosing, once a month, every other month or 3 to 4 times a year. Each delivery is a case consisting of one or more different fruits. The fruits are sometimes exotic, sometimes seasonal, and always delicious. They average around $30 to $40 per month.

Resources:
GotFruit.com: www.gotfruit.com/fruit_month_club.html
Harry & David: www.harryanddavid.com
California Fruit Gifts: www.californiafruitgifts.com

Beer

For the hops and barley lovers on your list, there are numerous “Beer of the Month” clubs. Also on a timetable of your choosing, your gift of two six-packs made up of two to four different beers from one of many domestic or international microbreweries is delivered. Often the gift includes information on the breweries that the beers came from, along with suggestions for foods that the beers will complement. These beer clubs also average about $30 to $40 per month.
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Do you have someone on your gift shopping list who likes the theater, live concerts or sports? Then one way to handle the “what to buy” dilemma during the holidays is to purchase a pair of tickets to an event that you know the recipient will enjoy. This is especially nice if you are getting something that they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves. I say a “pair” of tickets because most events are better if you can take someone with you.

Depending on where the recipient lives, you can buy tickets to a number of events:

Tickets or a season subscription to the local playhouse. There are a great number of amateur playhouses (some that also serve dinner) in many communities. Junior colleges and even some high schools put on performances that are highly enjoyable.
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When find yourself with someone on your holiday gift list who is difficult to shop for, sometimes your best bet is to go for something out of the ordinary. Here are some ideas for unusual gifts that can please even the most discriminating receiver.

Interestingly scented candles, like lavendar-sage or apple pie.

Crystals. These can be pendulums, jewelry or even just kept in a velvet pouch. Chlorite quartz is supposed to be a healing mineral said to cleanse ones aura.

CD’s that play the soothing sounds of wind, rain and babbling brooks. I used to have one that played the sound of the ocean — it was a great backdrop to an indoor beach party!
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You don’t have to go all out when buying gifts to give those you love something they will cherish. As the old adage goes, “It is the thought that counts.” Therefore, it is better concentrate on the joy and amusement the receiver will get and not on how much money you will spend.

So, if your gift budget is tight, there are many ways to save while still being able to give gifts that will be deeply appreciated. Here are some ideas:

Start a Gift Closet

… Or at least a Gift Bin or Box. If you have not done this before, try to do it now. Shop for gifts all year long. This not only can save you money — because you’ll be able to buy things on sale — but it can save you time and hassle, as well. The point here is that if you do not plan in advance, you will end up spending more.
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