Red: Remember, it is just a gift. They already know how much you care, and spending an extra $50 dollars is not going to change that. Trust that this is true and do not think about the fact that they spent more on you last year. Your relationship with them is based on how you show up in that relationship, not how sick you feel on January 18th with more credit card charges than you can afford. If the price of the gift truly mattered to them, is it really a friendship? If need be, let them know you would love to do more but you have to be careful – if you do this whatever you give will become priceless to a true friend.
Suggestion: Set a total dollar amount that you can really afford for everyone and then get creative as to how to stick to it (a coupon for dinner and a movie with you and three of your friends after the holidays, a coffee card that you will only allow to be use when you (and your friends) meet on Saturday mornings….).
What shopping advice would you give to other reds? Do you have an interesting story to tell? Please post a comment.
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