I don't want to feel like Michael did.

The holidays are just around the corner and I’m not ready! I don’t mean that I haven’t bought my gifts yet (I haven’t). I’m just not ready for it to BE the holidays–not ready to pull out the decorations, make “the list,” check “the list” a bazillion times and still forget something. Not ready to gain five pounds. Not ready for the craziness to begin. I’m not quite the Christmas Kranks, but I like a clean house, a simple lifestyle, and under scheduled kids. It doesn’t always happen, but it’s less likely to happen once we start rockin’ around the Christmas tree.

Goal: Simplify with Gift Cards

This year, I am going to use gift cards to simplify my life. Rather than chase all over town buying traditional gifts, I’ll buy gift cards by the armful. And with the time savings, I’ll be able to make the those gift cards more personal. I’m even thinking the kids might find a gift card or two in their stockings. Because one thing I like less than clutter, is wasting time and money. With gift cards, the recipient can buy something he or she wants. With my personal touches, I’ll feel good about giving the gift cards as well.

Goal: Take Advantage of Gift Card Offers

I’ll be on the lookout for the “Give one, Get one” (G.O.G.O.) gift card deals and might even buy gift cards from online discounters. Though I prefer to pick a gift card off the rack so I can hold it, get inspired by it, and check for fees and expiration, the discount savings at places like Plastic Jungle can’t be ignored.

Goal: Budget.

Though it’s hard to find traditional gifts that fit exactly in your budget, with gift cards you decide how much to spend and don’t have to give a penny more. I rarely blow my budget on the accoutrements that go along with the holidays, but I do sometimes go overboard on the gifts. Another reason to stay with the gift cards.

Goal: Enjoy it.

With these parameters in place, I vow to enjoy the holiday season–even embrace it’s coming. If the worst problem I have is too much holly in the hallways, then I’ve got it pretty good. And I do. I just want to simplify the gift giving and keep the budget in check so I can spend more time reveling in the the blessings of this holiday season and less time worrying about it.

Congrats to Allison H

She wanted a gift card to Home Depot or Lowe’s, but Allison H is getting a gift card to Blockbuster and Regal Cinemas instead!  Congratulations Allison for winning the Gift Card Girlfriend Movie Bonanza! 

If you didn’t win, take “heart.” We’ll unveil a special Valentine’s Day Gift Card Giveaway shortly—one that is sure to make your heart skip a beat.

In the meantime, take a look at the most popular gift cards desired this holiday season:

1. Clothing and Department Stores.  J. Crew, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic are top vote getters because you said it’s hard to spend that kind of money on yourself without feeling guilty.  A gift card gives you permission to indulge and buy clothing you crave without spending a fortune.  But many of you would be just as happy shopping for clothes at our second most desired gift card retailer…
2. Target.   A shopping spree at Target can be both a practical gift (diapers, household necessities, clothing for the kids) and a treat (makeup, clothing for me, electronics, household decorations).  You said, “Target is great because you can get almost anything you need there.”  I totally agree.
3. Movies.  Some want to take the family out, others want to sneak away for date night, and the rest of you are just anxious to see a good movie without having to take out a second mortgage.  If you’re gift carding a movie this holiday season but don’t know what movie theater is in the recipient’s home town, get a Fandango gift card and let the recipient decide.
4. Home stores.  Lowes, Home Depot, Home Goods, and other home improvement stores are next on the list.  While this may seem overly practical, we’re in practical times right now.  Defraying the cost of fixing up the old homestead would be a welcome gift.
5. Amazon.com.  While it used to be just for books, Amazon is now recognized by many of you as a place for everything.  Like Target, you can indulge yourself or buy practical items for the family.
6. Spa or Salon. You want the spa treatment or the much-needed pedicure, but the practical side of you warns not to be so self-indulgent.  The shoulder devil says, “I would really love a massage.”  But the shoulder angel says, “I should get a Target or AMEX gift card so I can buy diapers instead.”  The beauty of a gift card is that it allows you to flick that angel off your shoulder and indulge without feeling guilty.
7. Entertainment.  Beyond the movies, you’d like to go out to a nice restaurant (or ANY restaurant) and maybe grab a movie on the way home or curl up with a book afterwards.  Bookstores, Restaurants, Video stores, and iTunes gift cards round out the list of most desired gift cards.

Like you, many of the people you plan to shop for this holiday season would like to receive a gift card.  So get the gift card and deliver it with confidence knowing that you’re either giving someone permission to indulge in a way they don’t normally allow themselves, or you’re giving them the gift of reducing the cost of more practical items.  Either will be appreciated.

And I, for one, am saving money this holiday season doing so.  Mostly because I’m staying totally within my budget.  I’m buying gift cards in the amount planned and packaging them with simple extras that make the gift more meaningful.