I am a practical gal, and my husband is a practical fellow. We work hard, pay our bills and save our money for logical and necessary things. We rarely “splurge” and have learned to count pennies and never carry too much credit.
We save. We plan. We trim edges and think/ponder/obsess over each purchase we make.
And it has done us well. We purchased our first home the year we were married, and were able to renovate and re-sell for higher value. We continued to invest and get high returns for property (and effort) continuing on. We aren’t overwhelmed by “stuff” and choose lasting and logical purchases.
But there were sacrifices along the way.
Holidays for one. Hubby and I always chose to go with a small budget at the holidays, and in the past decade switched to not giving each other birthday gifts entirely.
And as of lately, I am just not digging this anymore.
After my let down of a 40th Birthday, I realized that perhaps a few thoughtful gifts could have helped. Not having a single gaily-wrapped present awaiting me kind pushed the day even father down the “joyful day” list.
So today I sat my hubby down. I told him how all our saving and budgeting has led us to an amazing place in our life, but now I am drawing the line. I want presents. And I want to give him presents.
And I want us to choose presents for the kids, together and independently.
They don’t have to be big, or expensive, but they do need to be thoughtful and chosen “Just. For. Us.” They need to be something I didn’t pick out (or write about) myself, or things he didn’t purchase 2 weeks before Christmas cause he “needed it”. They need to be things we might like, and perhaps something that doesn’t necessarily seem “logical”.
So I was thrilled to see that this year Shoppers Drug Mart is launching their “GIFTS MADE EASY” campaign, which includes an online destination that allows you to filter hundreds of gift ideas by price, categories, or the type of person you are shopping for.
Whether you are searching for the right gift for your Cool Kids, Trendy Tots, Modern Man (grooming essentials like the Gillette ProGlide Holiday Pack) who is also into ALL the latest gadgets, or The Entertainer (delectable sweets & chocolates for friends and co-workers) that knows how to throw a party, Shoppers Drug Mart can help.
Even when it’s for HIM.
Or them!
This means that as I search for my Trendy Tots, I get great deals and easy access to online shopping for V-techs cool Shake & Move Puppy.
Based on how much my little guy likes his other V-Tech gifts, I am sure he will love this!
And for my Cool Older Kids, the Acer 8″ Tablet is the perfect upgrade for them this year.
I like to think they will use it for educational games, and they swear to me that Minecraft is ALL about math and physics.
And of course, anything Frozen this year will play double duty. A toy and a holiday decoration, and just the thing to brighten up the house on a cold winter day.
We have a special affinity for Olaf of course, and I think ALL the kids would go a little crazy over him if he was hiding under our tree this year!
And the hubby has been hinting at how great it would be to have some tunes in his workshop to keep his mind occupied while he fixes and fiddles his sunday away!
I think I can stuff the Sony Micro Hi-Fi Stereo into his stocking so it will fit!
And for those of you who like to fully immerse yourself in the shopping experience, each Shoppers Drug Mart location has exciting in-store sales, promotions & exclusive holiday gifts sets running from November 12 to December 25. And not only can you can earn Shoppers Optimum Points on every purchase, but most stores are open late during the holiday period as well.
Keep your eyes peeled for these great Holiday Gift Guide Launches running as well (and be sure to stock up on the specials while they are on offer) The “Give Beauty, beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart” is now available and “Get Set for the Happiest Holidays!” is coming out on November 15th (plus 3 additional gift guides coming out late November and December). Be a part of the excitement and join the conversation at #giftsmadeeasy!
The best part about all of this though is that my Hubby will also have an easy place to do his shopping for ME! He can even play the “Unwrap to Win” game from December 1-24 on the Shoppers Drug Mart Website. With 15 winners every day and great prizes ranging from beauty, fragrances, skin care sets to toys, electronics and gift cards, I might get even more than I expected!
And for all your Twitter Tweeps, enter the #SDMHolidays retweet to win contest for a chance to win 1 of 10, $100 Shoppers Drug Mart gift cards, from now to November 21st. Find out more here!
Being frugal is fabulous, but there are ways to spread the seasonal love AND watch your budget, and that is the best way to balance. I am ready to spend some time choosing thoughtful gifts and starting a NEW tradition in our family! One that has us watching our pennies AND enjoying the little things in life.
Although this post has been generously sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart, the opinions and language are my own, and in no way do they reflect Shoppers Drug Mart.