Holiday shopping is in full swing. From here until the end of the year, you and your loved ones will hear countless ads and commercials. Ads telling them about the best deals of the year, sales you can’t pass up, and items that just have to buy to make the holidays happy.
Everyone can get taken into by the lure of shopping for the perfect present. But as you care for your aging loved one, you need to help them understand the importance of shopping wisely. Here are some tips to help your loved one enjoy shopping this holiday season, without breaking her budget.
- Make a list and check it twice. Your loved one may want to buy presents for everyone she cares about, from each grandchild to the neighbors, and even her senior home care provider. Have her write them all down on a list (or use an app on her phone). Then double-check them. Helping her determine who may or may not need a gift. Some may simply need a kind note or holiday card. Likewise, some might be left off the list completely.
- Create a budget. You don’t want your loved one to overspend this holiday season. So help her create a budget and stick to it. One way to stick to a budget is to use cash. Put all the cash that she’s allotted to spend in an envelope. Then, once it’s gone, it’s gone. If she’s worried about spending too much on one person and then not having enough left over for others, she could create an envelope for each person. It also helps to have someone go shopping with her and hold her accountable. A senior home care provider can take her shopping. They can also help her find good deals or coupons that will keep her budget on track.
- Bargain shop. It can take a bit more time, but often the same item can be found at several places for different prices. If she knows exactly what she wants to get little Sally, help her search for the place to get it at the best price. When the senior home care provider visits, she might help your loved one do an online search to find the best deals out there.
- Look into thoughtful, homemade gifts. The neighbors might simply love one of your loved one’s famous pumpkin pies. A college student grandson may think getting a homemade lasagna to bring back to the dorm to share with his buddies is the best gift ever. Not all gifts must be purchased at the store. In fact, others will appreciate helping your loved one use her talents to create one-of-a-kind thoughtful gifts.
The holidays shouldn’t be stressful, but sometimes trying to find the perfect gift and keeping up with the budgets of others can be overwhelming and anxiety-ridden. It never hurts to remind your loved one that the best present she can bring is simply herself.
Providing exceptional Senior Home Care for seniors and families in the Northern Virginia area, including Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Reston, Burke, Ashburn, Centreville, Springfield, Manassas, and Oakton. Call today to speak with our caring staff: (703) 272-8838.
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