Make the Most of Your Gift-Giving Budget this Holiday Season

Posted on 15. Dec, 2011 by citizen in Life Style

(Family Features) The holidays are a special time of year where friends and family celebrate the magic of the season together. And if you’re like a lot of people, you want convenient, budget-friendly holiday gift ideas for everyone on your gift list. This year, surprise your loved ones with gifts everyone can enjoy together, like a cozy night at home with their favorite movies or games.

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, 44.4 percent of consumers have DVDs, videos or video games on their wish list, so home entertainment gifts are sure to please.

Here are some tips to help you maximize your gift-giving budget and make new traditions this holiday season, without sacrificing fun.

Keep track. Carefully managing your holiday spending on a day-to-day basis will help you keep your costs in check and allow you to splurge on a great gift. Keep track of your budget with free smartphone apps such as Spend Free, available at iTunes, or online with a free membership at www.mint.com.

Keep gift-giving expenses down with gifts such as Blockbuster By Mail subscriptions, where your friends and family can receive Blu-ray – at no additional charge – and DVD movies and video games by mail, then exchange them for new rentals at a Blockbuster store.

Make any time movie time. The gift of entertainment is for everyone – as a hostess gift, a stocking stuffer or something for hard-to-buy-for family members. Personalize the entertainment experience with 3- or 5-disc Build Your Own Box Sets from your local Blockbuster. They come in a festive gift box, so you don’t even need to wrap them. Check out the wide range of movies, TV shows and video games available online and in stores.

Create new holiday traditions. Expand your special family time this holiday season with affordable entertainment options such as movies and video games at home. Rent your favorite holiday movies and set up a bakery at home rather than buying holiday treats from the local specialty store. Or set up a family game tournament with video games and stay warm on a frosty winter’s night. Once everyone has mastered one game, you can return it in-store to keep the fun going.

For movie and game ideas and more information on a variety of holiday gifts under $50, visit www.blockbuster.com.