Do you hesitate when buying clothing as a gift for Christmas?

That’s probably a good thing. There are so many variables when it comes to clothes shopping that it can be difficult find the right item in the right size. Think of it … some of the variables which make Christmas shopping for clothing so difficult include:

• size,
• color, and
• style.

Get something too big and it’s an insult, too small and the person is disappointed. The wrong color – and your gift is returned. The wrong style and it looks like you don’t know the person well enough. Basically, if you don’t get it right, you’re hosed.

Well, here are some tips to help you get it right.

Size
If you are 100% sure of someone’s size, then you can pretty much buy any type of clothing, from pants to skirts to dresses and more. But, if you aren’t … you need to buy something that is more forgiving … something that can be more of a “one size fits most” type of item. These kinds of clothing include sweatshirts and t-shirts. If you get either of these items in a size too large, it’s often O.K. because baggy is in. As long as you’re in the ball park, you’ll be O.K.

Of course, if the gift doesn’t need to be a surprise, you can alway have the person along to try things on.

Color
What color or colors does this person wear often? If you select something that goes with the person’s chosen color palette, you should be O.K.

Another way to select color is to understand what colors will look best on this person. Check out Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jackson, and learn what “season” the people on gift list is … then you can choose colors that will look good on them.

Style
Choosing a style someone can appreciate is a tricky thing. Yes, age plays a factor … but so does personal taste. Get something pink for a Goth girl and she won’t be happy.

If you are purchasing a gift of clothing for a really close friend or family member you may have a good idea about the style of clothing he or she likes, because you see the clothing they wear on a regular basis.

If you don’t know the person well enough … maybe you should get them something else … or get an accessory such as a scarf, gloves or hat.

Rising gas prices. Increased travel costs. Down Economy.

So, how’s your holiday budget doing?

Yeah, times are tight and many people are suffering, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your holiday cheer. Here are some tips for making the most of your holiday budget … regardless of its size.

Assess Your Holiday Spending
Take a look at what you spent last year, including

• Gifts
• Cards
• Wrapping paper & supplies
• Postage and shipping
• Travel

This will give you a starting point. Will your budget handle more of the same? Or do you need to reduce your costs this year?

Trim Your Expenses
Now look at the list you created. Are there things you don’t really need to spend money on this year? Maybe you have left over wrapping paper. Maybe you can consolidate your shipping and reduce the postage costs. Be creative in how you do your first round of reductions.

Make a List & Check It Twice
Who did you buy gifts for last year? Do all of them need gifts from you this year? Can you tone down the amount you spend on gifts for some or all of the people on your list. Create budget … for each person on your list … and stick to it. Sometimes, knowing the maximum you’re willing to spend on a gift for someone can trigger creativity that inspires you to give a better gift at a lesser cost!

Be Frugal and Creative
There are lots of ways to give more meaningful gifts at a reduced cost. Here are some ideas:

• Create a memory scrapbook for someone dear … think “Baby’s First Christmas” for Mom or “My Favorite Moments” for Dad
• Bake cookies or some other favorite recipe … one year a neighbor gave me flan! I’ve even baked home-made biscotti and received heartfelt thanks for them.
• Create gift baskets … I’ve written about this before, but you can create some amazingly wonderful gift baskets for little cost when you fill them with interesting items you’ve found at dollar stores, Big Lots and, yes, thrift stores.

Be Smart About Travel
Don’t ship presents if you can deliver them yourself. Host more parties instead of traveling to them. When you go shopping, be smart about the route you take and be efficient … get all the things you need in fewer trips.

And, if you host parties … don’t do all the work yourself. Make it a potluck and reduce the work and costs all around.

Keep An Eye Out for Sales
The oldest trick in the book is to never buy at full price. In fact, in an earlier post I recommended buying your Christmas gifts all year long … that way you never have to pay full price.

Shop Online
Shopping online, if you are wise about it, can actually save you money in several ways: no travel costs, reduced product costs and sometimes even free shipping!

So, if you have a tighter budget this year compared to last, don’t worry. The tips and advice above should help you keep that holiday spirit.