PassionFile

The Great Recession May Help Change The Conspicuous Consumption Culture

There is no doubt that the economy isn’t picking up any time soon, but that doesn’t mean we have to refrain from buying our husband, wife, girlfriend or boyfriend a gift that has meaning, without breaking the bank. In fact, with a little bit of research and creativity, we're going to do a great job of gifting to the ones we love.

While we all know the 1-2% continue to consider buying from the Neiman Marcus catalog a necessity, or spending $40 on a steak or $200 on a pair of jeans to be quite normal, it isn't. Some may take advertisements like the Lexus red bow literally and enjoy seeing someone wrap-up a car for $60,000. The other 99% of us can still be thoughtful and creative while being frugal at the same time. Being cost conscious doesn’t mean that the gift will not go unappreciated either. In fact, we know that the more effort that is put into a gift, comes through as well. If that person doesn't appreciate the frugal gift, then perhaps they are missing the point.

So how do you not spend a fortune on your special someone, when you’d love to just take your credit card and buy a big piece of jewelry, watch, furniture or artwork? There are a few simple steps that you can take without spending hours of your time;

1) Ask yourself what it is that she/he needs
2) Then, ask yourself what she doesn't want (like chocolate which isn't universal for women).
3) If you’re a couple, consider what it is that you both have discussed wanting or needing (I like this one!)
4) What is your budget, without becoming cash strapped and being able to go out for a meal or buy tickets to a movie afterward?
5) If you have no money, what can you recycle from your friends? Ask and you’ll be surprised since it will be for a good cause.
6) Don’t wait until the last minute. Make it a priority today and by getting the gift, you’ll get plenty of kudos ad reward just for a “mission accomplished”.

7)Think Freegan! The movement may have some extreme views on sustainable living, but they are right on about recycling and getting access to enormous amounts of valuable items.

8) Look around, see what your job jar, or gal time might say. Surprise your special someone by taking care of some long ignored chores, items to buy (lots of small ones are great and usually less expensive).

9) Include friends and family in your buying or recycling gift idea. Don't be shy about your financial position if you need help, let them know.

10) Don't go to chain or department stores. You must spend a little time at boutique shops. Check out Etsy.com or other specialized resellers online or in well known "cute" shopping areas.

The age of excess is, at least for the short term, over and unless you are a socialite or competing for a job as a managing director at a major investment bank, then you're good to consider inexpensive or free items as long as you include the 10 suggestions that are listed above. The effort and authenticity that you will exhibit will place more of an impression on your partner than buying a cold, expensive name brand item that shows nothing about why you love that person, just that you have a big wallet. If the person you are with is just looking for expensive and extravagant gifts, than you should probably not waste your time on them. Likely they are a gold digger or leach and the benefits of being in a relationship like that are limited at best.