Get What You Want this Holiday...And Save Some Money Doing It

We've all been there...sitting in front of a loved one at present opening time, faking a smile and excitement when you unwrap a heinous hand-knit sweater with a giant dog pattern on it. Okay, so I just took a trip back into my childhood a bit there for that example. Perhaps it's more like getting a a type of perfume you're not a fan of or a bathrobe that's at least two sizes too big. Whatever the case may be, there's a way to remedy this ill-advised gift giving while at the same time helping your loved one save money on your gift!

This year, instead of trying to rack her brain to think of something I might like, my mother asked me to put together a list of links to the exact products I want for Christmas, including what size and what color I'd like. I thought this was a splendid idea, and I took it one step further.

This year, more than ever, folks are looking for ways to save on holiday gifts, so along with a list of links, sizes, and colors, I also included a link to a coupon on Savings.com that would help my mom save money on each of my gifts. She loved this little addition.

Here's an example of what I sent her:

Ash Canvas TOMS
Link to TOMSShoes.com: http://www.tomsshoes.com/ProductDetails.aspx?CategoryID=7&productID=273#pageTop
Size: 8.5
Color: Ash
Link to $5 off coupon on Savings.com: http://www.savings.com/detail/235211-coupon.html

It only took me a couple of minutes to pull together my Christmas list, and I know my mom appreciates the money I helped her save. And I appreciate that I'll be getting gifts I actually want and/or need instead of a bottle of Lady Stetson.