Frugal Framnett

Giftgiving can often be a decidedly unfrugal event. It should not be so, especially for those close to us.It need not always be so.

The old saw is its not the cost of the gift that counts, its the thought let us give some – to that saying!Many of us often substitute cost for thought. We search and search for the perfect gift, but even though it may be right under our noses and inexpensive but due to lack of attention or thought it is not seized!

Actually, let me back up a touch. We do think about the gifts we give but too often we miss important clues the recipients give about their desires.

One thing I have started to become more attentive to is when those around me innocently and casually state they want something or have some sort of need. Those clues used to fly over my head like the 747 jumbos streaking the sky with their contrails. However, in the last couple of years I have become more attuned to such statements.

For example, my brother after moving into his house received a gift from our grandmother, a gift of a toaster oven. Lorie and I have one and we pull it out when we need to cook/toast smaller items. I use it often during the winter when I make my reubens, hot ham and cheese sandwiches, or my turkey and swiss sandwiches. You don’t pay to heat up a full oven when a small one will do.Anyway, my father started talking about that toaster oven and how it is a good idea and noted him and my mother do not have a toaster oven. DING-DING-DING, my parents got a toaster oven for Christmas. Nothing huge, but something they wanted and needed.

Again, it is a matter of listening to those close to you with this in mind. You just have to listen with care. Listening with care can help save you money and purchase truly desired gifts.

Besides, is anyone who is upset you did not get them an expensive gift really a friend? Special days should be about special people not things.