Gift Shopping Tips for Tight Budgets

Have you seen the prices of greeting cards lately? It is hideous! Once you purchase the card and gift-wrap, your overall cost can easily increase by $10 to$15. If you are on a tight budget, this can be difficult as you spend more on the fluff and less on the actual gift. Not only are greeting cards expensive, their sizes often overwhelm small gifts, which make the overall presentation, looking goofy and unbalanced. Basically, you really don't need to spend on expensive greeting cards to make an impression.

We all have this perception that greeting cards are the perfect match to gift giving. Although true, there are cost effective ways that can help you spend more on gifts and less on greeting cards. For instance, packaged blank cards are the best way to go as you pay less per card then individually. The other advantage of blank cards is that they are not specific to an occasion and can be used for anything. You should always have a pack handy and ready to use, as you never know when you will need to buy someone a last minute gift or card.

Choosing the right card can be time consuming. As the overall look of your gift is very important, you must consider size when choosing your card. The safest way is to choose a small size gift card, as it will fit to any size gift. In my opinion, the Groovy-0-Grams mini cards are the best to use as they fit perfectly on any size gift and they are very affordable. For the price of one greeting card, you get six per pack and you can use the mini cards for six different occasions. Now that's a bargain! Not only are they affordable, the mini cards are really fun to use as they focus on different personalities rather then occasions. They also promote positive self- esteem, which is a gift in itself.

Being prepared in advance with a pack of mini cards will save you time and money. And, when those last minute gift frenzies strike, you will spend more on your gift and less on the fluff. Happy gift shopping!

For more gift shopping ideas and tips please log on at http://www.groovyarts.com

Karen Couillard is one of Canada hottest artists. As a highly recognized businesswomen, artist, product designer and writer, she is known for being an entrepreneur in the world of art and design. As the founder of Groovy Arts, she has successfully developed and launched products specializing in giftware and home décor based on her signature art collection. Her work has appeared on CFTO " "Panorama" Toronto CH 11 "CH Morning Live," Hamilton, KNBC-TV "News 4," Los Angeles, KESQ-TV "Channel 3 News," Palm Springs, City TV "CityLine," Toronto as well as in many publications including " The Hamilton Spectator," "West of the City," "Art World News," "Le Madawaska," "The Globe and Mail" and the popular French magazine "Décoration Chez-Soi." Her expertise in the art and design industry has led her to teach workshops about art and business as well as write several "how to" articles that can be found on her website at http://www.groovyarts.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Gift Wrapping Ideas

If you're tired of your gifts looking like everyone else's,... Read More

Holiday Times Are For Helping Those Less Fortunate, Think Holiday Cards

Every year I watch as advertisers begin to promote their... Read More

How to Create an Irresistible Valentine?s Day Centerpiece

Valentine's Day is just around the corner which of course... Read More

It?s Time to Start Thinking about Mothers Day

Mother's Day is approaching fast. This year it falls on... Read More

Birthday Gift Baskets ? The Ideal Gift For Everyone!

No matter how old we are, we enjoy being remembered... Read More

30th Birthday Gift Ideas

Choosing a birthday gift for a friend about to turn... Read More

Celebrating the ME in MumME

Another Mother's Day is upon us. A day in which... Read More

For Thanksgiving ? Be Thankful He?s Not the Cheating Kind

Infidelity is at an all time high. According to the... Read More

Maybe This Christmas Will Be Different....

Have you always dreamed of a Norman Rockwell Christmas -... Read More

A Priceless Birthday Gift

Kelly was a very wealthy Hollywood actress, who was used... Read More

Find Great Halloween Costume Ideas! Have The Most Creative Costumes This Year

Usually, the hardest part about Halloween is finding the perfect... Read More

A Dash of Cinnamon, A Pinch of the Past, A Smidgen of the Future

Close your eyes and remember December, the smell of cinnamon... Read More

Inexpensive Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Kids

After all the gifts have been purchased and placed under... Read More

Costumes! Do They Reflect On Your True Personality?

Costumes are a great way to escape reality, and wearing... Read More

How to Put Some Sizzle in Your Summer Parties: 5 Ways to be a Gracious Host and a Great Guest

Now that the hot weather is finally here, we are... Read More

Memorial Day Flowers

Monday, May 30th is Memorial Day. Your local florist can... Read More

Memorial Day: 3 Ways To Honor American Soldiers

The last Monday of May since 1868, has been designated... Read More

The Bloated Bar Mitzvah Celebration: 6 Ways to Take It Back

Bar Mitzvah celebrations have grown exponentially in size and scope... Read More

The Origin of the Christmas Tree

Have you ever wondered why we decorate a tree for... Read More

Top 5 Ways for an ADD Adult to Have a Happy Holiday

Holidays have the potential to send an adult with Attention... Read More

Low On Cash For Christmas? Try Gifts in a Jar

Time is money, and right now you don't have either... Read More

Honor Mothers: Song Remembers Mom Forever

In the spirit of Mother's Day, two songwriters are sharing... Read More

Bust Holiday Stress!

The holidays will be here before you know it. Clear... Read More

The Holiday Shopping Experience - Rewarding or Traumatic?

Picture this scenario! It's December 24th, the day of Christmas... Read More

The Origins of Mothers Day

Most people mistakenly believe that Mother's Day is an invention... Read More

Three Steps to Reduce Holiday Stress for Your Kitty

The annual holidays can be a very stressful time for... Read More

Getting Great Pictures of the Kids this Halloween

There she was in all her glory. Long white lab... Read More

Little Helpers in the Holiday Kitchen

The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to allow your... Read More

How to Save Money at Christmas

Do you know how to save money at Christmas and... Read More

Is Buying a Gift for Mom as Difficult for You as it is for Me?

I have walked through a countless number of stores searching... Read More

Seven Great Holiday Decorating Tips--Without Breaking the Bank

If you're looking for great ways to decorate your home... Read More

A Resolution Worth Keeping

New Years Resolutions: Making them is a tradition -keeping of... Read More

10 Great Gift Ideas for Fathers Day

What do you get for the man who has always... Read More