Have you checked out the countdown at xmasclock.com lately? Don't let it freak you out too much, but the holidays are here. And if you really want a shot at the gift you've been dreaming of now is the time to get to work. According to MarketLive's 2011 Holiday Shopper Survey, nearly half of shoppers (48%) plan to spend between $300 and $800 on holiday gifts this year. That's a lot of money being spent so you may as well get what you want, right? We've all opened really bad gifts. Whether it's a sparkly Santa sweater or cheap perfume, getting a bad gift is no fun. Check out these resources and tips to help you drop subtle hints that will ensure you get exactly what you want.
Try FriendGift.com
Go ahead and get your fill of online shopping. But instead of entering your credit card, info let FriendGift.com assist you in enlisting your friends to help pay for the products. It's a way for a group of friends and family members to chip in on a big purchase. So instead of getting ten little gifts from loved ones this Christmas you can get them all to pitch in their money to get you one big item. Your friends will then get rewarded with discounts and perks.
Drop High Tech Hints
Some retailer websites offer hinting services. For instance at beermonthclub.com you can send an e-hint to someone letting them know that you think a subscription to their beer of the month club would make a great gift. Simonson's Salon & Spa offers a similar e-hint service. Check if the retailers you're interested in offer similar services.
Be Less Subtle on Social Networks
Facebook and Twitter provide great avenues for voicing your opinions on products or services that you may be hoping to score this holiday season. If your loved ones are tuned into what you're saying on your social networks, don't be shy about posting a link to a product you love. Pinterest is another great way to drop major hints. Create a "Gifts I Would Love" folder and add only your top picks. Hopefully someone will catch on.
Get a Third Party
to Spread Your Gift Secret
If your goal is to get your spouse, parents or siblings to buy you something specific, think about who you could get to work as a mediator between you (the recipient) and your loved one (the giver). Perhaps a sibling could help you by dropping some hints to your parents or maybe your spouse's secretary could plant some gift-giving seeds for you. Just make sure it's someone you can trust who won't sabotage you or incorrectly translate the message.
Leave Behind Magazines or Materials
As a kid did you go through the toy catalog with a marker and circle everything you'd love for Santa to bring? Try a grown-up version of this tactic. If your gift is featured in a magazine or catalog fold over the corners on the pages you love most. Leave the materials in a prominent place where maybe-- just maybe-- someone will catch the clue.
Don't Be Greedy
Greed is one of the seven deadly sins and definitely not something we want to promote during the holidays. After all the holidays about love and family. But there is something to be said for helping your family and friends spend their money wisely on something you actually want or could use, right? However, even if none of these tips work and you end up unwrapping a value pack of sweat socks be thankful for it because even if it's not what you would have picked they were probably purchased with love.
