I think the title says it all. I remember as a child being lavished with gifts and I can't say I have any complaints but my cherished times was family trips, vacations, any outings, dinners, reunions, and so on. The activities I had with my loved ones was more memorable then the Michael Jackson turntable or my 20th doll. It's great to surprise others but going broke over gifts is a scary thought, because after all you can't pay bills with PS3's and TV's (not before selling them for much less than you paid). Whether you celebrate gift giving holidays or not, spending within your means is always a good idea as a nest egg can keep you from hunger while things don't make you any happier or financially secure.
I will still shop this year and what I've learned is waiting until the last minute can really kill a budget. Start early like yesterday :). Plan out gifts for all those you are shopping for and set your limits and stop. Cyber Monday may provide many deals without the scavenger hunt aspect of Black Friday but also note there are very good sales in Jan. What's wrong with a Visa/MC gift card so the person can purchase what they please, when they please? Black Friday may provide good bargains but look at lower end stores because standing in line for a limited product, you may have to fight over isn't the most fun with a stomach full of turkey. How much is your time worth? How much time are you wasting for these "bargains"? I'm not against black Friday I just use my time differently at this point in my life because you can replenish money but time can not be recovered.
Happy shopping out their and be safe
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