The Holidays can do many things - excite, overwhelm you and your bank account, frustrate and even cause you to second guess you relationship with one.  By and large, shopping for a sizeable group of people can leave your head hanging and your wallet empty.  This season, however, I promise you can get a leg up on gift giving.

1:  Think outside the box (and gift cards)

You're scrambling to find a last minute gift and suddenly, you get lazy - you purchase a gift card.  The truth is there are many darling, heartfelt gifts you can purchase online and have them delivered lickity-split.  Please, friends don't buy friends gift cards.  They're the easy way out.  Besides, you can return 90% of purchases to stores if you don't like a gift you've been given.

2:  Think exclusive and limited edition

Many stores and brands are offering gift sets exclusive to their store.  What's better than knowing a only a small quantiity of your special gift was produced? Bonus points if it's in special packaging - the receipient will think of you every time they use it.

3:  Set a budget

We can all go overboard when it comes to gift giving - you spend far more than you intended to, but they just HAVE to have that gift? You can find the perfect gift for anyone - there is more than one.  Set boundaries and budgets and you'll find yourself having a merrier Holiday season, knowing that come January 1 you're not broke as a joke.

4: Don't underestimate the value of services and handmade gifts

There are plenty of cool services out there, and you can buy someone a 6 month or 1 year's subscription.  Your gift will be both thoughtful and purposeful without having to be overly designed.  If you're on a super tight budget, consider making gifts.  I know it sounds cheesy and artsy-craftsy, but you can pull off something cute on very little moolah.  Besides, if you didn't have the money to buy them something, you could at least make them something.