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I don't give Christmas gifts. The holidays got better when I stopped playing the 'who bought the most expensive present' game.

A Santa hand holds out a piece of coal.

cmannphoto/ Getty Images

  • Michael Allen stopped buying pricey Christmas presents for his friends and family in college.
  • His financial priorities changed after leaving the Marine Corps and working toward his degree.
  • Allen values time with loved ones over material gifts and emphasizes memories over money.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Michael Allen, a 54-year-old author from Titusville, Florida. It has been edited for length and clarity.

In 1995, I realized I couldn't give expensive gifts anymore. I was used to buying gifts to impress my loved ones, and I received nice gifts as well. At a younger age, I would get things like an Atari with games, boxing gloves, or a football. Gift cards, nice clothes, and even a watch were more common presents as I grew older.

As a college student and a recently retired Marine, my priorities were school and food. My next goal after serving in the Marine Corps was to get a degree. Not wanting to participate in the "who bought the most expensive present" game made sense.

I was getting by on side jobs

I tutored other college students and worked as a bouncer. Although I was only making enough money to cover my necessities, I was looking forward to achieving my goals of becoming an English teacher and a writer.

Buying extravagant things at the expense of putting myself in huge debt didn't seem attractive. I knew my financial situation had changed throughout my life, and I had to spend and save accordingly.

Reflecting on the hard work I put in made me extremely proud rather than ashamed of my financial background.

I decided to have a conversation with my friends and family

One day before Christmas, I asked my friends and family to lower their expectations regarding future gifts. I told them about my financial situation, what I could spend on, and what I was trying to accomplish.

Spending exorbitant amounts on Christmas was out of the question. Being open and honest about my struggles and primary issues worked out in my favor. I wasn't nervous to have this conversation.

Most of them understood, and I was truly relieved once I confessed. It immediately broke the needless superficial confinement I had put myself in to conform to the norms.

I also prepared myself to receive less of what I had previously

While some family members would still buy me costly gifts, some limited their splurging on me after this conversation. I was satisfied with getting whatever they would get me, even if it was nothing sometimes. Some even joined me in setting this boundary for themselves.

I started enjoying Christmas even more without having to impress people with my gift-giving superpowers. I became accustomed to speaking my mind and being truthful at all times. When you embrace life in that manner, many burdens are lifted.

Even as I make more money, gifts still don't seem important to me

My financial situation has improved, but I now sometimes only hand out one present per person. I make sure it's something meaningful and not just anything.

I once made my mother a loving video, and she still plays it often. On another occasion, I built a website for my daughter and made her a book. Personalization goes a long way.

Focusing on getting together with your loved ones and spending purposeful time with them are the only significant things of concern to me. Gifts are a component of Christmas, not the foundation.

Memories matter, not money. Food, drinks, old movies, and a good time is all I care about getting from anyone.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I shopped in Target's dollar section and loved its options for last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers

A Target storefront in Houston.
The author went to Target's dollar section for stocking stuffers and last-minute gifts.

JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock

  • I visited my local Target in New Jersey to shop for gifts in its "Bullseye's Playground" section.
  • All of the items were priced at $1, $3, or $5.
  • From mugs and candles to self-care items, I loved the selection.

Target is one of the biggest retailers in the US, with more than 1,900 store locations, and while I've been a frequent customer for years, I've only recently begun to pay attention to its dollar section.

Known as "Bullseye's Playground" โ€” in honor of the store's bull terrier mascot, Bullseye โ€” the front-of-store section is stocked year-round with items spanning home decor, organization options, and small toys, all retailing for $1, $3, or $5.

I decided to put "Bullseye's Playground" to the test to see what last-minute gifts, stocking stuffers, and decorations I could find at my local Target in Jersey City, New Jersey.

While the items from this section are visible on Target.com, they appear to only be available in store and are "not eligible for same-day delivery or pickup services," according to the retailer's website, so in-person shopping for last-minute holiday gifts is advisable.

Most store locations are offering extended hours (7 a.m. to midnight) through December 23 and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but if you're looking for items outside Bullseye's Playground, the retailer will be offering same-day Christmas Eve delivery for orders placed before 3 p.m. on the Target app or online.

Whether you're in need of some last-minute gift inspiration or just curious about Target's selection, here were some of my favorite options.

Bullseye's Playground is a front-of-store section with affordable options.
An overview of Target's dollar section.
Here's an overview of Bullseye's Playground at my local Target.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

At my local Target, this section is located at the entrance near home decor and fashion items, rather than near the groceries and pharmacy.

I visited on a weekday night, so it wasn't crowded at all.

There were so many different items packed into the displays, so for the sake of time, I decided to focus on highlighting some of my favorite choices.

The first item to catch my eye was a satin pillowcase and eye-mask set.
A gray satin pillow case and eye mask set from Target.
This satin pillow case and eye-mask set retailed for $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

For anyone who likes to feel a little luxurious before bed, I found this matching satin pillow case and eye-mask set for $5.

In addition to gray, other colors available in-store and online include beige, pink, and sage.

I loved this headband and wristband set.
A fluffy cream-colored headband and matching scrunchie set from Target.
These fluffy headband and wristband sets retailed for $3.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

If the person you're shopping for is into skincare, a headband and wristband set like this is a great option.

The headband keeps their hair out of their face, while the wristbands prevent the water from dripping down their arms.

These sets retailed for $3 and were available in cream, baby pink, and black.

Also in the beauty category was this LED mirror and makeup brush set.
A mint-green LED mirror and brush set from Target.
There were LED mirror and makeup brush sets for $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

The set appeared to fold into an easy-to-carry case and was available in this mint-green color and a cream color for $5.

To go with the mirror and brushes, there was a fluffy makeup bag, too.
A fluffy mint-green makeup bag from Target.
This mint-green makeup bag retailed for $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

I didn't love how matted the fluffy fabric appeared to be on this makeup bag, but for $5, it seemed fairly priced.

I was shocked to see a bath tray available.
A wooden bath tray from Target.
I found a bath tray for $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

Though this obviously won't fit in a stocking, I was shocked to find a bath tray for just $5.

Its label said it fits most standard tubs and measured at 29.8 inches by 4.7 inches.

There were plenty of scrunchies.
A display of pink, gray, and cream-colored scrunchies at Target.
My local Target had a full bin of scrunchies available.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

As someone who's always in need of a hair tie, I was pleased to find a large bin of scrunchies each priced at $1.

I thought the decorative candles were cute.
A Christmas tree-shaped candle scented like "Cypress & Champagne" from Target.
There were decorative candles scented like "Cypress & Champagne" and "Festive Fir."

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

I saw two Christmas tree-shaped candles at my local Target. The first of which was this 3 oz "Cypress & Champagne" scented option for $3, while the other was called "Festive Fir."

Since the candles were located in Bullseye's Playground and not the nearby candle section, I thought they may have a weaker scent, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Though it's hard to say how such a small candle would impact an entire room, the direct scent was strong and true to their names.

One of my favorite finds on my trip was this pair of iridescent cocktail glasses.
A set of two iridescent cocktail glasses from Target.
This set of iridescent cocktail glasses costs $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

Whether you're into home decor or a fan of hosting, these iridescent cocktail glasses seemed like the perfect trend-forward kitchen gift.

The set retailed for just $5, and I'm already regretting not grabbing them as an early gift for myself.

I liked that right next to the cocktail glasses, there was a bar tool set.
A gold bar tool set from Target.
This bar tool set retailed for $3.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

The bar tool set retailed for $3 and included a bottle opener and a jigger with a handle.

I liked that Target seemed to take some of the guess-work out of holiday shopping by placing similar items near each other to make for an easy collection of coordinated gifts.

All that was missing was the alcohol of your choice.

Also nearby were these holiday-themed rolling pins.
Holiday-themed rolling pins; half have a candy-cane print and the others have a forest-green and leafy print.
There were peppermint and winter foliage inspired rolling pins for $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

These peppermint and winter-foliage inspired rolling pins retailed for $5 and seemed like cute options to spice up any holiday-themed kitchen without breaking the bank.

I also found a selection of multicolored mugs.
A variety of mugs, including an orange and purple flower mug, a blue and purple one that says "Just Vibes," a burgundy and orange one that says "Love You," and a white mug with yellow smiley faces.
Target had a variety of mugs available for $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

While I wasn't a huge fan of the colors and design choices available at my local store, I do think they're cute options for $5.

In the past, I've also purchased holiday-themed mugs like these.
A gingerbread girl mug and a snowman mug.
I purchased these ceramic holiday mugs for $3 each.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

I originally found these ceramic gingerbread and snowman mugs during a Target shopping trip in early November near my hometown in Maryland.

Both hold up to 13 oz and retailed for $3, and while I didn't see them during my most recent Target trip, both items are still present on Target's website, suggesting they may still be available at other locations around the country.

Any of the mugs would pair perfectly with a peppermint hot drink bomb.
A "cozy peppermint mug hot drink bomb" from Target.
This peppermint hot drink bomb retails for $4.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

A small display of these hot drink bombs were on one of the shelves above the mugs; however, the price of them was hard to locate.

After doing more research when I got home, I realized these treats don't appear to be Bullseye's Playground exclusives, as they retail for $4, but I still think they're an affordable stocking stuffer option to consider.

I love these holiday-themed measuring cups and spoons from another trip to Bullseye's Playground.
A set of snowmen measuring cups and measuring spoons.
The ceramic measuring cups and spoons cost $5 each.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

In addition to the mugs, I also found these ceramic snowman measuring cups and measuring spoons during my November Target trip in Maryland.

Both retailed for $5, and though my local Target didn't have them during my most recent December trip, both items are still present on Target's website, suggesting they may still be available at other locations around the country.

And this ceramic plate, too.
A ceramic tray with doodles of a cookie, a carrot, a candy cane, and milk. It also has writing that says, "Hi Santa!" with circles labeled "A special treat for you," "Milk to wash it down," and "Don't forget the reindeer."
This ceramic plate cost $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

On another shopping trip in November โ€” this time back in Jersey City โ€” I found a $5 ceramic tray for Santa's Christmas Eve snacks (yes, I shop here a lot).

Though I didn't see it again on my most recent trip, the tray is still listed on Target's website under Bullseye's Playground.

I was surprised to see so many drink-related accessories.
A baby-blue tumbler accessory set from Target.
This tumbler accessory set retailed for $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

Sure, Stanley cups have been popular this year, but I wasn't expecting to see so many drink-related accessories.

This tumbler accessory set, for example, came in both a pale-blue and a mint-green color and included a straw cover, handle, and zipper pouch.

It retailed for $5.

Straw toppers and covers were popular, too.
A smiling daisy straw topper and cover set.
This daisy-themed straw topper and cover set retailed for $3.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

There was a large selection of straw toppers and covers available at my local Target, including this daisy set, a cloud and rainbow option, a doughnut and ice cream cone, and a stereo and music note, among others.

Each set sold for $3.

As for home decor, I saw plenty of light-up Christmas tree pillows.
A light-up Christmas tree pillow from Target.
I found this light-up pillow for $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

The pillow was small, soft, and retailed for $5.

One thing I noticed, though, was that it requires two AAA batteries, which would have to be purchased separately in order to enjoy its light-up capabilities at home.

According to Target's website, other pillows that may still be available in Bullseye's Playground include a reindeer, a gingerbread man, a gingerbread woman, a gingerbread house, a peppermint, and a star.

There were also some small toys like this finger soccer game โ€ฆ
A holiday-themed finger soccer game from Target.
This finger soccer game retailed for $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

The game includes the playing field, two goals, one ball, and two pairs of elf shoes to play. It retailed for $5.

And this desktop soccer game.
A wooden desktop soccer game at Target.
This desktop soccer game cost $5.

Mykenna Maniece/Business Insider

This toy resembled a miniature foosball table and retailed for $5.

Overall, I was impressed with the selection and even picked up a few items for a friend.
The Target logo on the storefront.
I was impressed with the options in Bullseye's Playground.

Markus Mainka/Shutterstock

I ended my shopping trip pleased with Target's selection, and thanks to all the self-care products, I was finally able to decide what to gift my best friend: her own curated bag of self-care items.

In addition to other goodies from around the store, I chose to add the pillow case and eye-mask set, the headband and wristband set, and the Christmas tree candle from Bullseye's Playground.

Now all I'm left to do is wonder: Is it too soon to go back?

Read the original article on Business Insider

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