iSavta | 01.12.2025

The holiday season often brings excitement, colorful memories, and the desire to make our loved ones happy. For many caregivers working in Israel, this is the time when families back home expect gifts, balikbayan boxes, or extra money. While giving is a beautiful act, overspending can bring stress, debt, and financial problems in the following months.

This article will help you enjoy the holidays without hurting your budget.

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1. Understand Why You Feel Pressured to Spend

Most caregivers feel pressure because of guilt, homesickness, or the desire to make up for their absence. Some feel embarrassed if they cannot send expensive gifts, especially when comparing themselves to other overseas workers. Remember: your worth is not measured by the price of your gifts. You are already sacrificing so much by working abroad.

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2. Set a Realistic Gift Budget

Before shopping, decide how much you can truly afford to spend. Not how much people want — but how much you can give without affecting rent, food, remittances, emergency fund, and savings.

A good rule is:
Gifts should not be more than 10–15% of your monthly salary.
If even this is too high, keep it lower. What matters is staying financially safe.

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3. Make a List Before Buying Anything

Write the names of people you want to give gifts to. Then decide a maximum amount for each person. When you list things down, you avoid random shopping or impulse buying.

Remember: you are not required to give everyone something.
Choose your priority — usually your parents, your children, or one or two close people.

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4. Choose Simple, Useful, and Affordable Gifts

A gift does not need to be expensive to be appreciated. Some ideas:

• Small skincare items

• Local treats from Israel

• Affordable shirts

• Notebooks or planners

• Something handmade

• Simple accessories

• Small kitchen items

Practical gifts are more appreciated than luxury items. People will use them for a long time.

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5. Avoid Big Balikbayan Boxes

Balikbayan boxes look exciting, but they are expensive to fill and expensive to send. Many caregivers end up spending thousands before realizing it.

Sending a small package or a few items only can still make your family happy without destroying your budget.

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6. Communicate Honestly With Your Family

Sometimes families expect too much because they think:
“You’re abroad, so you have a lot of money.”

Gently explain:

• The cost of living in Israel is high

• You have your own bills

• You are saving for the future

• You cannot spend too much this year

Honesty prevents misunderstandings and future stress.

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7. Consider Group Gifts

Instead of buying many individual items, send one gift the entire family can use:

• Bedsheet set

• Rice cooker

• Small appliances

• Groceries

• A shared Christmas meal budget

This saves money and reduces pressure.

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8. Give Gifts That Are Not Bought in Stores

Sometimes the best gifts cost nothing:

• A handwritten letter

• A long voice message

• A video greeting

• A printed photo

• A memory message recalling good moments

These are meaningful, personal, and unforgettable.

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9. Protect Your Savings

The holiday season is not an excuse to forget your financial goals. If you overspend now, you may struggle in January and February — the months when many caregivers feel broke.

Protect your future. Think long-term.

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10. Remember the True Purpose of Gifts

Gifts are meant to show love, not to impress people. Your family receives your love every time you send money, every call you make, and every long day you work.

You don’t need expensive gifts to prove your care.
You are enough.