Reminds me a bit of what my mom used to do. She would find pictures of the special gifts that she wanted to give us, like a watch, a sweater, a game, then gift wrap them and set them under the tree. We'd open up the box and find a miniature picture of what she'd be giving us AFTER Christmas, once everything was on sale and more than half off.
It was fun going with our mom to pick out our own gift based on the picture she had given us. It cost a lot less and it helped us realize that Christmas wasn't about getting a gift on "that" day, it was more about the services we went to and spending time with family.
We had very little money. Two adults and four kids living in a 2 bedroom house didn't make for much extra spending cash. Mom was a part time waitress and dad worked nights as a projectionist. Our larger gifts usually came from Goodwill. (i.e. our bikes) All of us kids were only 7 years apart. We were an enclave!
Although I don't use my mom's technique, I do spend time trying to find just the right gift for everyone. I don't give money or things that someone might buy themselves, but I truly think of who the person is and what would bring them joy. Must be why it takes me so long to find the right gift with so many stores carrying the exact same thing.
CJ