We can’t help but feel that Christmas approaches faster every year! Shopping at Christmas time can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you are not prepared. Get organized in advance to avoid being stressed out by the crowds or forgetting to buy a gift for someone. We have created a Christmas shopping guide to help keep ourselves on track and prepare for the holiday season.
Step 1 – Make a list
This includes everyone you need to buy gifts for such as, family, friends, parents, neighbours, teachers and colleagues. Read your list over and once you’re happy with it, divide it into groups to give it some structure for gift types. You may want to buy specific gifts for your children and family members, thank you and appreciation gifts for your teachers or colleagues and unique, hard to find gifts for your friends, which can all be grouped separately.
Step 2 – Start early
Start shopping early to avoid the last minute rush. Finding gifts throughout the year is a great way to go into the holiday season feeling more prepared. Another way to get ahead of Christmas shopping is by looking online, as it is less time consuming than walking around a shopping mall. Many online stores can even wrap your gifts before they deliver them to save you more time.
Step 3 – Set a Budget
This can be overall or for each person. Just make sure you stick by it! It can be easy to go overboard when you get caught up in the spirit of Christmas and enjoy the experience of choosing gifts for your loved ones. You’ll thank yourself later if you have a budge set from day one.
Step 4 – Buy the tough gifts first
The trick to avoiding stressful Christmas shopping is buying for the hardest person first. Set out at the start to find the hardest gifts so you’ll have plenty of time to search for the perfect present and won’t be rushing around on Christmas Eve. Leave the easiest gifts for last, when you have the least amount of time.
Do you have any tips for creating a Christmas shopping checklist? Let us know on our Facebook page.