When it comes to Christmas shopping the shops are crowded, the queues are long and the car park can be like a battlefield. This can really take the joy out of the festive season. So when it comes time to venture to shops you can reduce the headache by making the most of your trip.
We have compiled these 5 tips will help you with speed, accuracy and sticking to your budget when tackling your Christmas shopping.
- Make A List
A list (or maybe even multiple lists) will be your lifesaver! Start by thinking about everything you need. Go through family member by family member with who will be receiving gifts. Then add your extra items, everything from wrapping paper, cards, decorations, food etc.
Once everything’s on a list, categorise them to optimise your time. This could either mean arranging the list by store, so you know exactly what to buy when you visit each shop, or prioritising them with a weekly list of what needs to be bought before the week finishes.
- Have A Budget
Christmas can be an expensive time of the year! Yet you know how much you have to spend. So set this figure at the beginning of the season and stick to it.
There’s two ways you could apply your budget. First, revert back to your list and place a price over each of your categories. For example, How much you’ll spend in each store, or each week. Alternatively, consider how much you want to spend per person and try not to exceed this limit.
- Time Your Shopping
Perhaps the most important consideration in regards to timing is getting to the shops as soon as possible. It is inevitable that the longer you wait, the bigger the crowds, and the queues, will be.
It is a good idea to take note of the sales when thinking about the timing of your Christmas shopping.
- Keep an eye out for individual store sales throughout the year such as end of financial year, big toy sales and spring stocktake sales.
- Make the most of the post-Christmas sales and stock up on all those small bits and pieces for next Christmas.
If you have prepared your list well in advance then you can take advantage of the sales throughout the year to pick up the things you need or want, avoid the queues and save some precious dollars too.
Another option is to avoid the shops altogether and shop online in the comfort of your own home. Being organised and planning ahead allows plenty of time for deliveries to arrive well head of the big day. Visit The Christmas Cart and explore our range of gorgeous gifts and Christmas décor products.
- Get Creative
Sometimes buying a present from the shop may not be the way to go. When it comes to close friends and family, or you want to give a gift that is a bit special and out of the ordinary, offering something from the heart can go a long way.
What can you offer:
- Bake a fresh batch of cookies or Christmas treats. Check out our 12 Days of Christmas Baking for some festive, mouth-watering options.
- Collage a photo album. A collection of your most memorable times together is a treasured gift that anyone would love.
- Paint a picture. You could have the kids help you out with this one. It’s hard not to love their beautiful creations. They’ll be going straight on to the fridge for sure!
- Plan Ahead
Yes, we’ve been saying this whole time, but all these tips won’t be very useful if you haven’t got a well-thought out plan of attack.
We’re talking specifics:
- Which shops do you need to visit?
- Where are they located?
- Which shopping centre has all you need?
- When is that sale on? Are you free that day?
- If you’re making a gift how many hours will you need and when will you dedicate the time to it?
Think of it like a tactical defence mission! If you launch into it with a scattered approach you have much less chance of success. Granted, you might still get there in the end, but it may cost you some unnecessary sweat and tears. And no-one wants that at Christmas time!