Tips for Surviving Christmas Shopping!
Let’s face it, you either love it or hate it! The time has come around again where many people have begun Christmas shopping. Now is a good of a time as any, as you can probably get everything you need before the huge rush of people come along as we get into November! Many shoppers these days choose to do some or all of their Christmas shopping online, which is a great way of avoiding all of the Christmas traffic but there are other things we can consider to help make the festive period stress-free.
Start Saving!
All year through it would be a good idea to keep putting small amounts of money aside to save for when the winter comes and you want to start your shopping. Even the odd bits of small change add up to pounds, and pounds save together to buy gifts! Maybe after Christmas is over this year, it might be an idea to find a specific money box to save up for next year, you may be surprised with how much you get together!
Make Lists!
One of the best ways to stay on track with your shopping this year is to make lists of present’s you’re wanting to buy. Listen up for hints from family and friends in the months in the run up to Christmas for specific gifts they might want. Jot these things down so you’re not wracking your brains again before you go out to shop. Also when you do finally go to do your shopping, if you have a list of specific gifts that you need to buy, your trip can be organised and straight forwards and much quicker! Also start early! Don’t wait until well into November and December to start gift hunting, as these are the busiest times. Start thinking ahead earlier in the year, picking up the odd bits when you see them.
Homemade Gifts
Start thinking of easy and effective handmade Christmas gift ideas. There are so many to choose from out there, a quick internet search and they are all at your fingertips. Gifts such as personalised items, baked goods and homemade smellies are always nice, and the recipient will feel extra special as more effort has been put in.
Find a Bargain
Boxing Day sales are a great time to start planning for next year’s celebrations! It may seem a bit over the top, but think how much money you could save in the sales for presents next year, not to mention how organised you’ll feel when this time of year comes round again! If you don’t want to buy too many gifts in advance, you don’t have to, there are other Christmas items you can buy ahead of new year to make a start, such as Christmas Cards, Wrapping paper, Christmas crackers and decorations. All of which will probably be in the sale in many shops, and will just save in the garage or loft to get out again next Christmas!
Try Gift Cards
Gift cards make an ideal Christmas present and are beneficial for both parties! Firstly, they make the easiest of gifts to buy, the majority of shops and even restaurants offer these, you can pick up at your recipients favourite store meaning it will be a gift they’re bound to love! Secondly it is something they will really appreciate. Rather than receiving a gift that may not fit, be the wrong colour or just not to their taste, they can use the gift card in store to pick something they will really love. It is a win-win situation!
Have a Budget
Make sure before you even step into a shop, you know exactly how much you want to spend on each person. Compile a list with the gifts you want to buy each person and with it the total cost you wish to spend. This way you won’t get spend happy, and lose track of your money. It is also a good idea to use cash only. This is an easier way to keep track of how much money is going out, if you pay by card, more often than not you realise how much you’ve overspent when it is too late! We all can get carried away when this time of year comes around, so plan ahead, stay organised and you will find yourself in a much nicer money situation when all is through.