How to Alleviate Christmas Shopping Woes
This is my favorite time of the year. However, this can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. Why? When I was a child, my mind would race with thoughts of what I will get for Christmas. But now? I worry about what to get for my friends and family, will they love/hate my presents, and probably my biggest fear of all, is how I'm going to afford it all. So, I am putting together some tips and tricks to alleviate at least some of the stress that may come upon you this time of year.
1. Shop Early
I have heard this suggestion before and have found it to be true. I remember a few years back when I decided to do my Christmas shopping last minute on Christmas eve. Let me tell you, I definitely regretted that decision. Not only were the parking spots and roads jam packed with last minute Christmas shoppers, but also, I found that a lot more items were out of stock when I got there.
If you end up having to shop last minute, consider shopping online. I highly recommend shopping on Amazon as they offer fast shipping on most orders, especially for Prime members. The other perk to this is that Amazon will always have what you're looking for and you don't have to worry about getting to the store only to find that they don't have what you're looking for.
2. Create a Budget that Works for you and Find Good Deals
I know this can be hard. It's easy to shop for lower priced items when it comes to ourselves but as for our loved ones, it 's easy to almost feel guilty for not buying the most expensive product out there. But there are ways to get good quality items without breaking your bank.
For one, take advantage of sales. I know what you're thinking: but Black Friday and Cyber Monday is already up and gone! Breathe. Just remember that most businesses know that not everyone will shop for sales at those times and they will offer other sales as well. I recommend signing up for newsletters with your favorite store to find out the latest and upcoming sales. If you are able to get your hands on newspapers, especially on Sundays, you'll find a lot of news on upcoming sales and coupons as well. And that leads me to my next suggestion: get your hands on coupons. Along with newspapers, you can find coupons online, most notably https://www.coupons.com and https://www.retailmenot.com. All you need is a digital printer.
I also highly suggest writing out a budget for yourself. Decide just how much you are willing to spend in total and also, roughly how much per person. It is good to try to be fair on how much you spend per person but also remember that it depends on what each person wants as some people will want cheaper things and others more expensive items. Try not to buy the first thing you see and if you're shopping online, compare prices but also remember to look at the reviews and feedback on that brand so that you don't give someone a faulty gift.
3. Gathering Everyone's Wishlist
This is probably the number one thing plaguing everyone's minds, no matter the financial situation: what should I get for everyone and will they love my presents?
I think we've all heard it before: it's easy to find gifts for women, but much harder with men. With women, you can buy jewelry, clothes, even specialty chocolate but with men, it can be much more difficult.
So this is what I suggest: try discreetly striking up a conversation with them about what their interests are and what are their favorite products, etc. I say discreetly because, depending on the person, they may with hold some of their wishlist out of fear of asking too much. Try asking them what's their favorite music, authors, t.v. series, etc.
With my husband, I found out that he likes hot sauces by this method, and I got him a hot sauce set the first year we were together.
It might be helpful to include yourself. What I mean by this is to start up the conversation with what you want for Christmas or what your interests are. This makes them feel more comfortable to talk openly and feel less like their on the hot seat. I
I know it may sound cliche to say it but this is still so true: it really is the thought that counts. Even if they do ending up hating your gift, they will appreciate the money and effort you put into it!
I hope you found this article helpful and I wish you all the best in your Christmas shopping!
1. Shop Early
I have heard this suggestion before and have found it to be true. I remember a few years back when I decided to do my Christmas shopping last minute on Christmas eve. Let me tell you, I definitely regretted that decision. Not only were the parking spots and roads jam packed with last minute Christmas shoppers, but also, I found that a lot more items were out of stock when I got there.
If you end up having to shop last minute, consider shopping online. I highly recommend shopping on Amazon as they offer fast shipping on most orders, especially for Prime members. The other perk to this is that Amazon will always have what you're looking for and you don't have to worry about getting to the store only to find that they don't have what you're looking for.
2. Create a Budget that Works for you and Find Good Deals
I know this can be hard. It's easy to shop for lower priced items when it comes to ourselves but as for our loved ones, it 's easy to almost feel guilty for not buying the most expensive product out there. But there are ways to get good quality items without breaking your bank.
For one, take advantage of sales. I know what you're thinking: but Black Friday and Cyber Monday is already up and gone! Breathe. Just remember that most businesses know that not everyone will shop for sales at those times and they will offer other sales as well. I recommend signing up for newsletters with your favorite store to find out the latest and upcoming sales. If you are able to get your hands on newspapers, especially on Sundays, you'll find a lot of news on upcoming sales and coupons as well. And that leads me to my next suggestion: get your hands on coupons. Along with newspapers, you can find coupons online, most notably https://www.coupons.com and https://www.retailmenot.com. All you need is a digital printer.
I also highly suggest writing out a budget for yourself. Decide just how much you are willing to spend in total and also, roughly how much per person. It is good to try to be fair on how much you spend per person but also remember that it depends on what each person wants as some people will want cheaper things and others more expensive items. Try not to buy the first thing you see and if you're shopping online, compare prices but also remember to look at the reviews and feedback on that brand so that you don't give someone a faulty gift.
3. Gathering Everyone's Wishlist
This is probably the number one thing plaguing everyone's minds, no matter the financial situation: what should I get for everyone and will they love my presents?
I think we've all heard it before: it's easy to find gifts for women, but much harder with men. With women, you can buy jewelry, clothes, even specialty chocolate but with men, it can be much more difficult.
So this is what I suggest: try discreetly striking up a conversation with them about what their interests are and what are their favorite products, etc. I say discreetly because, depending on the person, they may with hold some of their wishlist out of fear of asking too much. Try asking them what's their favorite music, authors, t.v. series, etc.
With my husband, I found out that he likes hot sauces by this method, and I got him a hot sauce set the first year we were together.
It might be helpful to include yourself. What I mean by this is to start up the conversation with what you want for Christmas or what your interests are. This makes them feel more comfortable to talk openly and feel less like their on the hot seat. I
I know it may sound cliche to say it but this is still so true: it really is the thought that counts. Even if they do ending up hating your gift, they will appreciate the money and effort you put into it!
I hope you found this article helpful and I wish you all the best in your Christmas shopping!
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