Although most of us love the holiday season, this period of the year can also be quite stressful. Between trying to find the gift for every loved one and fighting the crowds at the mall, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Below are a few simple tips you can use for making this holiday season as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
Click Instead of Drive
With so many amazing deals now available online, you can find almost any gift within a few mouse clicks. Instead of fighting traffic and struggling to make your way through the crowds at the mall, budget some time in the comfort of your own home to find the perfect present. Many online retailers offer competitive prices and special deals that are equal to, or better than what’s available at brick and mortar stores. Many premium online retailers also can help you with gift ideas and suggestions when you’re unsure what to buy for a colleague or loved one.
Do Your Shopping During Non-Peak Hours
Sometimes, the perfect gift is only available at a local store or the mall. If you can, budget an hour or two off from work/school, or schedule an early lunch in order to hit the stores when it’s less crowded. Most of the time, you can easily dash in and dash out on a weekday morning, saving you time and effort.
The List
Trying to remember what to buy for whom is a daunting task even for people with great memories. Instead of trying to remember everything off of the top of your head, write down a list of gift ideas for each person, and keep the list with you. Then when you’re elbowing your way through the crowds, you’ll be able to keep on target and go straight to the items you want to buy. It’s also tremendously satisfying to check off each person’s name from the list, knowing your holiday season is under control and on schedule.
The Sorting Hat
If you’ve got a big family, or are buying gifts for co-workers, a great idea is to use a sorting hat. Simply write everyone’s name down and put the slips of paper in the hat. Then everyone draws a name, and buys a present for that person. This keeps the gift giving (and your budget) under control, while allowing you to spend enough time and effort to buy the perfect present.
Ask, And Ye Shall Be Answered
Although it might take some of the fun out of surprising a loved one with the perfect present, sometimes it’s just better to ask people what they want. We all know that adults rarely write lists to Santa, but a short list of items that a person would like to receive for the holidays can really help a lot. Not only are you assured that they’ll be happy with their gift, but having a list of requested gifts can also help you manage your holiday budget.