Sharing tips for your holiday shopping that will keep you ahead of the game this season.
The Holidays are right around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about your holiday shopping. This task can often be daunting and overwhelming, especially if you have work, school, or other responsibilities to think about.
But, holiday shopping can also be quite fun! I personally enjoy shopping, and brainstorming presents my loved ones will appreciate is exciting for me.
That being said, I am no expert gift-giver. Some people are simply difficult to buy gifts for, I know. Not to mention, I’m on a budget, so I can’t go buying anything and everything!
However, with a bit of planning, your holiday shopping can be more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
That being said, I’m sharing some tips to keep you organized this holiday season.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING SURVIVAL GUIDE
1. PLAN AHEAD!
Now this may be obvious, but planning ahead will truly make you feel more prepared for your holiday shopping. The holidays always come faster than expected, and with everything amping up towards the end of the year, it’s important to stay ahead of the game! In other words, follow these tips ahead of time; don’t wait until December to get started.
2. PLAN ANY HOMEMADE GIFTS
If you’re thinking of making homemade gifts for people, plan that ahead of time! For instance, if you’re planning to bake or make an extract, hot sauce, or dressing, figure out the ingredients you need, how much you’re making, who you’re giving to, and how long it will take to make these things. Even if you don’t plan to actually make them until the second week of December, you’ll at least be prepared for that week. Or perhaps you’re sewing or making a pottery piece – figure out when you’ll make these things, what you’ll need, etc. Create a timeline and mini goals for yourself to make sure you get these gifts ready in time.
3. DETERMINE YOUR GIFT RECIPIENTS
Of course, you’ll have to determine who you’re giving gifts to. While this may seem easy, there are often more names that pop into your head that you’re uncertain about. Maybe you have a new friend or neighbor that you’ve become close to, and you’re not sure whether you are exchanging gifts with them or not. There are many different scenarios that can actually make creating your gift recipient list not so simple!
Start out with your “certain” list: i.e., your parents, siblings, significant other, best friends, etc. Then, make a category for your “uncertain” friends, who are people you are fairly close to and would certainly be happy giving a gift to, but likely wouldn’t give to unless it was a mutual consensus. In other words, you would feel bad if they gave you a gift and you didn’t give them one, but it’s no big deal if you both did not exchange gifts at all. Lastly, make a category for those you simply want to give to, with no worry about the other person feeling like they have to give you one, too. These people you may not be very close with, but you appreciate them in your life. Perhaps this includes a teacher, mentor, group of co-workers, your doorman, or your fitness instructor.
For your “certain” list, you can think of exactly what they’d like. For your “uncertain” list, perhaps you can feel out the situation, then come up with a more generic gift for these types of friends. These may include baked goods and a gift card, flowers, or a mug and coffee/tea. If there’s something a little more personal you can think of, keep that in the back of your mind. Or, just give the gift! You probably don’t want to make them feel like they have to get you something, but if you think they’d really like the gift, do it! And for your last group of gift recipients, you can also do something fairly generic; this gift is probably more-so a kind gesture to show your appreciation.
4. DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
Look at your list of gift recipients and for each person, because it will probably depend, determine a range of how much you’d like to spend on their gift. For instance, you’re probably planning to spend a bit more on your closest friends and family than your new co-worker. But whatever the case, figure out what you want to spend on everyone, and after seeing the total, you can adjust. Having a budget in mind will help guide your holiday shopping!
5. CHECK WRAPPING SUPPLIES AHEAD OF TIME
Chances are you use your Holiday wrapping materials once a year, so you probably aren’t keeping close tabs on your supplies. But as the holidays are approaching, the last thing you want to worry about is trying to find wrapping paper and ribbon. Get out all your supplies ahead of time to see what you have and what you need. To prepare for the next holiday season, you can also take note of what you’ve used up and what you’ll need to buy for next year.
6. KEEP RUNNING LIST OF IDEAS/LINKS
Once you have your list of people you’re giving gifts to, write these names down. You can use a page in your journal, a google doc, or note on your phone. However, I strongly suggest keeping a digital list on your phone so that no matter where you are, if a gift idea comes to your head, you can add it to the list. You can even go a step further and add a link, store, or any other helpful details. As someone with a pretty bad memory, keeping a running list is super helpful.
7. RESEARCH + SHOP SMART!
Aside from brainstorming, scrolling the internet, watching videos, and reading blogs and gift guides, do some research before purchasing and shop smart. Use cashback apps like Rakuten, figure out when certain stores are having sales and promo codes, use Paypal Honey to get automatic coupons and deals, and compare/research items you’re thinking about buying.
For instance, maybe you’re buying your mom a new stand mixer. There may be some good deals on Amazon or other sites, but be sure to research the quality and other factors you prioritize. Further, don’t just buy because it’s on sale! I know it can be tempting to purchase if you see a good deal, but make sure the gift makes sense and it’s really what you want to give to your recipient. At the same time, keep on top of these deals and sales because you may find that something goes on sale and makes its way into your budget!
RELATED: 25+ Things Every Girl Needs to Add to Their Wishlist
8. SORT YOUR GIFT BUYING BY STORE/CATEGORIES
Once you figure out who you’re buying gifts for and an idea of what you’re looking for, you can categorize these gifts. Perhaps you’re shopping for your sister and best friend at similar stores; categorize those gifts together. This will help you stay organized when planning your shopping trips and will give you a concrete idea of what stores to target. Of course if you’re doing online shopping, this might not be a crucial step. But if you are ordering gifts from the same store, this step may help you to keep track of your online orders.
9. DESIGNATE GIFT SHOPPING TIMES + CHECK IN-STORE AVAILABILITY
Depending on your gift list, you may have to hit different malls and stores. Based on your gift categories, plan out which malls/stores make sense to go to on certain days, depending on your schedule. If you know exactly what you’re looking for, you can also check to see if the item is available in store. This will prevent you from going on a pointless shopping trip. And lastly, have a target date to get all of your holiday shopping done. Or, if you have to deliver certain gifts to certain people at a certain date, plan accordingly for that. With a concrete goal in mind, you’ll be more likely to get everything done in time.
10. DETERMINE GIFT GIVING/DELIVERY PLANS
It seems like this last step of actually giving the gift can sometimes be the most difficult. I admittedly find myself giving out gifts after Christmas day! Maybe you’re long distance with your best friend or you don’t see your family very frequently. Whatever the case, in order to get your gifts out in time, plan when you’ll give your gifts out. If you see the person frequently, you probably don’t have to do much planning. But if you have to go a bit more out of your way to deliver, plan when you’re going to meet up with this person, when you’re going to drop off your gift, or when you’re going to send it out by mail.
11. MAKE PERSONALIZED GIFT TAGS/LABELS
This is not necessary, but it could be an easy tip to keep things simple and a unique touch. Consider making your own labels/gift tags through sites like Canva, or make buy print-out sticky labels and make simple designs. You can leave the “To:” blank, and design the “From: [your name/family’s name]”. You won’t have to think twice about picking out a tag and writing everything out.
Make designs on your computer and print them out using these labels: (2″ x 4″) 30 Sheets, Printable White Sticker Labels
Shop but Don’t Drop!
Instead of shopping ’til you drop, shop smart! With a bit of planning, your holiday shopping can be more of a breeze. Use these tips to stay ahead of the game, reduce stress, keep organized, and most of all, enjoy the gift giving process!
