Although Christmas shopping begins as an enjoyable experience, it often decays into a frustrating nightmare. Holiday shopping should be fun. Remember the ten don’ts of Christmas shopping and savour every holiday moment.
Thou Shalt Not Procrastinate
Don’t put your Christmas shopping off until the last week of the holidays. The stores will be overloaded. The other shoppers will be in a panic. The staff will be getting tired of the holiday rush. The deals will be picked over and the hard-to-get items will be sold out. The earlier you can get started, the more enjoyable your Christmas shopping will be.
Thou Shalt Not Be Unprepared
Don’t head out to the stores without a plan. Make a simple list of names and gift ideas. Stick to it as much as you can. This ensures you will not have to run out at the last minute to find something for a forgotten niece or nephew. Good homework will help prevent you from browsing for hours. Preparation will help you stay strong and not succumb to inadequate impulse buys.
Thou Shalt Not Overspend
Don’t end up with a financial hangover and a case of buyer’s remorse. Don’t become caught up in the excitement of consumers consuming at full throttle. Prepare a budget in advance. Decide on appropriate spending targets for each name on your list. Check to make sure that the sum of your holiday spending is well within your means.
Thou Shalt Not Over Do It
Don’t try to do it all in one day. Holiday shopping is no small task. Try several small outings. This will allow you to hit many stores in many different locations, all over town.
Thou Shalt Not Over Pay
Don’t assume that because a price is already marked down, that it is also the best price in town. Christmas retail is the most competitive time of the year. Take the time to do some research on a computer. Browse your flyers. This will help you to come up with gift ideas It will help to flesh out your budget. Most of all, it will help you to take advantage of the best deals.
Thou Shalt Not Walk Alone
Don’t fly solo. The holidays are all about friends and family. Make sure to include them in your shopping plans. They may have gift ideas to share. They may have information about deals They may even want to chip in on some of the gifts you are buying.
Thou Shalt Not Deny Thyself
Don’t forget to eat. Bring a snack. Spoil yourself at the food court. Stay hydrated. Dress in layers to avoid becoming overheated. Buy a special Christmas gift for yourself; after all, you have been so good this year.
Thou Shalt Not Get Stuck In Traffic
Don’t shop during rush hour. Avoid peak times Many retailers have longer store hours for the holidays. Arrive early to get a good parking space. Do your shopping during the week.
Thou Shalt Not Buy Junk
Don’t buy something that will be in the landfill before next Christmas. Sometimes deals are not all that they seem. Sometimes you get what you pay for. Sometimes that plastic toy or knickknack dust collector seems like a great gift idea. Often, it is really just a waste. Choose either gifts that will be consumed right away or gifts that have a practical long-term value.
Thou Shalt Not Be Indiscriminate
Don’t miss the chance to vote with every dollar you spend. Do you prefer to support mega-corporations or small businesses? Would you rather purchase locally made products or imported products? Would anyone on your list appreciate an environmentally friendly choice? Sometimes a green Christmas is not so bad after all.
Christmas is the most expensive time of the year and Christmas gifts are likely to account for a large proportion of your expenditure in the run-up to the festive season, especially if you have a large, extended family or a wide circle of friends. In times of economic difficulties, it makes sense to re-think your normal Christmas gift shopping habits and look for ways in which you can save money whilst at the same time still buying presents that will delight the recipients. Here are some ways to shop smartly for Christmas gifts.
Almost everyone overspends in the run-up to Christmas and regrets it in the lean month of January. The good news is that there are some very quick and easy ways in which you can make your hard-earned cash go further this Christmas.