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Christmas Checklists & Organizing
Stress-Free Holiday Shopping
 The
House is Shiny and you are sweating; the dinner table is laden and
cookie jars are filled but you hardly feel like tasting a thing
because you are dead tired; and you also need to drive to malls and
get the shopping sorted out. Holidays can become stressful but like
with everything else, there is hope! Check out some tips for
stress-free shopping times.
Timing is Everything
Those who plan ahead and are always keeping an eye out for great
gifts before the holiday shopping season comes say they are less
stressed during the holiday season and have more time to enjoy the
holiday festivities. But if you aren't that prepared and end up
shopping during the holiday season for gifts, it is best to go
during times when it is less crowded. Retailers say that they have
the fewest customers during the early morning hours and they are
the most crowded during weekends and holidays.
Make Lists
Take a cue from Santa and make a list of all those people that
you are planning on buying gifts for, and check them off as you get
the gifts. Or if you are getting multiple gifts for some (i.e. your
kids or spouse) make tally marks so that you can easily see how
many gifts you have bought for each person.
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Did you know…
That Black Friday
(the day after Thanksgiving) isn't the busiest shopping day
of the year? So what day gets that special title? The
Saturday before Christmas; you'll definitely want to avoid
shopping on that day if you would like to miss the crowds. |
Take Stock
Check your gift wrapping supplies and make sure you have what
you need to wrap the gifts. If you don't have everything you need,
write out a list and pick up the supplies while looking for gifts.
This will save you from having to go back to the store just to pick
up some tape or more wrapping paper.
Consider Shopping online or by Mail
Many online companies and mail order companies will wrap the
gifts, include a card and ship them directly to the receiver. This
is an especially great option if you will be getting gifts for
family or friends who are far away. Plus you won't even have to
leave the house or fight crowds.
Avoid Pressure
If you are in a rush you often feel pressured to make a purchase
that you may later regret. Avoid the stress of having to return an
unwanted gift later by stepping back and taking a little bit of
time to think about the gift. If you need to ask the salesperson to
put it on hold and go do something else for a little bit, then come
back and if you still want the item than it is probably a good
choice.
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Kids Coming Along?
Don't have time to
shop for the kids gifts without them with you? Consider
asking a family member or even getting a babysitter to go
with you. They can distract and keep the kids entertained
until you've selected the presents and have them safely
hidden in the grocery bags. |
100% Guarantee
Make sure to only buy from stores that have a refund or exchange
policy. Keep receipts for all gift purchases in an envelope so that
you will know where they are if you need to take an item back. Ask
for gift receipts for items and include the receipt with the gift
especially if it is clothing that might not fit.
Avoid Lines
Most stores have multiple cash registers in different parts of
the store and will allow you to ring up any items from the store at
these registers. If the lines up front are incredibly long. Swing
by the photo counter, electronics counter, jewelry counter or other
department counters to have your items rung up. This will often
save you a lot of time and stress.
Take Breaks
And lastly, shopping can become a much better experience if you
squeeze in little coffee and snack breaks to keep your energy
levels high at all times.
This article first appeared in the 'Celebrating
Christmas PDF Magazine' which is a FREE magazine that
you can download and even print out.
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