As I am sure we all know, the holidays are a wonderful, exciting, stressful, busy, and expensive season! With out giving some thought to what gifts you will be giving, you can easily spend much more than you originally intended. So, here is how I go about gift shopping! I hope it helps you as you begin, or maybe even finish up your gift giving!
Before You Start
Make a List
Make a list of everybody who you plan to purchase gifts for including family, friends, and maybe even co-workers. Don't forget to include your friends with December birthdays! This year my list includes my immediate family, my grandparents, my boyfriend, his parents, one of my close friends, and my Secret Santa. I'm trying to pair it down a bit this year as last year I ha a few too many friends on the list, and $20 gifts add up fast!
Check it twice
Are you missing anybody? Or are there too many people on your list? Do you really need to get so-and-so a gift? Are you really that close? Think about it. I can't answer that for you. But give it some thought. Don't think of this as me advising you to be a Scrooge. But if you include everybody on your list, the price can quickly add up. Consider writing them a thoughtful card.
Set a budget
How much can you afford to spend? Christmas isn't a very good reason to incur credit card debt. With the interest you will be paying afterwards it will just become the gift that keeps on taking. So once you set your budget, stick to it. Remember, its the thought, love, and creativity that counts!
Break it down by gift
Beside your list of names, write down how much you will spend for each person on your list. You can get beautiful and loving gifts on a budget. This year I have set it at $100 for my boyfriend, $50 for each of my parents and his parents, and $25 for everybody else. I have decided to give his parents a joint gift for their home which will come to about $100. For me, this is a reasonable amount given what I can afford to spend.
Do a Secret Santa
Secret Santas are so much fun, and a great way to save money. Set up a lunch, dinner, or drinks with your friends and exchange gifts there. Everybody walks away with something, and nobody ends up buying gifts for everybody! Plus, rather than getting everybody a $10 gift they may not love, you each walk away with say a $25 or $30 gift that you actually will use. Win-win!
Once You Start
Start early
Leaving it to the last minute means you will find it stressful, and likely expensive. If you leave it to the last minute don't be surprised that your most wanted gifts are sold out or that the lines are long! Starting early means you can take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, Shoppers Optimum points promos, and other loyalty reward perks.
Have fun
Christmas shopping should be fun! Go into different stores, enjoy the experience! Look around at different things and if you don't find something you love try again another day.
Be thoughtful
As much as I love points promos, please don't be the person that buys your boyfriend a gift at Shoppers just so you can get points. Get them something they'd actually like.
Compare prices
Check online, check other retailers. Getting the best price saves you money to potentially even get them something in addition!
Over the next few days I will be putting together a few of my gift picks for the special people in our lives! I will be including friends, boyfriends, and family. Happy shopping!
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