We all know it! It’s just difficult to buy presents, it’s even more difficult to buy good presents. And it’s absolutely dreadful when it’s high time like Christmas. You have to buy for everyone, when everyone else is out there doing the same thing. The crowd, the stress, the budget, the time… all coming at you like high waves. So how do you handle it like a pro? We have the answers!
1. Make a list
Create a list of people who you need to buy presents for and how much you’re going to spend on them. This will help you set your budget right from the start. This will reduce the possibility of over spending.
2. Get ideas
Find out what your recipients like or what they need. Normally you should know what your significant other wants but it’s not always easy when it comes to your uncle. If that’s the case, check their Pinterest or Amazon wishlist for some ideas.
3. Make use of promotions
Now that you already have an idea of what you can get for every one, don’t wait until December to start shopping. You should start comparing and checking different shops as soon as you have an idea of what to buy. And snap up the item you wanted to get as soon as you see a good offer (Black Friday or even the summer sales).
4. Avoid peak hours
It’s not always easy to get everything sorted well in advance, so if you happen to find yourself still not entirely ready with your shopping by mid December, then you will remember the pain: lack of parking, big crowds, long queues at check out… If possible, try to avoid peak hours, so go shopping early in the morning or even better get half a day off and hit the shops during the week.
5. Allow extra time for holiday shipping
If you decide to avoid the crowds altogether and shop online, don’t forget to allow extra time for shipping: holiday shipping always takes longer than usual, so add a bit of buffer time – don’t wait until last minute.
6. Keep the presents safe, and secret!
Now that you have already sorted out your present situation, where are you going to keep them from the curious eyes of your spouse and children? How about renting a small storage unit? It could be an ideal place for you to keep those hands off the surprise you’re going to give them on Christmas day.
7. Always have a plan B
If worse comes to worst and you still have no idea nor time, get a gift voucher or make something yourself using some of our favorite upcycling ideas.
Or if you decide not to settle with a voucher and are not crafty enough for DIY, go to a store and get a personal shopper. They can give you ideas and fetch the things you need without you having to sweat – just make sure to stay within the budget, please!
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