The Holidays are HERE!!! While this time of year is joyous, it can also be stressful. We love spending time with our loved ones ( well maybe lol) and eating great meals. The stressful part is often SHOPPING for gifts. We have to buy gifts for Secret Santa at work, our children, nieces and nephews, mom, dad, significant other, etc. I often feel like I am always leaving someone out. Although Christmas comes every year, shopping always brings the same chaos. Here are 5 ways that will make your Christmas shopping stress free. I have also included a FREE Christmas Budgeting List to help you get everyone a gift and stay within your budget. We do not want to overspend and be in debt on Jan 1st.
Budget
Don’t go out and start shopping without a financial plan in place. Create a budget before you buy the first gift. This budget needs to include gift wrapping and shipping. Creating a Christmas shopping budget will decrease the chances of you spending more than you need on a gift. I love shopping for gifts, but I don’t like spending more than I plan to. Having bills at the end of the gifting experience is not whats hot.
Create a list
Santa has a list and you should to. I have created an awesome worksheet that will allow you to list the names if everyone you plan to shop for. You will also be able to set a budget for each person so that you don’t over spend.Christmas List Budget PDF
Look for deals
DEALS, DEALS, DEALS!!!! They are everywhere this season. Before you head out to the store, look on line for deals. Ebates is a great option. Ebates allows you to shop online and get money back on your purchases. I have received 3 checks from them since I signed up this summer. A great way to save yourself time and money would be to 1. go to the store you want to shop at through the Ebates website 2. buy the items and have them shipped to the store 3. go pick the items up from the store and enjoy the factChristmas List Budget that you
didn’t have to shop amongst hundreds of people 4. enjoy your cash back on your purchase. Sign up with Ebates. You will not be disappointed.
Start early as possible
The Holiday season comes the same time every year. It never fails lol. Don’t be that person that shops the Friday before Christmas. This usually causes stress and panic. It is not necessary AT ALL. If you slipped up and find that you may end up in this situation, download the FREE worksheet and get started TODAY.
Dress comfortable and take your friend Patience.
Shopping can take hours and hours depending on how many stores you have to visit and where the stores are located. Be good to your self and wear flat and comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and stay hydrated. You will also want your friend Patience there so that you do not have to act a fool for whatever reason.
I am sure that these tips will help you have a stress free shopping trip. Be sure to check out Ebates and download the free worksheet.
Happy Holidays.
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