It’s that time of year. Not when we sing songs and drink hot cocoa, but when we get wrapped up in the spending madness of the buy more mentality. I’m not knocking a good gift. I like bling as much as the next bloke. I’m just thinking that with everything going on in our economy, maybe the less is more approach really is more.
To help ease the stress and strain of holiday shopping and spending (because I know it will still be happening), I have put together some tips and tricks that have helped me keep a shred of sanity. Which, of course, is all I have ever had.
1. Have a plan. This is generic and can be applied to pretty much every situation, but ever so true here. Knowing what you want to get and where to get it will save you time, energy, money and gas. You can plot your route out on MapQuest or Google Maps to make your driving even easier. Less time in the car means less stress and all that mess.
2. Establish a budget. I know, I know. Budget can be a bad word to some people. But, if you have a set amount of money put aside, you won’t overspend and have a holiday hangover of monetary proportions. It’s amazing how those little presents add up. Especially when it’s a one for me, one for you type deal. Or is that just me?
3. Be creative. Are you the creative type? Work your creativity into your present repertoire. Take Holli. She is an amazing photographer. Who wouldn’t be thrilled to get one of her beautiful portraits as a gift? (Really, that was a hint Holli, so if you’re reading this you now know what I want.) I am going to try and get creative, but I can’t say what I’m going to do because it might ruin someone’s surprise.
4. Pre-funk online. Check around. The deal in front of you may not be the best one. Also, how great is it to shop from the comfort of your own home with a cup of coffee and no crowds. That's more blissful than a cranberry bliss bar.
5. Give the best gift of all. No, not a new PS3 or MacBook. The best gift you can give is your time. Plan a night out with your friends watching Glee and eating pizza, bake cookies with your family or go for a winter walk with your BFF (followed by a cup of coffee to warm back up). You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. I’m not preaching, I’m just saying.
Got any tips or tricks that you use to de-stress your holiday shopping?
Photo Credits here
PS For those of you expecting gifts, I am wrap challenged so you will have to work through that. Sorry.
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