Christmas Shopping Tips

Instead of squandering savings on extravagant gifts, get smart about holiday shopping. Here are some tips on how to Christmas shop on a budget.

• Make a Christmas list -Make a list of potential gifts for everyone and keep track of prices.   If you’ve made a list of gifts to buy, you’ll have a good idea of how much money you’ll spend in total. You will also be able to see who you are buying for and what stores you will need to go to shop.

• Set a budget in advance – This is very important as it prevents overspending. Most importantly stick to it.

• Start Early -. Keep your eyes open all year round for items friends and family would like; it’s often when you’re not looking for something specific that you stumble across the perfect gift for Dad or your best friend Lisa.

• Plan with the Internet - Instead of going on a long and exhausting tour of the stores, do some screen shopping! Most stores have a website and It’s a very practical way to save some time and check prices.

• Avoid impulse buys - It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday spirit when everything in the shops screams Christmas cheer and so many items are discounted. But don’t be fooled into buying things you don’t need.

• Look for deals - Christmas deals start several weeks before Christmas. It’s up to you to take advantage of these great offers, without buying too much of course!

• Kids presents - When shopping for kids, keep in mind that they, unlike many adults, don’t look at price tags when considering something’s worth.

• Do It Yourself - There’s an abundance of homemade pickles, hand-knit hats, and handcrafted stationary these days that you can make. Try something new.

• Plan for next year by taking advantage of post-holiday sales - The weeks after Christmas are the best time to stock up on things like wrapping paper, tableware and decorations, as many retailers trying sell off their holiday stocks will often offer big discounts on holiday trimmings.