Top Tips that will make your Christmas Shopping Easier
December 14, 2010 by Arash Mazinani
Filed under All Content, Ladies
Anyone that follows me on twitter will know that last Friday I went bowling followed by Nandos with some of my close friends. After eating we were all sat chatting when one of my friends brought up christmas shopping. He expressed how much he hates navigating the high street at this time of year and pointed out he would be doing all his shopping online providing there was no snow forecasted. I can see his point but there is still something about hitting the high street and actually looking for presents that you don’t experience through online shopping. Last year I think I bought half my presents online and half on the high street. So far this year I haven’t bought anything online.
What if you dread hitting the high street?
I’m going to go through a few of your options hopefully by utilising them you’ll be able to take some of the stress out of shopping.
- Online – There is no doubt about it that the internet has revolutionised shopping. However, I still tend to find it is better when you know what you want to get. While it is a hassle free way of shopping you also have to consider delivery timescales. So if you know what you need to buy the internet is a good option providing you allow plenty of time for delivery. This leads me onto my next point.
- Planning – I enjoy shopping as much as the next person but at this time of the year it can get a bit rowdy. That’s why I suggest you never go out with out a plan of action. Such military precision may seem laughable, but believe me when you’re wandering aimlessly stuck behind a bunch of people all doing the same an entire day can end up being a waste. If you plan what you need to get and where you need to go you can be swiftly in and out. If you do this for as many presents as possible you’ll then have more time if you do need to shop around a little.
- Start Early – It goes without saying the earlier you start the less stressful your shopping experience will be. As of writing there are only 11 days until christmas so I know I’m a bit late with this one. Now when I say early I’m not one that advocates starting in summer but if you at least start in November you should be finishing just as the shops start to get to their busiest.
- Budget – I love giving presents, possibly even more than receiving them. But at christmas it is easy to get carried away and end up with a credit card bill headache to start the new year. I already mentioned planning is key to successful shopping but so is knowing your budget. Set aside a budget for all your christmas shopping and stick to it. It will help you plan what you’re going to buy as you’ll know how much you have to spend.
- Avoid Shopping Malls – Some people love shopping malls but expensive retail spaces scare off independent retailers. You’re more likely to find more unique, individual presents on the high street. People tend to flock to these malls for mass shopping trips so you can be rest assured they’re going to be the busiest places to shop during the lead up to christmas.
- Shop during the week – Again it may sound simple but if you can get time off during the week make good use of it. Come the weekend the shops will be heaving.
Let me know how you have got on with your own christmas shopping by commenting below.
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I definitely agree with your tips! I hate shopping for anything when it’s super crowded (which is always during the holidays). Last year, I was in London for a few days after Christmas and the shopping streets and shops were so crowded I was extremely exhausted each day
So back to the point: I have the advantage of still being a student, so I always do my shopping during the week, so nice & relaxing when there’s no one around!
brunetteblogging.com
Great points…here is how I would respond… ;]
Online…100% agreed. I only buy it off the internet if I know exactly what I want. And if it’s for me, I better know it’s going to fit…if it’s clothing, of course.
Planning…I wish I was better about this. I never have a plan!
Starting early…Yep, haven’t gotten one thing yet. I am a terrible friend/daughter/sister/aunt/etc…At least, I am a busy one! So, we’ll just say it isn’t my fault.
Budget…Also true. I set limits with all my friends too. You can get plenty for $25 USD…You just need to be smart and crafty…Ha!
Avoid shopping malls…it’s so hard to do! All the stores around me seem to be in the mall. *sigh*
Shop during the week…I do this! And usually after my 9 a.m. class so there is NO ONE there. It’s perfect.
Great tips, good read and I hope you’re enjoying the Christmas season!
–Jenna
These are all excellent tips. I find I do about 75% of my shopping online now just because of the convenience and ease that it offers, but I do still like to hit up some local boutiques and other places. No matter how many photos you see or descriptions you read, there is nothing like actually having the product in your hands. It’s kind of like reading a book – a REAL book. All of your senses are engaged, and you really have a true sense of what the product is and who it would be perfect for.
I think budgeting and planning are key when going out and shopping at this time of the year. Any time you can go during “off hours” – be it weekdays or early morning – will help, and going in with a set idea of what you need helps you avoid temptation and stay focused.
Thanks for putting this together!
I’ve done more than 90% of my holiday shopping online this year. It saved me so much work and frustration! I could make sure I was getting a good deal, the right sizes and colors and didn’t have to fight for parking spaces. So I did manage to follow most of these tips with shopping early and avoiding malls, but the budgeting I still struggle with, especially since I started early and kept finding more goodies I loved for people on my list!
These are definitely great tips…I think online shopping is one or the greatest things to ever be invented! It is awesome, at Christmas and all year!
♥ V
http://www.gritandglamour.com
twitter: @gritandglamour
even though i don’t like it if there are too many people during this time, i think it has to be this way. it’s only one month and my suggestion would be: stay at home! i mean everybody knows that there thousands people who shop like crazy, but i kind of like that! if it’s not all year round, i’m fine with that!
I definitely lacked on the budgeting. This year I even sat down and planned out a “Christmas Budget Sheet.” But of course I did not follow it. Needless to say, I am hiding my credit card in the freezer. Okay well not really. But recreational shopping is over till the new year. Wish me luck
-Madeleine
I buy all the gifts the last days
but I usually think about them in the previous weeks…I go out during lunch hours so there are less people in the streets…:-)
http://verychiclist.blogspot.com/
So true!! I hate malls or the street that associated with them in this time of the year. I tend to go online and find unique gifts or go to Farmers Market to find unusual gifts that my family like!!
So far i got 2 gifts online, cash for my brothers, and some handmade pewter for my mother in law. I dont usually buy my parents anything since they dont celebrate xmas, but if they do I usually give them gift cards. My point is, try to broaden the area of xmas shopping, there are alot of personalized stuff out there that is actually waiting to be found and take home!!!
<3
http://reserveradefashion.blogspot.com
P.S: I got my husband an hour flying lesson, how cool is that???
Oh Arash I wish I had not been engulfed in exams and missed your tips before I went our shopping for presents.
But now that I know I will be much better prepared for next time. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
Look forward to hearing from you
Love
Tashrin from Toronto, Canada