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"He's making a list and checking it twice," now why do you suppose Santa made a list in that old familiar song?

He used his list to keep things in perspective and not let one child get a ton of gifts whole another, sat under the same tree disappointed with just one or two little things. His list made sure that no one was forgoten. It also helped the Jolly Elf to budget his limited resources; after all his little elfs were working hard and thier toys had to reach all the way around the world!

To make your list you should start with the recipient's names, if there are many children to shop for, list their preferences of color and design as well as their approximate sizes. Include their interests, be it cartoon characters, reading preferances, puzzles or electronics. For adults, next to their names you will want to include their favorite colors, scents, sock sizes, shirt or sweater sizes and any particular gift ideas that you have before you start. With the cost of life being what it is these days and our investments spiraling downward it might be a good idea to attach an approximate dollar limit to each recipient so your account does not develop a bad case of January Jaw Dropper when it is all tallied up. If you go a bit over in one gift you will know that you need to compensate somewhere else. Start shopping early and take advantage those post, "back to school," sale items. Think sales and coupons, go online and find cupons for any brands you might buy. Go to the stores websites and print out any special offers that are available.

Shop often and shop wisely. Shop on line as well as in the bricks and mortar stores. Do not be too proud to hit the local dollar store for emery boards for that teen girls stocking. While you are there you should look for stretchy gloves for that young man who always seems to be losing them. I buy several pair of the same glove to prevent, "Useless Lonely Glove Syndrome." The dollar store is a good source for these and a few other sundry items. You could save over half the cost of the discount drug store or sporting goods store prices.

For last minute gifts for your hostess, drop into the bakery for a collection of great mouth watering and perfectly decorated cookies. Another great hostess gift is a nice bottle of wine and a good vacuum bottle stopper for the left over wine (believe it or not some folks actually have left over wine), most liquor stores carry these and they will be only too happy to gift wrap it for you.

When you go out to shop be sure to dress comfortably, toss a yogurt or a banana into your bag with a water bottle. That way you will not need to stop and spend money for lunch. Wear comfortable shoes and be sure that your wallet is stored away from nimble pick-pocketing fingers. This last reminder is especially true if you will be shopping or traveling in crowded areas. A purse with easy access for you means easy access for the pick-pocket too. Guys, be sure to put your money and charge cards in your front pants pocket so that it will all be there when you need it.

If you travel by car be sure to make note of where you parked. Trapsing around looking for your car in a huge multi tier mall lot at the end of a long day of shopping, with tired feet and full hands, will not be a good ending to your day. Happy shopping.

Learn more about this author, A. C. O'Brien.
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