by Raven Lebeau

Created on: March 18, 2009   Last Updated: January 30, 2010

A holiday visit to the mall can be mentally, physically, and financially draining. Here are some tips for getting in and out of the mall with your sanity and your budget in tact.

1. Plan before you go.

Make a gift list that includes everyone you need to buy a gift for, and be sure to include an approximate dollar amount you plan to spend on each person. Your list can also include ideas for what you might like to purchase as well as stores you intend to visit. Knowing what you need and how much you intend to spend will help you avoid impulse purchases and will keep you from forgetting anything.

2. Don't wait till the last minute.

The earlier you do your shopping, the less crowded the mall will be. Not having to fight through throngs of other shoppers will make your experience more pleasant.

3. Avoid "Black Friday" like the black plague.

The deals are simply not worth fighting the crowds and traffic.

4. Time your visit.

If possible, do your shopping on a weekday when most people are at work. You may have to take a vacation day or personal day, but your shopping experience will be much less stressful. If you must head to the mall on a weekend, try to get there early in the morning before the bulk of the crowds arrive.

Also be sure to time your shopping so that you avoid having to eat lunch or dinner at the mall. Mall meals are more expensive than eating at home and generally not nearly as enjoyable as dining on a restaurant. Either go early and get your shopping done before lunch or go after lunch and get your shopping done before dinner.

5. Be flexible.

You may have the perfect gift in mind, but that doesn't mean it will be in stock. Be mentally prepared for disappointments. If you go early enough in the season, a store may be able to special order that perfect present at your request. However, if you are shopping close to the holidays, you may have to settle for a second choice gift.

One option for dealing with such difficulties is to purchase a gift card so that the recipient can get the desired item later. This is ideal for teens who want that perfect pair of jeans or the latest video game release. It's also great for adults who are choosy about their possessions. For small children, getting the perfect present isn't usually as important as having a fun gift to unwrap. If you can't find your first choice for a child's gift, be creative and try to think of something equally fun you can buy for the same price.

6. Check the discount store first.

When buying certain items like tools or electronics a store like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, or Best Buy may have a better deal than the mall. All these stores let you shop online, so before you head to the mall, try getting your gifts at one of these stores.

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