by Tracy Deluca

Created on: November 06, 2009

One of my biggest pet peeves is shopping at the last minute for Christmas. The crowds are horrible, you can never find what you are looking for and the prices can be higher on many items. Here is how to shop smart for Christmas. Start now to make next Christmas as easy as it can possible be. The less time you spend fighting crowds, the more time you can spend enjoying the holiday with your friends and family.

The first step to shopping smart is to make a list. Not just any list, but an interests list. Have a specific notebook for Christmas shopping. You should write down the names of everyone that you normally buy Christmas presents for. Beside their names, have categories for such things as their favorite colors, regular clothing sizes, hobbies/ interests and things they collect. Also decide on a basic amount that you wish to spend on each person and write that down. Then, fill out each category with the specific information. For example, for my grandmother, the list might look like this:

Meme

Favorite Colors: floral, feminine and warm colors such as dusty rose or golden brown

Clothing Size: Adult Small

Hobbies/ interests: gardening, Catholic Church, butterflies

Collections: bells

Amount: $30.00

Once you have this list filled in for each person, you have your starting point for shopping all year long. You now need a separate page in your notebook for each person. Label each person's page with their name and make two columns. You want the first column to be labeled Ideas. The second column should be labeled Purchased. In the first column, write down any ideas you think of for presents for that person. You can add to it or subtract from it all year long.

The second column on each person's page is for items that you have purchased already. Look for sales throughout the year. Check clearance racks, garage sales for new items and sales in any store that you are in. Carry your notebook with you and keep your eyes open. You may find the perfect present for someone in July! Once you find a present, write it down in the correct column, note the price and put it away. You can wrap and label it in advance if you choose. Just make sure you write it down so that you do not forget what it is!

Once you have reached your designated budget for each person, you stop shopping for them. You are now finished with your Christmas shopping! I have been known to finish the majority of my Christmas shopping by September in the past. Some items can only be purchased closer to Christmas, and that is fine. Clothing for children, toys that come out closer to the holidays and electronics that are new releases are all things to buy closer to Christmas. Remember to make note of any purchases and keep track of amounts even close to Christmas. Also, remember to shop the after Christmas sales for inexpensive wrapping paper, labels and tape so that you have supplies to wrap your early shopping with.

Shopping in this way can save you significant money as well as time and energy. The less stress that you are under as the holidays approach, the more you will enjoy the time that you have with your family and friends. Try it this coming year and you will not regret it!

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