by Lillyswawa

Created on: November 19, 2009   Last Updated: November 20, 2009

Over the years, one obtains wisdom regarding a good many things. Shopping at Christmas is one of these things. I am happy to share some of this wisdom which, I hope, will save you both time and money when gift shopping for the 2009 holidays.

1) Update your gift list. If you've always exchanged gifts with extended family members but, it's beginning to feel like big burden, open a discussion early on in the season before they have had the chance to shop for you. They will likely feel relief at the thought of simplifying their own gift list.

2) Everyone worries over what to do about gift exchanges at the job place. If you are in the position to sway opinion, suggest that instead of giving each other gifts, you decide on a charity to sponsor for the holidays. A local food bank, for instance. Or, maybe an organization benefiting needful children. Everyone can donate in the form of a check, the amount of which coincides with what they can comfortably budget at this time . This saves time running around and eliminates the chance of wasted money on another unwanted gift that the recipient will only re-gift next year!

3) When buying for mom and dad, sisters and brothers can team up and present a beautifully wrapped gift that they have both been hinting at for awhile. (Perhaps theatre tickets or, a chance to play a round of golf at that pricey golf course.) This way they get what they really want and can use, while you each save abit by one of you not having the entire financial burden thrust upon you alone. And, you will all be equally adored for it! That brother and sister-in-law has been talking about a hammock for their backyard. Go in on with a couple of family members.

4) Draw names out of a hat so, that each family member shops for just one individual, making certain no one gets the same name two years in a row! After you have done some investigative work, purchase and lovingly wrap a nice present that has meaning or a needful use attached. 5) Purchase gift certificates for a service at a nail salon or beauty spa. Don't forget Dad. He gets haircuts, too! A great choice for a senior gentleman is a gift certificate for favorite barber, you can even include the tip! For the younger guy who likes to remain 'buff', why not a session with a personal trainer? For Mom, - it's easy! Pedicure, facial, or massage - pick one! Pedicures begin at around $25 and massages for 1/2 hour are about $35 - $40.

6) Save money on wrapping by simply using colorful tissue paper instead of pricey wrapping paper. Attaching some ribbon makes an attractive, festive package. In place of pre-made bows, using a scissors, curl some grow-grain ribbon to create squiggly streamers. Or, if you are not the crafty type, attach a simple candy cane atop the package and you're good to go. Most everyone loves hard candy on Christmas, especially children!

7) Shopping on-line can save you time and money but, you must watch shipping costs, stay organized by retaining all confirmation info, and be sure to take advantage of direct shipping to out-of-town recipients in order to avoid having to wrap gifts and meet postal deadlines.

8) Comparison shop. Currently Walmart is promising to match any price founf elsewhere on most any item. Save time by shopping off-hours and don't wait until the rush is on days or, even just a few weeks before the big day! Arrive early for convenient parking.

9) Work from a clear shopping list and stick to it! This is possibly the most important advice of all.

10) Don't browse mindlessly. You are bound to wander 'where angels fear to tread' and wind up dropping a bundle on frivolous merchandise you will wish you had never eyes upon!

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