by Rianne Hill Soriano

Created on: June 09, 2010

The Las Vegas Strip is a shopper's mecca famous for its diverse shopping spots from thrift shops to designer stores.

So how do you take advantage of this shopping haven's many shopping opportunities? Here are tips on how to enjoy your shopping spree in the Las Vegas Strip:

Make a shortlist of things you want to buy ahead of time. Start with your own personal items like food, clothes or gadgets, or begin with souvenirs for family and friends. A list helps you manage possible shopping impulses so that you don't go over your budget.

Popular souvenir and gift ideas include shirts and other clothes, sunglasses, cigars, flasks, mugs, bags, wallets, shoes, stuffed toys, snowglobes, jewelries and other accessories. It is always a good idea to buy souvenirs that are not available to the gift recipient's hometown.

Most Las Vegas shoppers buy something with a Las Vegas trademark, the most popular would be merchandise items bearing the Las Vegas sign. Others prefer getting something more unique and creative than just regular items with the Las Vegas sign such as poker-themed jewelry boxes and chimes.

Allot a shopping budget before you leave for Las Vegas and stick to it. Your shopping list helps you project how much money you need for your shopping spree. This helps you avoid overindulging in "Sin City."

Plan the Las Vegas shops you want to visit. Given the many choices along the Las Vegas Strip, you may want to schedule your shopping spree separately according to the locations of the shops you want to check ou

You may start shopping on the premier south side of the Strip at the Mandalay Bay. Staying on the west side as you go farther brings you to the Bellagio where many fashion houses such as Christian Dior, Prada, Armani, Chanel, among other high-end and couture designers are located. Another eye-catching shopping spot (whether you're shopping or just window shopping) is the Caesar's Palace's Forum Shops which has a mix of high-end fashion houses and stores typically found in any mall. The Fashion Show Mall near Treasure Island and Wynn has a number of signature shops and an eye-catching architectural design including a fashion show ramp. The Wynn Esplanade offers many unique items such as vintage jewelry and antique furniture. You can also visit the Grand Canal Shoppes near the gondolas at the Venetian and The Shoppes at the Palazzo.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring a comfortable backpack or any bag that can help you when shopping around with many items. Shopping in Las Vegas doesn't require much driving. Walking is the best way to move around and enjoy the shopping experience. You may also ride the Las Vegas Monorail to travel conveniently and affordably without the hassles of traffic and parking. Most likely, you will just park your car somewhere and still walk your way through. It is even much easier to use the Las Vegas Monorail which travels the whole stretch of the Strip than having to get your car, traversing the busy highways and looking for parking every now and then.

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