by Kirsten Callejas

Created on: November 05, 2010

You have waited until the last moment to do your Christmas shopping. There are long lines of pushy people waiting to make their purchases also. You want to be home with your family and enjoy the holidays. You end up grabbing any items off the shelves just to get out of the store. You disregard the high prices just so that you can say your finished. Does this sound like you? If it has then this is the year to avoid some of the last minute overspending that can occur. Here are a few suggestions how.

Budget

Establish a budget for your Christmas shopping. This is such an exciting time of the year that we tend to throw our everyday budget out the window. Remember that you still have other bill to take care of even in the month of December. Give yourself a reality check and remember that spending big does not make Christmas better. Know long beforehand what your monetary limits will be. Plan a little extra money for those unexpected Christmas expenses, then DO NOT go over your budget. The price is too high.

Plan the Gifts

Make a plan well in advance. Know who you are shopping for. Consider carefully hobbies and interests of those people you care most about. Are there gifts for your closest friends and family that you can make? I know that a rug made by my mother is one of my precious  possessions. It cost her nothing to make and yet I will treasure it always. Scrapbooks, cross stitched items, and  special projects are more valuable than things purchased at a store. Making your gifts more personal often reduces the cost of the gift as well as raises the value to the recipient.

If you are giving gifts to co-workers or friends, consider giving the same thing to everyone. You might get a break by buying in bulk and avoid hurt feelings in the process.

Know the prices Ahead of Time

Price some of the larger ticketed items before you head out to shop. Take the time to look on-line or make phone calls to find out where you can purchase the items at the best price. If you have planned far enough in advance you can take your time and watch for a deal.

Christmas should be a time to enjoy, not find yourself in a panic. By taking the time to budget, plan ahead, and watch for bargains you can save yourself from becoming a frustrated shopper who overspends.

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