I think most of us have been there. Despite knowing full well that Christmas is on the same day every year, we are simply not ready for it.
Each year I promise myself that I will be prepared and therefore make the whole ordeal of being “the organiser” just a bit less stressful. Guess what, it doesn’t happen. Well. It does, but not as much as I would like ideally? I always manage to improve a little but ultimately I can only do that by not embracing the Christmas crazy.
With a fairly large family to shop for I need to have a plan, and here it is. My guide to living your best Christmas shopping life.
Make a list – and stick to it
This is the first and most important tip. Make sure that you are buying because you want to and not out of obligation. Nobody should be forcing this on you. If your financial situation would be improved by having a shorter list then it’s time to talk to the people on your list – they may well be relieved that you did!
Remember, it is only a bargain if you were going to buy it anyway
Join a community
There are loads of groups on facebook and websites like Latest Deals which are updated by their members with news of the best and newest bargains around. I love places such as this because it saves a LOT of legwork.
Use Cashback sites
Just the other day I was reminded by KatyKicker to use one on a Fridge Freezer purchase I needed to make. It saved us nearly £100 and cost nothing but a minute of my time to login. You really cannot argue with a return like that!
I always try to check
- Top Cash Back – Always check to see if the retailer your buying from is listed and take advantage of money back and promotional codes
- Swagbucks – You can earn cashback on your shopping as well as taking part in short surveys.
- Quidco – Again, another one to check out before making purchases to see if there are any savings to be had.
Use the 5 gift rule
Something they..
- eat
- wear
- read
- want
- need
Really simple and very effective. Use this to reign yourself in when you need to!
Be Honest
If you are low on funds then perhaps there is a gift you could make or something you could do for the recipient instead? If you are going to offer babysitting though, do make sure you like the children in question because trust me, those babysitting vouchers WILL get used..
Most of all though, if it will hurt you to buy them a gift then you shouldn’t be doing it. The person you are buying for would much rather you be happy than be stressed out because of this (and if that’s not the case then you should have crossed them off your list years ago anyway)
Good luck with your shopping this Christmas and most of all remember that it is meant to be fun! Do what you can to take the pressure off and make sure you take time to enjoy the sights and smells all around you.
I would love to know your tips for Christmas shopping?
