So contrary to convention, crazy holiday shopping is one of my favourite things to do. Yesterday, the WHOLE day, was spent in wild Christmas shopping madness. There were dozens of stores, and by the end of it both my feet and my wallet were in serious pain. However, despite the craziness, I have some great tips to share with you to make your last minute holiday shopping maybe a little less painful:
1. Make a list, check it twice. Make a list of gifts you need, list the store, item, and person involved (and possible alternate gifts should the first one be unavailable). Bring the list AND a pen with you when you go. Trust me on this one.
2. Let it snow. Leave your coat in the car, or (if your mall has one) leave it in the coat check. In most stores during Christmas rush, they crank the heat right up ( I have no proof of this, but it sure feels that way). After lugging crap around and standing in line for a half hour, you'll be thrilled you're not sweating to death like the people in front of you. If you absolutely have to bring your coat, fold it up and put it in a bag, just don't put it down somewhere and forget it.
3. Wrap it up. I LOVE to wrap gifts, seriously, love it. But, if a store is offering free gift wrapping, TAKE IT. Some gifts might not need that special touch, and nobody needs to spend a week wrapping presents.
4. Follow the star. If you can get a map of the mall you're going to, print it out. Make a list of the order of stores you need to go to and which items you need to get at each store. DON'T shop for yourself. It's tempting to pick up that thing you've always wanted because it's on sale, but, you could get it as a gift from someone else. You'll also very likely blow your budget trying to fit in things that aren't gifts. Write them down instead, on that handy list you brought, and go back for them in the new year when it's not so hectic.
5. Have a cup of Christmas cheer. While you're running around, take a break, have a coffee, hot chocolate, or cup of cider. Remember why you're really here, what giving really means, and try to enjoy the decorations, music and cheer around you. Regroup, check your list again, and refine what you have left to pick up.
6. UNwrap it. That's right. A lot of gifts come with extra packaging, boxes, plastic, cardboard. Throw it out. While you're regrouping, open the packaging of any gifts that don't need the boxes. Don't open anything breakable, electronic, or that the recipient might need to return, or that might be harder to wrap without the box it came in. Throw away the extra packaging, but NOT the instructions. This way you're carrying smaller bags, with just the items in them, not lots of bulky packaging. Don't forget to recycle where you can.
Overall, remember to have fun, remember that the point is joy and love, not price tags.
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