That is truly the big question, isn’t it? When should I start Christmas shopping? Our answer is the sooner the better. The quicker you get to it, the greater your chances are not only of saving money but finding the perfect present for everyone. Though it’s tempting to postpone it for as long as possible, starting 3 days before December 25th will just cause you more headaches. Christmas shopping can be tedious and exhausting but there are ways to get around some of the hurdles which are making you procrastinate. Below you’ll find some tips we’ve found to be quite helpful when approaching holiday shopping. Follow our suggestions and the question of “When Should I Start Christmas Shopping” will never haunt you again!
1. Have a clear vision.
Probably THE most important factor of Christmas shop planning is having a clear set vision. Make lists your new best friends! Make spreadsheets! Have a running list of gift ideas, of who you need to shop for and when you’re seeing them (if you know already), and above all your budget. In the current economic climate, setting yourself a budget for Christmas is the best thing you could do to avoid stress in the post-holiday period. Allocate a certain amount to each person you’re purchasing for and compare it to how much the gift you want to get them is. Knowing exactly what you’re looking for will help you immensely when scouting for deals as well. Comparing prices and quality of items will ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck every time.
2. Set a reasonable timeframe
The beginning of November is accepted as an appropriate time to begin talking, thinking and shopping for Christmas. You’d be surprised to hear that some people have even finished their shopping by Black Friday. Good practice would be to set yourself a realistic timeframe. We’re definitely not suggesting beginning your Christmas shopping in March, but we’re also not saying you should leave it until December.
Tying into our previous point, know what you need to buy. Consider how many people you’re shopping for and what your budget is. This would be the easiest way to estimate how long you’ll need without having to rush, as well as help you factor in if you need to take advantage of Black Friday sales and deals. We’d suggest giving yourself at least a month of actively thinking about what you’re buying and a solid two weeks to actually purchase all the items. Additionally, if you’re ordering online, give yourself enough time to return/re-order anything you’re unhappy with.
3. Diversify your shopping
Another good tip to avoid stress and make your Christmas budget go further is to not shop in only one place. Though it might appear easy to just go to one single shop and purchase everyone’s gifts, you’re almost guaranteeing you’ll miss out on some great deals. Make use of both online and in-person shopping. Supporting your local high street shops is a great way to give back to your community. It’s also a fantastic way to get truly personalised service, especially when you’re not sure what you’re looking for exactly and you need some help.
Shopping online, on the other hand, is great for the gifts you’ve already had your eye on. That way you can compare multiple retailers, incredibly quickly and get the best possible price. It also means not carrying a ton of shopping bags. Some online shops have even begun offering gift wrapping. What’s more convenient and stress-free than next-day delivery?
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