Christmas time is one of the most exciting, yet also, one of the busiest periods of the year.
From last-minute deadlines to a calendar bursting at the seams with social events, finding the time to buy your loved one’s Christmas gifts can be somewhat of a chore!
Thankfully there are a number of top tips available when it comes to saving time on Christmas gift shopping.
1. Be a savvy shopper
Instead of leaving the Christmas shop until the very last minute – and by that, we mean Christmas Eve – be a savvy shopper and buy your gifts in advance.
Asides from ensuring you have present wrapped and labeled before the tree are even up, this is a great way to avoid a massive splurge. Create a checklist of all those you intend to buy for and aim to purchase one gift every couple of weeks in the run-up to Christmas.
Follow this tip and you’ll find you’ll have a lot longer to search for that suit or dress for your upcoming work party.
2. Shop online
The World Wide Web is an asset to all Christmas shoppers.
Instead of fighting traffic and queues, simply grab yourself a hot drink and take to your laptop.
From clothing to impressively festive flowers including Christmas cactuses and poinsettias, to jewelry, state-of-the-art technology and hampers, there is something to suit each and every one of your friends and family.
The best part about shopping online is that you don’t have to leave the house at all, and goods will be delivered to your door, often with personalized gift-wrap. You can even shop on the move using your mobile phone, a laptop or a tablet.
Another benefit to shopping on the Internet is the choice available – if certain items are sold out in your local town; you’re guaranteed to find them online and often at a better price. You’ll also avoid the hassle of the post office, as online gifts can be sent to anywhere you, please.
If you have an aunt in Outer Mongolia or an uncle in the Outback, it’s now easier than ever to show them you’re thinking of them.
A number of online stores will even offer special festive discounts and free postage.
3. Be organized
The organization is key when it comes to saving time on Christmas gift shopping, especially if you have a busy working schedule to attend too.
Instead of leaving everything until the last minute and panic buying, create a list. If you’re super organized, you may even wish to create a spreadsheet.
This list should feature all those you intend to buy for, along with a budget and a variety of gift ideas (you never know what will sell out at this time of year).
Print it out and pop it in your purse and you’ll suddenly find shopping for gifts a great deal easier.
4. Ask your friends to give you a Christmas wish list
More often than not, we will spend hours searching for the perfect gift for that special someone without actually knowing what they really want.
Asking family and friends to write a Christmas list will help you to overcome this, it will also make Christmas shopping a lot less time-consuming.
If you still want it to be a surprise, get them to pop a few ideas down and this way, they’ll never guess which one you’re going to choose.
5. Make your own gifts
If you live a fair few miles from the high street, you may wish to consider making your own gifts.
One easy, yet impressive, gift idea is a Christmas hamper. Each hamper can be tailored to the person you intend to give it too. Simply order a basket and a variety of food, floral, beauty or drinks goods (all of which can be purchased online) and fill it to the brim. Secure with cellophane wrap, a bow and some glitter for a festive feel.
Everyone loves a hamper at Christmas time and by making your own, you’ll be able to create an extremely personalized gift, and one that you can master in your own time, as opposed to taking a day off work to hit the shops.
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