Let the Holidays Start Early: Early Shopping Tips to Minimize the Holiday Stress

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By Rachel Derry
Staff Writer LIFamilies

So you may not be ready for all that Yuletide cheer or holiday hustle and bustle, but before you know it that magical time will be here…along with all of the stress and anxiety that it brings. One major aspect of the holiday season, no matter how anti-commercialism you may be, is the swapping of gifts with those that you love and care about. Give your loved ones those tokens of your love this year with a little less of the associated stress. We have a couple tips for getting your holiday shopping started early to help you enjoy this holiday season more peacefully.

Make your list and check it twice. To take a good portion of the anxiety out of your holiday shopping, make an exact list of the gifts that you want to give to people. You may not know the brand, color or pattern before you select the item, but you have a focused starting point. If you don’t add extra items to your list you’ll also keep your holiday spending in check!

Although you may think it’s far too early to start shopping, there is a reason why the stores have started putting out their holiday decorations; they’re trying to inspire you! Start making your actual purchases as early as you can to start knocking items off your checklist. You’ll be able to think much more clearly now as you make your decisions than you will be with 100 people around you, all vying for the same items.

Make a budget and stick to it. Although you may find a bunch of items that you want to add to the list for your “someone special”, check your budget before they are added to the list. Decide how much money you want to spend not only in general, but a budget for each person on your list. This will help you decide if you have a little extra wiggle room for those extra items. With starting your shopping early you will also have your choice of brands; if you want to add additional items to your list, don’t necessarily go for the top of the line. Search user reviews, you may find that the second or third brand in line has better reviews!

Don’t wait until Black Friday to buy important items on your list. If you know for certain that you want a specific item, don’t wait for the “chance” that it will go on sale. If you wait until the deals of Black Friday you may find that your selections are limited, if available at all. If you do know for a fact that the item will be available for sale on Black Friday see if the store has any compensation policies that will refund you part of the purchase if you buy the item a couple days ahead of time. This will at least insure that you definitely grab the item before it sells out.

Long Island Money & Careers Articles > Let the Holidays Start Early: Early Shopping Tips to Minimize the Holiday Stress