***Disclosure: I wrote this post as part of my participation in a blog tour for The Motherhood on behalf of the makers of Children’s MOTRIN® and received compensation to thank me for taking the time to participate. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
The holiday season is fast approaching now that Halloween is over. Thanksgiving will be here in only 23 short days! There are only 51 days left until the Christmas, 43 days left until Hanukkah, and 52 days left until Kwanzaa. How do you get ready for the holidays?
No matter how much I plan and prep, I sometimes forget something or I have that challenging person on the list that I do not know what to buy them. It’s always my hubs who stumps me. His birthday is on December 16, I always feel I need to be ahead of my game to celebrate his Birthday. Then turn around and celebrate Christmas a few days later.
Lists are my BFF! I create my list around Halloween. In a perfect world I would ideally have everyone done by Thanksgiving and just have to wrap presents. Last year, unfortunately that did not happen since we moved. I was a last minute shopper, standing in long lines fighting crowds, and paying double in shipping. In order for presents to get to where they needed to going for Christmas.
This year, I am back to my plan. My plan that has worked for me in years past and will make me unstoppable this holiday season! It is simple. I am sticking to my list and not veering from it! No matter what roadblocks come in my way, I have an alternative route if need be. I have schedule 2 Saturdays in November to go shopping. I have created a list with everyone who I need to buy for. I have thought about each gift and know what I am going to buy for everyone. I use to be one of those people that hated to buy gift cards. However, I have changed my mind since I love to get gift cards. I figured most people feel the same way. Gift cards are easy on me and most people love to pick out their own gifts or stack them and use them for something bigger.
How to be Unstoppable this Holiday Season! Shopping Tips and Tricks!
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Create a List.
Write down whom you need to buy for. Write down any ideas you have for the person, or if you already know then write what you are planning to buy for them and the store where to buy it.
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Stick to the List.
When you are out shopping Stick to the List! If you wrote day something you wanted to buy for some one buy that item and only that item. Don’t walk around the store aimlessly searching for something else. It is wastes time.
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Have an Alternative Route.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, remember the alternative route. Try one more store and if you still cannot find what you are looking for go with a gift card!
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Shop wisely!
Check out prices online before you go out to the store. You can also use shopping apps for price comparing.
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Out of Town Gifts.
Shop for presents you have to ship first and have them ready to be mailed at least 14 business days before the Holidays.
Great minds think alike – I hate going to the mall after Thanksgiving as it is a destination for tour busses, so I aim to get everything done by Thanksgiving, too. My husband’s birthday is January 6, and I also despise shopping after Christmas, so his birthday gifts have to get done at the same time.
This year we ARE moving right after Thanksgiving, so my deadline is super important as if everything is bought and wrapped, it can all go in the move and I won’t have to take it with me when we drive out right before Christmas.
I am a big fan of buying local but what i can’t I’m shopping online using Ebates/my Target card to make the most of all my discounts!
I keep a list on my phone. When the kids spot something they might like, I surrepitiously take a picture of it, too, and keep the photos in their own folder on the phone.
Thank you! Great idea taking a pic of what the kids like! Your move is coming up quick. It will be great to be settled in and have Christmas in your new home! And have warmer weather of course. Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous week. Happy packing!
I keep a spreadsheet, all year long. It has a list of everyone that I have to purchase for, and the budget number. And all year long I pick up items as I find them (usually on sale!!) and then log the item and the amount I’ve spent! So yes, a list is my Must-Have for the holiday season!
And, because I’m nuts, once I’ve completed a person, I change the color of that row so I know I am done with them!
But then I don’t have a massive outpouring of cash or worse – piling on the credit – I get to spread the cost out over the year and get some really good deals! My nephew is getting an $80 pirate ship learning toy thing that I got on sale for $18. 🙂
That is a great idea! I love the color coding! Great suggestion. Thanks for stopping by!