Shop Smart this Holiday Season

I’m 100% guilty of being an impulsive Christmas shopper. Here’s proof:

1. A jump-roping kit for my brother,
2. A revolving tie rack for my father,
3. A miniature bonsai tree for my mother

Those are actual presents I bought for my family for Christmas one year. I don’t know what came over me that made me decide to buy such strange gifts, but I promise I’m better at birthdays, weddings, bachelorette parties, and all the other gift-giving occasions! Which leads me to think (and secretly hope) that I’m not alone in my loss of shopping skills during the holiday season.

Impulse buying is practically heralded during the holidays. Maybe it’s because we shop with friends and are too busy chatting and sipping our hot chocolate to pay any real attention to the items we’re looking at. Maybe it’s because bizarre things are on display and on sale to market to every type of personality. More likely, it’s the manic Christmas music playing in every store. But, there’s hope for all of us, including me. I’ve been practicing a new technique to my Christmas shopping that has proven successful. And here’s how I know. My gifts bring genuine delight to my family on Christmas day and leave plenty of cash in my wallet.

Step 1-Make a Game Plan
Just like going to the grocery store, you must make a list. Don’t waste your time in departments that you don’t need to be in, unless you’re just perusing to kill time or be social. If you are going shopping with the goal of getting your Christmas gifts, then make a list, and don’t stray from it. No matter what.

Step 2-Pick a Theme
In the event that no one has specifically asked for anything, or if what they have asked for is out of your budget and therefore OFF YOUR LIST, deduce your Christmas list to themes, which apply to the different people you are shopping for. I like themes. They’re fun, and they play off my own mood so I can decide how I would like to indulge my family every year. Of course, I make sure that the themes revolve around the person who I am shopping for. So, for instance, if your sibling wants to start running, you can by them a stopwatch, some running tanks or shorts, and maybe a water bottle, and create a little kit to get them a head start on their new goals. Or, if a loved one works too much, get them some bath salts, massage oils, a nice robe, etc. Activity kits are a great way to show your love and support for your family and friend’s new ventures. It also turns out, to be a very focused way to shop that saves time and money in the end because you can control how many items you include or exclude in the kit. You can also just head to a specialty store instead of wander aimlessly through a department store, and get your shopping done in 20 minutes.

Step 3 – Set a Cash Only Policy
Okay, this sounds like a really simple, common sense—almost insulting—tip. And it is. But, just think about all the items you’ve purchased over budget, whipping out the credit card to rescue you. The sad truth is, there’s no Daddy Warbucks on the other side to bail you out when that bill comes. You’re on the other side! So don’t fool yourself. Shop with cash only, it’s my final tip for fool-proof Christmas shopping on a budget.