It’s October 5th, and while shopping you hear that distinctive jingle of sleigh bells. Already? Christmas is coming earlier, and it’s also because consumers are asking for it. Smart consumers. To save some money and avoid undue stress this holiday season, use some of the tips below.
Plan early! Create a shopping list, written out beforehand; and if you can, have gifts listed in priority order for each giftee. This way you’re able to avoid crowds, find the perfect gifts, and have the season free to do what you enjoy most. When you shop at the last minute, when those coveted toys are claimed by children other than yours, you are pressured to buy… almost anything. You become an easy target for hiked-up-then-drastically-reduced pricing, a ploy to avoid.
When you dig for information in October, no one has any idea that you’re already planning your Christmas shopping. And thank goodness too, or else Greedy Gloria can get the idea to tell you that she is allergic to everything but 4-ply cashmere. Instead, in October, Gloria may reveal a fondness for trying new wines, thus leading you to purchase a wine-of-the-month club membership for her… And she’ll think you a fabulous friend for understanding exactly what she wants!
Another way to save money by shopping early is to shop online. You have the power to be an informed consumer by finding the best deals (there are search engines just for this need) and save more money by using regular shipping. There’s even the possibility of finding great deals on last season’s clearance – if you get there early enough! Informed purchases + avoiding hassling crowds = saved cash and a stress-free you.
For the crafty, it really pays to start making those Christmas gifts early. Scarves can be knitted, scrapbooks created throughout the year, landscapes painted and framed. A handmade gift speaks of way more than thriftiness – it speaks of your love. Time and energy are precious commodities in our society, and when you choose to spend your time and talent creating something unique for the ones you love, they appreciate it.