Thanksgiving is days away and pretty soon—if you haven’t already—you’ll be getting ready to start your holiday shopping extravaganzas. Although some women seem to get a thrill out of Christmas shopping, it’s over-the-top stressful for many of us ladies. When you factor in budgetary stresses and holiday shopping crowds, you might just have a recipe for a headache and a bad mood. Safety Girl is to the rescue with these great holiday shopping trips that are sure to make everyone happy, including you and your wallet!
Before you go shopping:
- Make a list: decide exactly whom you are going to buy gifts for. Consider who you have purchased gifts for in past years and who usually buys you holiday gifts. If money is tight, consider shortening your list, as long as you’re not risking offending anyone.
- Set a budget: decide exactly how much you can spend this holiday season. Spread the money around to enable you to get a gift for anyone on your list.
If you’re on a tight budget:
- Decide if you can opt for homemade gifts. Are you a great baker or avid crafter? You might surprise yourself at the beautiful gifts you can create using your own talents.
- Clip coupons and go online to check for website promotions. You’d be surprised at how much money you can save by doing a little pre-shopping bargain hunting.
- Check store print ads and websites for special sales and promotions. Shop during special sale hours for the best discounts.
- Use store websites to compare prices for similar products. Online price checking will save you time walking from store to store in the crazy crowds.
When shopping:
- Take your list and your budget with you and stick to it. This way you’ll stay organized, stay within your budget, and won’t have to run back to the mall because you forgot to buy Aunt Pam a present.
- Consider buying multiple gifts from one store. This can often save you money by making you eligible for special promotions.
- Don’t forget to ask for gift receipts! Remember how you feel when you get a gift you hate and can’t return it.
- If you can’t take the crowds, shop in the evenings or during the week when it’s quieter and you’re more likely to receive help from a more relaxed salesperson.
- Keep your cash in a safe place. With lots of people out shopping, holiday theft increases.
- Most importantly, treat yourself! If you need that extra grade vanilla latte to keep up your shopping marathon, then drink up! When you get home, relax before you wrap up all those gifts: you’ll be a happier holiday spirit for it!
Safety Girl Blog 