Tips For a Stress-Free Christmas: Part 4

Gift buying. Gift exchanges. Gifts, gifts, gifts.

What is a gift?
When I think of a gift, I think of something I was given, out of the thoughtfulness of someone else, out of no obligation, when they expect nothing in return.

When Christmas rolls around, do we buy gifts out of obligation because that is what we’re “supposed” to do? Do we buy gifts with drudgery? Wishing we didn’t have to? Are you overwhelmed with the thought of buying gifts and seeing what it does to your budget?

Whatever the case may be, it is time to turn those thoughts around and enjoy every moment of the gift buying process!

Here are a few tips on how to have a stress-free, gift-buying process:
1. Stick to your budget. If you wrote down a number, don’t go over it – there is a reason why you set a budget!

2. Consider not doing a gift exchange. If you are buying gifts to just BUY gifts, opt out of your work’s gift exchange, your friend’s, your family’s, whatever. Don’t buy to just buy.

3. Get specific ideas from people if you can. This means emailing, calling, asking that person what they would like IN ADVANCE! Try to ask them as soon as you can to prevent last-minute, stressful buying.

4. What is the most thoughtful? Not every gift can be handmade (or maybe not any), but if there is someone who would appreciate a homemade, handmade gift, don’t hesitate to make it.

5. Watch the sale ads. Starting early means you can compare prices more, which in turn means saving some cash!

6. Be aware of return policies. If you buy something, in hopes they will like it, but in reality they don’t, know what the return policy is in advance, so that person isn’t “stuck” with the item.

7. Be positive. Nothing creates a more crabby shopper than a negative person. If you are only walking up and down the aisles fuming, it is going to do no one any good.

8. Have fun. Think about the person you are buying for. Say a prayer for them. Encourage them. Think of ways they have influenced you. This keeps gift buying in perspective and helps you realize that waiting in line 15 minutes IS worth it – especially for this person!

9. Wrap as you go. When you come home, if you have the time, wrap that item right then and there. This will save you oodles of time later!

What do you enjoy most about gift buying?