So it’s the week before Christmas and you’re barely done with your shopping. Don’t panic! Before you go into a distressed shopping frenzy, check out these 10 tips for last-minute Christmas shopping
1. Make a List
One of the downsides to last minute is shopping is exceeding budget. Before you visit any store, make a list of how much you plan to spend on each item and on each person you are buying a gift and stick to it. This will help manage your budget. If possible, go with cash and leave your card at home; this way you can curb the temptation to spend more.
2. Check Your List
As you purchase the items written on your list, check them off. This way you can keep track of your spending and purchases. Check off names as you buy gifts, check off items as you purchase. Try not to purchase any item you don’t have on the list.
3. Set a Time Limit
Retailers know how to keep you in the store longer than you want to. They will have lots of sales put up; they’ll play holiday music and scent the air. This is likely to make you linger and buy on impulse. Set a time limit and leave the moment time is up. The less time you spend at the store/market the less the temptation to overspend or buy on impulse.
4. Go Online
Most online stores will deliver to you before Christmas day. So you can skip the stores/mall and shop online for gifts. Shopping online also helps you avoid the holiday crowds and hustle at the market and malls.
5. Skip Clothing Items
It can be tough to get the right clothes even when you aren’t shopping at the last minute. Be kind to yourself and skip all clothing items since it’s last minute shopping. If there is someone you’d love to buy clothes for, try getting them something else or wait till after the holidays. A gift certificate/card is also an option.
6. Christmas Eve Shopping
Waiting till the day before Christmas to shop sounds like a horrible idea. However, look at it this way; people are usually done with holiday shopping by Christmas Eve. This means the malls will be less crowded, and you’ll have the chance to shop without having to fight and hustle.
7. Know When to Stop
The moment you’ve checked off the names of everyone on your list and the items, stop shopping. It might seem simple but the truth is often times, the urge to find the perfect gifts and items can be compelling to anxious shoppers and this keeps them going. The fact that your shopping is last minute doesn’t mean you did not get the best deal or the perfect present.
Finally, go home and have a Merry Christmas!
About the author: Chris Bamidele is a passionate and unapologetic Nigerian, who believes in God and humanity. He is a writer, blogger, and an aspiring Television Director; and an optimist to the core. He blogs at www.chrisbamidele.wordpress.com and tweets @Chrisbamidele.
