Giveaway hop at the end of this post. 90 participating blogs. Check it out!
Low Stress & Money Saving Holiday Shopping Tips
Yup, it’s that time of year again. Time to start planning for holiday shopping. Before you know it, holiday decorations will be up at every store to remind you that your shopping deadlines are fast approaching. For many, this can become a very stressful time of year. Here are my tips for minimizing stress for your holiday shopping.
Start Early
I plan on doing this every year, yet time gets away from me, well not THIS year. I am starting early with my planning and shopping. It’s often when you are not officially looking that you find the perfect gift for someone. Go ahead and pick it up. You’ll be happy to have some people off your list come the busy season. Just make sure to keep an inventory of what you have purchased in advance and keep them in a good hiding place.
Make a List
It’s common sense right, buy how often do you forget someone? Start making your lists now and remember people that you might be giving tips to like babysitters, postal carrier, paper delivery person, etc. Write the estimated money you want to spend on each person to help you stick to your budget.
Shop Online
Keep an eye out all year long. You may be shopping for something for yourself and notice a link or ad that catches your eye for someone on your list. Take a look. You may find a great deal as an item is going out of stock or out of season. I also recommend shopping on Cyber Monday! It is a great day to get amazing deals and typically free shipping as well.
Shop alone
If at all possible, take some time to shop alone. Having kids in tow can be a nightmare for holiday shopping. Bring them along if you are picking something special for daddy or grandma, but try to leave them home when shopping for others on your list. If your birthday is around the holidays, which mine is, I ask for a “retail therapy” day from my family so that I can shop on my own.
Do Your Research
Especially if you are buying high end goods, check online research and reputable retailers for feedback on the best buys. I use Consumer Reports a lot and you can also check reviews on popular online shopping sites. Comparison shop to get the best prices too. There are online sites like Pricegrabber.com that can help with this.
Don’t forget about Food Gifts
Homemade cookies, cupcakes, pies and other snacks make excellent inexpensive gifts. These are wonderful for neighbors who will appreciate the effort you made.
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I need to buy my son a new blanket. Do not laugh. He is away at college; when he comes home for breaks he never brings his blanket. I need to have a nice one in his room at all times instead of scrounging something up last minute
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If I win this because I’ll use the money to get Mom a candle or some lotion
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Homeschool materials!
Thank you for this awesome giveaway! =)
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would use for holiday shopping
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i would just keep it on hand for coffees when im out.
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I would use this towards a Nintendo Switch!
I’m never sure what I’d buy until the time comes…probably some books for me and my sweet hubby. Thanks and God Bless!
Dvds and books.
This are good tips. I usually do handmade, but couldn’t this year, so I’m doing food gift baskets, everyone has different tastes. It is fun!
I would use the gift towards stocking stuffers for my kids. Any type of beauty product would be good for my teens.
I will put it towards christmas shopping list.
Thank you for the chance to win!
This would be so helpful in affording our presents this year. I would put it towards our Christmas shopping and the kids presents.
I would put it towards our Christmas shopping and the kids presents.
I’ll buy something for my daughter for Christmas. Not sure just what yet…
Thank you!
I’d use it to buy a wallet for my husband…for a stocking stuffer.
I’d put it toward a Christmas gift for one of my granddaughters.
I would put this towards the earpods my daughter wants so badly for Christmas.
Thanks for the chance to win this awesome giveaway! If I win, I would buy myself a new pair of shoes!
use it for a gift like it will be a gift
I’d get my daughter a present
I would buy a new pair of gloves.
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I would use the prize toward Christmas shopping for my family.
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book
maybe a gift for someone.
I would love to put this towards my grandsons present.
i would buy Christmas gifts. I hardly have gotten anything yet.
I would use this toward groceries.
I will most likely use it for Christmas shopping.
i would buy a christmas gift
I would buy my daughter a My Generation doll.
I’d probably use this for the fairy lights my daughter has been wanting.
Having just moved back home to MI, my one-year old could really use some snow proof clothes! lol
go towards winter boots for mom
If i won i would buy my daughter some books to read.
If I won, I would use the gift card towards purchasing a new coat for my daughter.
I would buy food for the holidays or Christmas presents.
I would buy myself a new phone charger!
Giving to a family member 🙂
save to use towards Christmas gifts
Oh, I’m sure it would go toward a gift for someone, so I’m not sure!
I will use it for Christmas, either for gifts or some new decor.
A christmas present for my grandson.
I’d use it to purchase a panini press for myself. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would use this to purchase a surprise gift for my love 🙂
I would use it to buy some pokemon items my son wants for Christmas
i would buy something towards the christmas gifts i have yet to start getting!
I’ll buy a shelf.
I will buy that Italian poster for Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest that I saw down at the trading post.
I would put it towards Christmas gifts
I would probably buy groceries. My grocery bill goes way up during the holiday season.
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Probably a video game for my daughter
I would use it towards a tablet for my grand kids Christmas present
Might treat my partner and I to a nice lunch or maybe just grab a drink somewhere. 🙂
This would go towards a shopping trip for Christmas gifts. Not sure on specifics yet though. Thanks for the chance!
I’m not sure I would probably use it to buy a dvd or book on amazon.
I’ll get groceries!
Thanks for the contest.
I would buy some books.
A Christmas present for my niece
I need some warm winter gloves
I will use for Christmas shopping for my family
I would probably buy a Christmas gift or holiday baking supplies.
some supplements for my dogs
If I won, I would go spend it at the new Marshall’s that is about to open in town. Not sure exactly what I’d get, but I know I will find something there!!
I like shopping with my hubby, its fun, and plus its his money I’d be spending anyway. LOL
I would buy the makings for Christmas cookies and candy.
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I would buy some craft items for my little niece
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I would buy gifts.
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I will buy stocking stuffers if I win.
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I would buy me some bath wash
What will you buy if you win?
need memory for me pc thanks
I will buy a health supplement.
I would give it to my daughter-in-law for my grand kids!
To be honest, It would go toward bills.. This would be a godsend!
The very last thing on my daughter’s wish list. Amibo cards for her Animal Crossing game.
I would use it towards Christmas presents for my son. Thanks for the chance to win! I really like your blog!
I will buy groceries.
If I won I’d like to get a head start on stocking stuffers for my kids
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If I were lucky enough to win, I would use it towards buying Christmas gifts for my daughter.
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I would have to be practical and put it toward groceries.
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A new sweater!
I would use it to buy an LED click light. My linen closet doesn’t have a light and it’s really dark in there. The click light I want is just under $25 on Amazon.
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I would get some gifts
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maybe some dog food
I am saving anything I win for Christmas gifts this year.
I would buy my girls some fluffy socks. Thank you
i want to buy a new laptop
I will use it towards Christmas
Id buy the pokemon headphones that my boy wants and needs for school for xmas
Towards holiday gifts
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If I won, I would probably buy some new books.
Not sure what I woud buy but it would definitely be something for me.
put it towards some Christmas gifts
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I’m not sure what I would buy
I do not know what I would buy
Maybe an American girl doll
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I really need to get some wrapping paper for Christmas
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I would get some Zoya nail polish!
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I would buy books
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I really want a book from Kickstarter, so I would use it for money toward that book!
No idea what I will use this for. So many wants! Not needs mind you. I have everything I NEED but the want list just grows and grows….
I would buy some bathroom essentials.
I would buy something for the Grandkids, something special.
I would put it towards ingredients to make holiday fudge and cookies to gift to family and friends. They all seem to love my homemade goodies more than when I buy them something like clothing.
it would be used towards a new winter coat ive been eyeing.
Would buy some wireless cameras to add more security.
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I would buy some stocking stuffers for my kids
Gifts for my sisters! 🙂
I think I would use it towards dinner out with family ,thank you
I will buy movies.
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I just might be selfish and snag myself some new boots!
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If I won, I would buy wireless ear buds
I would spend it on Christmas presents!
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I would love to buy a Amazon fire stick for the kids room.
If I win, I’ll be spending the card on a Christmas gift. Thanks so much for the chance
I would use the gift card to buy some stocking stuffers.
I would buy my son pajamas for Christmas.
Fab tips. I would put it towards clothes for the kids
Gift For my great niece
I would buy some wrapping paper and the trimmings because that’s all I need right now.
I will get new pajamas
I will use it towards a video game for my son.
I would use it for Christmas shopping for my kids
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I’m probably going to buy food, I have had a few things happen in my life and i’m definitely short .
@tisonlyme143
I’d put it toward some essentials.
I would buy something for our grandson.
I’ll buy my niece a Christmas gift!
I would like to buy my grandsons some new books.
I will buy a Christmas gift
Stocking stuffers!! Thanks for the giveaway chance!
I would buy some new headphones for when I go running!
I would buy my mom a Christmas gift.
My grandson turns 7 on January 31st so if I win I would buy something for his birthday.
I’ll buy Christmas gifts for my boys if I win!
holiday gifts for my family.
Thanks for hosting this giveaway – I’d definitely use the money on xmas gifts this time of year!
With Christmas just around the corner, this would be swallowed up by that ever expanding budget!!
I’d buy things needed for my kids for winter that they need more than one of like mittens, hats, etc.
I would buy pajamas for my kids.
Around Thanksgiving, I’ve shopped with my sister for all the sales. I would use this prize for Christmas shopping.
I would put this towards a new coat, I need a new one since I’ve finally worn down my old one and my husband isn’t satisfied with my hoodies!
I would buy my daughter a Christmas gift.
I would love to put this towards a book or just a simple treat for myself.
I’ll buy new pants. I’ve lost weight and nothing fits.
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Wonderful post.
Thanks for the great tips!
We always try to shop alone but sometimes it’s hard!
Starting early is the best tool for me! My two step-brothers and I have FOUR kids each, so there’s a lot of people to buy for!
I love escaping the craziness of the holidays and shopping alone for a bit! Great tips.
YES to shopping alone! Too stressful when all you hear is “i want that” or “i need that”!
I love these helpful tips. I totally agree with shopping alone, shopping crowds and children don’t mix.
You said it best about shopping alone! It’s almost impossible to get shopping done with the girls running around and asking for everything. 🙂
LOVE these tips! Anything low-stress is definitely right up my alley! I like shopping early because it’s easier to enjoy the season with everything else done.
great tips ..thanks for sharing
These are such great tips. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us. I’m excited for Christmas this year!
These are awesome tips to stay on top of holiday shopping. I swear it creeps up on me every year, lol.
Can low stress and holiday really be in the same sentence? lol I’m all for making those days easier!
I loved these tips, and yes, shopping alone is essential! 🙂
I’m looking forward to the preview event! As my children are older, it’s harder for me to gauge what will be good for nieces, nephews and my grand daughter so I find instore events very helpful!
I always have to shop alone! You would think having my children with me is worst but no its my husband! My daughters have him wrapped around their tiny fingers and he is always begging to get them every toy in the store!
My father used to be like that with me. I am more the softy in my family.