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Low Stress & Money Saving Holiday Shopping Tips

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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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  1. Buddy Garrett says:

    I would buy Buddy a new pet bed.

  2. Jerry Marquardt says:

    I am in great need of a nice new bicycle to get my nephew for his birthday. This prize would help out in making the upgrade.

  3. Megan Wilson says:

    I will buy my husband thermal clothes for his new job, if I win!

  4. Sarah Oswald says:

    It I was lucky enough to win I would use it towards Christmas gifts for my sons thanks for the chance to win it.

  5. Rosanne says:

    I would buy a Christmas gift for my granddaughter

  6. AEKZ2 says:

    I would buy some beauty products for my daughter.

  7. Kayla Klontz says:

    I would buy Christmas presents with it.

  8. Hesper Fry says:

    I would use it toward Christmas gifts for my daughters.

  9. Candie L says:

    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

  10. Pam Wheeler says:

    I would buy a pair of boots.

  11. Angelica Dimeo says:

    I would buy books

  12. Antoinette M says:

    I would purchase a hat & glove set.

  13. Stanley Exantus says:

    I would love to win

  14. BRIAN E. says:

    …would use e-gift card towards a pair of water-proof running shoes !!!

  15. Linda K says:

    I would buy a new sweater.

  16. Jeryl M. says:

    I would get a ticket to a fun event.

  17. Jason Cullum says:

    I would use it to buy some gifts for Christmas.

  18. Paula Pennachio says:

    If I win this because I’ll use the money to get Mom a candle or some lotion

  19. adriana says:

    christmas gift.

  20. Danielle Wood says:

    My daughter wants a go pro for Christmas, I’d put it towards that

  21. LeAnn Harbert says:

    I will get my granddaughters some new books for Christmas

  22. Breanne says:

    I would buy gloves.

  23. Tiana Senn says:

    Homeschool materials!
    Thank you for this awesome giveaway! =)

  24. Carolyn Daley says:

    I would use the gift card on Christmas presents.

  25. Claire McKeon says:

    I would put it towards the food budget for Christmas dinner!

  26. Laura DeLaRosa says:

    If I win it would go towards groceries.

  27. Bridgett Wilbur says:

    I would buy some stocking stuffers for the kids.

  28. Kate F. says:

    I would buy Christmas presents.

  29. Helen says:

    I would probably get something for my little girl for Christmas.

  30. Alisha Sienkiel says:

    Something for my new house.

  31. Daniel M says:

    would use for holiday shopping

  32. Holly Storm says:

    I would gift it to my nephew!

  33. kelsey Vinson says:

    I would use it towards my husband big gift

  34. Carol Moore says:

    A Christmas gift for my son.

  35. Sherry Fowler says:

    I would use it for Christmas

  36. Christy Leonard says:

    If I won I would buy Christmas Gifts for my daughter

  37. Karen DeVaney says:

    I will buy a pair of jeans.

  38. latisha depoortere says:

    I would use it to buy a gift for christmas for my mom!

  39. Linda Walker says:

    I would put it towards Christmas gifts.

  40. Diane says:

    I would probably use it towards groceries

  41. Sylvia says:

    I would put it towards new pajamas for my kids.

  42. Molli Taylor says:

    i would just keep it on hand for coffees when im out.

  43. Karla R. says:

    I would buy one of my Christmas gifts!

  44. I would use this towards a Nintendo Switch!

  45. 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!

  46. Leela says:

    Dvds and books.

  47. Rosie says:

    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!

  48. Jennifer R says:

    I would use the gift towards stocking stuffers for my kids. Any type of beauty product would be good for my teens.

  49. Allison Swain says:

    I will put it towards christmas shopping list.

    Thank you for the chance to win!

  50. Miranda Sherman says:

    This would be so helpful in affording our presents this year. I would put it towards our Christmas shopping and the kids presents.

  51. Miranda Sherman says:

    I would put it towards our Christmas shopping and the kids presents.

  52. Jackie says:

    I’ll buy something for my daughter for Christmas. Not sure just what yet…
    Thank you!

  53. Michelle Tucker says:

    I’d use it to buy a wallet for my husband…for a stocking stuffer.

  54. Karen A. says:

    I’d put it toward a Christmas gift for one of my granddaughters.

  55. elizabeth miller says:

    I would put this towards the earpods my daughter wants so badly for Christmas.

  56. Thanks for the chance to win this awesome giveaway! If I win, I would buy myself a new pair of shoes!

  57. carol clark says:

    use it for a gift like it will be a gift

  58. Sara Floyd says:

    I’d get my daughter a present

  59. Susan Smith says:

    I would buy a new pair of gloves.

  60. Hollie Jahnke says:

    I would use it toward a Christmas present for one of my kids.

  61. Shirley Emitt says:

    I would use this toward Christmas gifts, socks, book,etc.

  62. Heather Kaufman says:

    I would buy books for my kids.

  63. MelodyJ says:

    I will buy some skincare.

  64. Heather Hayes Panjon says:

    I would use it towards a gift for a loved one.

  65. Erin F. says:

    I would use the prize toward Christmas shopping for my family.

  66. Lisa Williams says:

    I would use it towards a Christmas gift.

  67. Deb Pelletier says:

    maybe a gift for someone.

  68. Laurajj says:

    I would love to put this towards my grandsons present.

  69. Amanda Whitley says:

    i would buy Christmas gifts. I hardly have gotten anything yet.

  70. Lisa says:

    I would use this toward groceries.

  71. Kristin says:

    I will most likely use it for Christmas shopping.

  72. Stephanie Jones says:

    i would buy a christmas gift

  73. Heather Dawn says:

    I would buy my daughter a My Generation doll.

  74. Sarh S says:

    I’d probably use this for the fairy lights my daughter has been wanting.

  75. Mallory D says:

    Having just moved back home to MI, my one-year old could really use some snow proof clothes! lol

  76. Chantelle Walker says:

    go towards winter boots for mom

  77. Laurie Nykaza says:

    If i won i would buy my daughter some books to read.

  78. Jen D says:

    If I won, I would use the gift card towards purchasing a new coat for my daughter.

  79. Dan Denman says:

    I would buy food for the holidays or Christmas presents.

  80. jeanna says:

    I would buy myself a new phone charger!

  81. Vickie says:

    Giving to a family member πŸ™‚

  82. Jennylyn Gross says:

    save to use towards Christmas gifts

  83. Lauren Becker says:

    Oh, I’m sure it would go toward a gift for someone, so I’m not sure!

  84. April says:

    I will use it for Christmas, either for gifts or some new decor.

  85. Peggy Rydzewski says:

    A christmas present for my grandson.

  86. Terra L Heck says:

    I’d use it to purchase a panini press for myself. Thanks.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

  87. I would use this to purchase a surprise gift for my love πŸ™‚

  88. LB says:

    I would use it to buy some pokemon items my son wants for Christmas

  89. lisa king says:

    i would buy something towards the christmas gifts i have yet to start getting!

  90. Kristen says:

    I’ll buy a shelf.

  91. I will buy that Italian poster for Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest that I saw down at the trading post.

  92. Beth Minyard says:

    I would put it towards Christmas gifts

  93. wen budro says:

    I would probably buy groceries. My grocery bill goes way up during the holiday season.

  94. crystal mccord says:

    I would buy a gift for my girls.

  95. Lauren Peterson says:

    I’d use it to get some pet food for my adopted guys.

  96. carol says:

    I would buy scrapping items for myself

  97. Julie Bloedow says:

    I will save it for presents

  98. Tabathia B says:

    Probably a video game for my daughter

  99. Robin Abrams says:

    I would use it towards a tablet for my grand kids Christmas present

  100. aaron r says:

    Might treat my partner and I to a nice lunch or maybe just grab a drink somewhere. πŸ™‚

  101. Rebecca Orr says:

    This would go towards a shopping trip for Christmas gifts. Not sure on specifics yet though. Thanks for the chance!

  102. latoya says:

    I’m not sure I would probably use it to buy a dvd or book on amazon.

  103. Sarah L says:

    I’ll get groceries!
    Thanks for the contest.

  104. Sherry says:

    I would buy some books.

  105. Jason W says:

    A Christmas present for my niece

  106. Vicki Wurgler says:

    I need some warm winter gloves

  107. Megan Pasrons says:

    I will use for Christmas shopping for my family

  108. Susan Christy says:

    I would probably buy a Christmas gift or holiday baking supplies.

  109. Madonna says:

    some supplements for my dogs

  110. 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

  111. Susan Chester says:

    I would buy the makings for Christmas cookies and candy.

  112. Donna Teller says:

    I wouldn’t buy anything because I would give the gift card to my mom.

  113. Ken Ohl says:

    I would buy some craft items for my little niece

  114. Anastasia says:

    I would save up for a video game πŸ™‚ Hopefully some good black friday deal πŸ™‚

  115. Del says:

    I would buy gifts.

  116. Melissa Storms says:

    I would put this towards a pair of boots my son wants for Christmas.

  117. Ashley Chassereau Parks says:

    I would put it toward a Fitbit for my hubby for Christmas!

  118. Miranda Sherman says:

    I will use it to buy christmas presents for my kids.

  119. Billie R says:

    I would use it towards fun treats or snacks for my family get together.

  120. Mary Rutter says:

    I would buy something at Amazon.

  121. Alexandra Y says:

    I would buy warm socks

  122. polly says:

    I would buy some new Christmas Flannel sheets

  123. Lisa says:

    I would use it for gifts.

  124. Stephanie Shipley says:

    I would use it to buy Minecraft toys for my son!

  125. Debra Guillen says:

    I will buy stocking stuffers if I win.

  126. Kristin C says:

    I would buy a present for my niece.

  127. Edye says:

    I’d get a gift for a loved one!

  128. Rochelle Haynes says:

    I would buy me some bath wash

  129. kelly nicholson says:

    What will you buy if you win?

    need memory for me pc thanks

  130. Clem says:

    I will buy a health supplement.

  131. Tami Vollenweider says:

    I would give it to my daughter-in-law for my grand kids!

  132. Mya Murphy says:

    To be honest, It would go toward bills.. This would be a godsend!

  133. Heather K says:

    The very last thing on my daughter’s wish list. Amibo cards for her Animal Crossing game.

  134. Elizabeth H. says:

    I would use it towards Christmas presents for my son. Thanks for the chance to win! I really like your blog!

  135. Crystal M says:

    I will buy groceries.

  136. Bryan Vice says:

    If I won I’d like to get a head start on stocking stuffers for my kids

  137. Robyn says:

    I would love to use this to get my kids stocking stuffers!

  138. Shanna Lowder says:

    If I were lucky enough to win, I would use it towards buying Christmas gifts for my daughter.

  139. Colleen Boudreau says:

    I would buy something for my mom.

  140. Dee Parker says:

    I would have to be practical and put it toward groceries.

  141. Sheila Askins says:

    If I won I would use this to buy stocking stuffers for my daughter!

  142. Lindsay Shearouse says:

    A new sweater!

  143. Alecia G says:

    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.

  144. Mary Gardner says:

    I would buy a pair of gloves.

  145. Ellie Wright says:

    I would use it for Christmas shopping.

  146. Michelle H. says:

    I will use it towards Christmas.

  147. heather s says:

    I would get some gifts

  148. I will buy some new jeans!

  149. JASON JENNINGS says:

    maybe some dog food

  150. Andrea Williams says:

    I am saving anything I win for Christmas gifts this year.

  151. beth shepherd says:

    I would buy my girls some fluffy socks. Thank you

  152. sandra says:

    i want to buy a new laptop

  153. Lindsey L says:

    I will use it towards Christmas

  154. Nikki b says:

    Id buy the pokemon headphones that my boy wants and needs for school for xmas

  155. Francine Anchondo says:

    Towards holiday gifts

  156. Tiffany S says:

    I would buy Christmas gifts with it if I won.

  157. Nancy says:

    If I won, I would probably buy some new books.

  158. stacey mccrary says:

    Not sure what I woud buy but it would definitely be something for me.

  159. latanya says:

    put it towards some Christmas gifts

  160. Michele Behlen says:

    I would buy my husband a Christmas gift.

  161. Darlene Carbajal says:

    I would buy gifts for my niece.

  162. Debbie Campbell says:

    I would probably take my husband out to breakfast.

  163. Dan Dykstra says:

    I would put it toward Christmas gifts.

  164. Cindy says:

    I’m not sure what I would buy

  165. Shasta says:

    I do not know what I would buy

  166. Bridgette says:

    Maybe an American girl doll

  167. Margaret Smith says:

    I would use it towards buying some xbox games for my sons.

  168. rita leonard says:

    I really need to get some wrapping paper for Christmas

  169. Randi says:

    I would use this towards gifts for the kids!

  170. Kim Henrichs says:

    I would get some Zoya nail polish!

  171. Karen O says:

    I would buy some Christmas candies.

  172. Amy Bowens says:

    I would buy books

  173. Pauline Milner says:

    I would like to purchase a new office chair for my husband’s home office. If I were lucky enough to win, I would put the funds toward that gift for him. Thanks for the super giveaway opportunity.

  174. Maria A. Malaveci says:

    I really want a book from Kickstarter, so I would use it for money toward that book!

  175. Sandy KLocinski says:

    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….

  176. Steve Guth says:

    I would buy some bathroom essentials.

  177. harolde says:

    I would buy something for the Grandkids, something special.

  178. Tracy Robertson says:

    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.

  179. brigette says:

    it would be used towards a new winter coat ive been eyeing.

  180. Calvin says:

    Would buy some wireless cameras to add more security.

  181. Shannon says:

    I would buy Christmas gifts.

  182. Laura H says:

    I would put it towards the set of books my son wants for Christmas. His favorite author is Dav Pilkey

  183. Rachel says:

    I will put it towards Christmas gifts.

  184. Elena says:

    I would buy some stocking stuffers for my kids

  185. Mood Reader says:

    Gifts for my sisters! πŸ™‚

  186. Natalie says:

    I think I would use it towards dinner out with family ,thank you

  187. Will G says:

    I will buy movies.

  188. Donna says:

    I would use it to buy a Christmas gift for my mother.

  189. courtney hennagir says:

    I just might be selfish and snag myself some new boots!

  190. Marisela Zuniga says:

    I would buy my son some Christmas pajamas

  191. Ann Fantom says:

    If I won, I would buy wireless ear buds

  192. Nicole Martin says:

    I would spend it on Christmas presents!

  193. Debbie P says:

    I would use it for my Christmas cookie baking supplies.

  194. I would love to buy a Amazon fire stick for the kids room.

  195. Bea LaRocca says:

    If I win, I’ll be spending the card on a Christmas gift. Thanks so much for the chance

  196. Sharon Rooney says:

    I would use the gift card to buy some stocking stuffers.

  197. Jessica To says:

    I would buy my son pajamas for Christmas.

  198. monique s says:

    Fab tips. I would put it towards clothes for the kids

  199. Michelle Ayers says:

    Gift For my great niece

  200. Kim Avery says:

    I would buy some wrapping paper and the trimmings because that’s all I need right now.

  201. paige chandler says:

    I will get new pajamas

  202. shelly peterson says:

    I will use it towards a video game for my son.

  203. Mary Cloud says:

    I would use it for Christmas shopping for my kids

  204. Tracie Cooper says:

    I would use it towards holiday shopping!

  205. DorothyJ Boucher says:

    I’m probably going to buy food, I have had a few things happen in my life and i’m definitely short .
    @tisonlyme143

  206. Amanda says:

    I’d put it toward some essentials.

  207. Dana Rodriguez says:

    I would buy something for our grandson.

  208. Emeryl says:

    I’ll buy my niece a Christmas gift!

  209. Janet W. says:

    I would like to buy my grandsons some new books.

  210. Nerlande says:

    I will buy a Christmas gift

  211. kindlemom1 says:

    Stocking stuffers!! Thanks for the giveaway chance!

  212. Natalie says:

    I would buy some new headphones for when I go running!

  213. I would buy my mom a Christmas gift.

  214. My grandson turns 7 on January 31st so if I win I would buy something for his birthday.

  215. Brittany Raisor says:

    I’ll buy Christmas gifts for my boys if I win!

  216. Melissa says:

    holiday gifts for my family.

  217. Caitlyn Brown says:

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway – I’d definitely use the money on xmas gifts this time of year!

  218. Tim says:

    With Christmas just around the corner, this would be swallowed up by that ever expanding budget!!

  219. James Robert says:

    I’d buy things needed for my kids for winter that they need more than one of like mittens, hats, etc.

  220. Kelly D says:

    I would buy pajamas for my kids.

  221. Lynne B says:

    Around Thanksgiving, I’ve shopped with my sister for all the sales. I would use this prize for Christmas shopping.

  222. Noelle Carroll says:

    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!

  223. Kelly Kimmell says:

    I would buy my daughter a Christmas gift.

  224. Maureen says:

    I would love to put this towards a book or just a simple treat for myself.

  225. mami2jcn says:

    I’ll buy new pants. I’ve lost weight and nothing fits.

  226. Leah says:

    Comebakcmomma is literally the BEST weight lose community EVER.
    I read it nearly every single day.
    And I am so grateful I found bit.ly/loseyourweightFAST it helped me not only lose weight but keep it off, I hope it help some others!

  227. Jamie says:

    Thanks for the great tips!

  228. Amanda H says:

    We always try to shop alone but sometimes it’s hard!

  229. Farrah says:

    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!

  230. Emily says:

    I love escaping the craziness of the holidays and shopping alone for a bit! Great tips.

  231. YES to shopping alone! Too stressful when all you hear is “i want that” or “i need that”!

  232. I love these helpful tips. I totally agree with shopping alone, shopping crowds and children don’t mix.

  233. You said it best about shopping alone! It’s almost impossible to get shopping done with the girls running around and asking for everything. πŸ™‚

  234. 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.

  235. Glenndel says:

    great tips ..thanks for sharing

  236. These are such great tips. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us. I’m excited for Christmas this year!

  237. These are awesome tips to stay on top of holiday shopping. I swear it creeps up on me every year, lol.

  238. Can low stress and holiday really be in the same sentence? lol I’m all for making those days easier!

  239. Dee says:

    I loved these tips, and yes, shopping alone is essential! πŸ™‚

  240. Barb W. says:

    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!

  241. Teresa McCluskey says:

    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!

Comments are closed.