Christmas shopping. For some it’s a joy, but for others, a total chore. Not knowing what to buy, the crowds, traffic jams and spending more than you intended…the list goes on.
moneysupermarket.com believes that just a few simple steps can significantly reduce your Christmas shopping stress, your bills and family tantrums. Here are our top ten tips to put you in that ho-ho-holiday mood.
Set a budget. Be clear how much you want to spend on each person and stick to it! It’s easy to get panicked on Christmas Eve and over spend.
Make a list. Make a detailed list of the people you need to buy gifts for – this will ease your panic and help you avoid the embarrassment of realising you completely forgot about your sister-in-law again.
Research gifts online. Not only can this provide inspiration, but comparison sites will tell you where to get the best deals and often give an indication of availability.
Rob Barnes, moneysupermarket.com’s head of shopping says: “Rather than rushing around the shops and queuing for half the day only to find that the last Nintendo Wii has been sold, shoppers should spend 20 minutes online finding out exactly which outlets have the gift they want in stock and which is the cheapest.”
Keep an eye out for money-off/BOGOF offers either direct from the retailer or via online moneysaving forums
Join up with friends and family and buy in bulk, especially on food and drink
Consider operating a Secret Santa scheme at home as well as at work. Each buy one gift for one member of your family
Shop online. You can pretty much buy anything and everything you could want online. Many UK businesses offer next day delivery and discounts are offered online that are not available in-store.
Professor McDermott of University of East London says: “Crowded and pressured environments naturally make us feel uncomfortable and raise the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone in our blood. Avoiding those sorts of environments will ease the pressure on your body and your mind.”
Use your credit card. According to Rob Barnes, “As long as you can pay the balance off at the end of the month, there’s nothing wrong with using your credit card. In fact, there are a number of benefits. Purchases made on your credit card are insured against theft, loss and damage. Additionally, if you are certain you can pay the balance off each month, credit cards offering cash back can save you up to 5 per cent on your Christmas shopping.”
Stagger your shopping. Rob explains: “It may sound obvious, but if you start buying your presents a few months in advance – say one present a month – both your wallet and your stress levels will thank you for taking the pressure off.”
Remember, it’s Christmas and it’s supposed to be fun – get organised and you can enjoy the pre-Christmas parties and festivities without the stressing about your Christmas shopping!