All that last-minute rushing can be avoided by shopping early.You can be more effective, save money, and enjoy the Christmas season if you have a plan.
Step 1: Know who you are buying gifts for.
Some people only shop for family and friends.Other people put together Christmas gifts for co-workers, the postal worker, dog walker, hairdresser, bartender, poker buddies, kid's teacher, and more.Decide what you're comfortable with.
Step 2: A budget needs to be set.
If you want to have a budget for the entire year, Christmas presents should be included in it.You can save a small amount every month.Keep in mind how much you will spend on each person.You will spend more money on your immediate family than on a co-worker.
Step 3: Pick the gift that matches the person on your list.
What do they like?Movies, books, and games?Have a rough idea of what to get the people on your list.Come up with new ideas.On your list, write the ideas down.Write down any ideas the person or other people have.It's a good idea to keep this list tucked away in your wallet or checkbook for quick reference.
Step 4: It's a good idea to start as early as possible.
If you're going to buy for full price, you shouldn't buy early.December 26th is when Christmas shopping starts.Most items will be perfect gifts the next year, even if you don't want to shop after the Christmas rush.The end of summer is a good time to check out sales.It's a good time to buy wrapping paper and similar items for next year because of the Boxing Day and Christmas sales.
Step 5: Don't put off anything.
Many people put off shopping until the last minute.Make a plan with goals, dates, and timelines.Shopping will be done by December 20th.Two evenings and two weeks to accomplish this task.Don't keep making excuses, leave some wiggle-room in case something happens.It can be helpful to have someone who knows how to shop.
Step 6: Have a plan.
Maybe you don't like shopping or have the time to browse for Christmas presents all year long.Put aside a weekend or a special shopping trip.
Step 7: Track the presents.
Don't forget who you bought the present for.There is a designated area for presents, such as a tote, section of closet, or attic.Don't let variations of temperature, humidity, mold, mice, and so on ruin the present.Write the name of the receiver on a piece of tape.You can remember who you bought it for.You can re-designate if you change your mind.Don't forget that you bought them something when you cross their name off the list.
Step 8: It's a good idea to hide the gifts.
It's possible to hide a gift early.You can hide it in a craft cupboard, a toy box, or the back of a wardrobe if you live with the person.Leave it in backpacks or other bags.It's best to find a place that the other person won't notice.
Step 9: You need to know what you're having for Christmas at least a month in advance.
This will allow you to buy the food and drinks that are on sale.If you want to list the ingredients separately, write it all out on a list.canned foods, long life foods and dried foods can be bought early from the ingredients list.All of these can be purchased in November.Storage space can be made.It's a good idea to check the freezer, pantry and refrigerator for space that can be used for Christmas goodies.
Step 10: Look for liquor and soft drink sales over the next month.
It's a good idea to stock up well in advance of the rush.You can buy yourself more time when Christmas Day approaches by dealing with drinks early.They can be stored in the basement, pantry floor or other area where they won't be disturbed or subject to temperature extremes.
Step 11: The cake and pudding will be on sale in November.
Stores stock up on more dried fruits, flour, and spices.Sales should be put on early to get the stock moving.If you want to make a cake and pudding in time for Christmas, start looking for the sales early in November.
Step 12: Purchase non-perishable food items during the month of November and December.
It's a good idea to have these tucked away in the pantry, refrigerator or freezer ready to use.Non-perishables that can be bought ahead include: Nuts and Nibbles, chips, pretzels, and crackers.
Step 13: You can place your order well in advance of time.
Meats, baked items, cakes, desserts, and other items can be ordered.From the providers at the end of November to early December.Call ahead a few days prior to the pick-up date to make sure the order is on time.The day before Christmas is relevant.Although you still have to shop at Christmas-time, pre-ordering removes the stress of last-minute thinking and ensures that the provider of the goods has the resources and time to service your order.A family member can do all the pick-ups.Send them on their way with a list of places to pick them up.
Step 14: Two days before Christmas, you can buy supermarket food.
The pre- Christmas day rush is usually full of people who forgot to organize.Even many supermarkets will take pre-orders for things such as meats and baked goods if they must be bought fresh the day before.If you have more than one refrigerator, you can use a second one.