'Tis the season to be jolly... and shop for gifts.
It's fun to shop, but I must admit, Christmas shopping can be really stressful.
Here are my tips for stress-free shopping.
1. Set your budget. Before I actually make my Christmas list, I first decide on how much money I can afford letting go.
2. Make your gift list. Almost all of us do this, I think. My list would be separated into four categories. (a) Family - mom, dad, sister, brothers; (b) extended family - lolo, lola, cousins, titos, titas; (c) Best friends - friends I often see; (d) Acquaintances - officemates, etc.
3. Set an amount per gift. Beside every name or group in this list, I put the estimate amount of my gifts. Then after that, I add everything and see if the total amount fits my set budget (see No. 1).
4. Assign possible gift options. Before I hit the stores, I put possible gift items that I can get for each person which will be within the amount that I have set (see No. 3).
5. Buy in bulk. Bulk items are cheaper. 'Nuff said.
6. Personalize. I get creative when giving gifts for let's say, officemates. I would sometimes make desserts and ribbon them. Or buy bulk cookies, candies or something. Repack them and put colorful ribbons.
7. Schedule your shopping. This saves you both money and time. Set a shopping day. Find out sale schedules and bazaar schedules that interests you. Also, being early eases some of the stress.
8. Hunt for the best deals.
9. Give. Always give something for the less-fortunate. It feels great for both you and them.
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Here are Christmas shopping tips I got from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Take Charge of Your Money.
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