Festive Do's and Don'ts

A Festive List of Do's and Don’ts to make Christmas Shopping as Stress-Free as Possible

With the countdown on to Christmas Day it’s probably time to think about starting your festive shopping if you have not already done so.

For some it’s a period of intense excitement – browsing the shelves for gift ideas from as early on as the summer. But for others it’s a complete chore which needs to be juggled alongside all of life’s other daily stresses.

Now of course there’s the lure of internet shopping to consider easing the physical grind of wandering around the packed shops for endless hours. It’s quick and convenient, no queues, no trying to find car parking, no terrible weather. And many retailers offer discounts for online orders, which means saving money too.

But if you’re the sort of person who needs to wander to see what’s on offer then here’s a few tips to make it easier.

1. Begin shopping as early in the year as you can so you can spread the spending over your monthly paychecks.

2. Stick to your budget no matter what.

3. Buy during shops’ special discount days.

4. Keep receipts in a safe place for returns.

5. Check the return dates on receipts as most shops have extended the 28 day return rule.

6. Set aside one or two days and go out and do a blitz if it’s hard to shop in a piecemeal fashion.

7. It’s important to make a list of who and even what you’re purchasing for that person. This is far more productive than wandering for hours.

8. Hit the shops early in the morning when they won’t be as crowded.

9. Shop around and compare prices.

10. If all this fails just buy gift vouchers for everyone – shopping done in one fell swoop!