Christmas Shopping: Beat the Rush

Why wait till the last minute and risk not getting all the things on your Christmas list- start your Christmas shopping early and beat the rush. If you have a plan you can get your shopping done quicker, save money and enjoy the Christmas season more, so avoid the huge queues and frantic streets leading up to the festive season and begin your Christmas shopping now.

Out with Summer in with Christmas:

Summer may have only just ended, but for many that means one thing; it’s time to start planning for Christmas. With some retailers pushing Christmas stock earlier than ever in an attempt to get a head start on the festive season-and entice the summer tourist trade at the same time.

By starting your Christmas shopping early you may be spreading the cost over the festive season instead of bulk buying in a hurry and over-spending. A recent survey revealed that a third of the people asked said they are planning to spend a considerable amount less than last year, with 80% saying that they hope to spend up to £250 less this year, as opposed to the average spend on Christmas presents in 2008 which was £320 per person. If you fall into this category and you want to save this year then why not do you’re Christmas shopping online for fast and easy shopping and delivery. It will also be helpful if you set yourself a budget and start saving for your Christmas budget before hand then when you reach your ideal figure you can start shopping.

Deciding on a Christmas list will help you have an idea of what you’re looking for so when it comes to actually buying the gifts all you have to do is look at your list, find it then buy it. Keep a general idea of how much you are spending on each person so you don’t go over your budget. This can be kept with your shopping list, which is small enough to be tucked away in a wallet or purse.

If you are not a fan of shopping (i.e. a man) then put aside a specific time to do all your shopping, maybe take a whole weekend and plan where you are going to go in advance to prevent any added stress. This may be around the time you know clearance sales are on, usually at the end of seasonal cycles- you could pick up a bargain or two.

Christmas Shopping Tips:

If you're unsure what to buy for someone for Christmas, it might help to think about their lifestyle or age group, this can often be a good guide for what type of gifts you should consider. Kids are usually the easiest age group to buy for due to the sheer volume of variety out there of the fact that there might be something specific they want, like something they have seen on the TV or internet.

Always ask for a gift receipt for items, especially if they are expensive in case the item needs to be returned. If you don’t have the receipt stating the amount you paid you are likely to only get an exchange as opposed to getting a full refund.

If you are struggling with what to get someone you could choose a gift card, which you might think isn’t very personal but the advantage is that they have the choice to pick something they truly want instead of you selecting the wrong present.

Whatever your attitude towards shopping may be, there are ways to streamline the experience without breaking your back, bank balance and patience.

- K.J.N -