How I Shop for Presents

I admit it, I like to shop. There isn’t a store I don’t want to go into and there isn’t a salesperson I haven’t charmed. I like buying things for myself and for other people, so while the biggest shopping holiday of the year quickly approaches, I have been out there, honing my skills (er, shopping for other people). Here are my tips to get your holiday shopping done without a massive migraine.

Limit Yourself
Have a total (and reasonable!) budget for gifts and then break it down per person. Realize that you will want to spend more on some people and less on others. Let’s face it, there is a friend/family pecking order, whether we like to admit it or not.

Make a List
Be proactive, not reactive. Start with a list of the names, and write down a gift idea or a store that represents them. When you do start shopping—online or at the mall—you’ll be thinking of the person first, not the gift. For inspiration, take a look at our lists – SweetLife and SweetHome’s 64 Gifts for Everyone or SweetMama’s Gifts for Kids. And check back in regularly for new lists and lots of encouragement.

Comparison Shop & Shop Online
Search online before you hit the stores. You can get an idea of what’s easier (and less expensive) online and know what you can only get at a store. Canada Post has a very interesting looking price comparison section to make your online shopping even easier. Shopping online may seem tedious, but it saves you from line-ups, parking fees, crowds and mall food court food.

Avoid Peak Hours
Stores are always less busy during non-peak hours, especially Monday mornings. Grab a coffee and go in early, or postpone dinner and stay late (extended store hours rock). You’ll have a much more enjoyable experience at these times.

Negotiate
When not shopping at a major retailer or chain store, don’t underestimate the art of negotiation. When a salesperson gives you a price, ask, “Is that the best you can do?” or, “And if I pay cash?” You’ll have the most luck at independent jewelry stores, electronics stores and small non-chain stores or arts and crafts markets.

Mail Gifts Early & Wisely
Make sure you get your gifts into the mail early – and choose wisely when shipping gifts. Don’t ship a heavy box of books overseas when you can ship a gift card or even email a voucher (or have the site ship for you!). Don’t forget to check out SweetMama’s top five gifts to mail – it’s a life saver. And, thanks to the Free Shipping to Canada website, we now know at a glance who is offering free shipping to Canada.

Think
Remember, it really IS the thought that counts. Just don’t forget to think. Don’t just buy something for the sake of crossing a name off of your list; think about what you’re getting each person. I know that it’s difficult and there are so many to buy and so little time, but this goes to point #10: start now.

Start Now
Or rather, start yesterday. Stores are in sale-mode already, so take advantage and get those gifts bought, wrapped and given!

Now please excuse me while I go shopping. Again.