If you haven’t already, it’s time to start checking off your naughty and nice list. Whether you’re working with a budget or just bumping into the hectic crowds at the store, browsing for gifts can get you a little tense. In hopes of avoiding all of that, let me share with you my 3 tips for gift guide planning! Planning out your lists, setting your budgets, and choosing your stores can lead you to a faster shopping experience, and buying the right items.
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3 Tips for Gift Guide Planning
#1: Make the List
Determine who will make your list. This will make your shopping much easier. Just think of it as a grocery-shopping list. I usually include immediate family (siblings, nieces and nephews, and mom and dad), given the circumstances that my siblings and I only buy mostly for the kids since us adults can afford our own gifts. And it saves us on extra expenses, too.
Now, what about friends, co-workers and bosses? You can definitely add some of these people to your list, but this is the easy part. Getting together for a Pre-Christmas party, and doing a gift exchange is always nice. You only have to buy one gift. My friends and I try to get together every year for a white-elephant gift exchange. It’s great entertainment, and you’re relaxing with awesome company, great food, and drinks.
After you’ve got your list, it’s time to:
#3: Narrow it down
You want the gift to be thoughtful, so categorize and narrow it down to what these people are currently, and actually into. For example, if they are big techies, get them something useful like a USB Port with multiple plug-ins. Just because they are big techies, doesn’t mean you can’t be frugal and find cool items. Or for kids, Frozen characters, and various Superheroes capture their little hearts. You can find many items related to these under $30.
Now, it’s time to browse and ease your wallet. I did most of my shopping online (about 95%), and received them all within a week. Your delivery time may depend upon which company you’re ordering from, and some may even have the option of store-pick-up.
#3: Set a Budget
I also like to choose one main store and one online store to do all of my shopping. I do this every year, and it helps me save a lot of money, and time. If you feel like two resources are too limited, try setting it to four- two main stores, and two online. My two main resources this year were Target and Amazon.com. They usually have everything I’m looking for. Target is always nearby, and Amazon is quick with deliveries. Now, they offer 1-2 hour delivery based on your location. Keep in mind that items do vary with those delivery options. Here is how I break down my budget:
Kids-Under $30
For the Men in your life-Under $50
For the Women in your life-Under $50
Parents and Grandparents-$Under $50
Friends-Under $10
Bosses and Co-workers-Under $10
I’ve only spent an average of $210 on gifts so far, which is not bad at all. But, never forget yourself! This allowed me to splurge a little on myself, and completely filling the empty space under my tree. I hope you all can take these 3 simple tips, and use it to your advantage. It definitely helps and limits the overwhelming holiday shopping, researching, and excessive spending.
Now that you’re done gift guide planning, it’s time to shop for these hot items! Check out what to grab for the budget I’ve listed above on my Christmas Gift Guide post.
