No doubt about it, holiday gift shopping can be stressful. However, there’s a special joy in finding just the right gift that connects you with family and friends you may not see the rest of the year.
Here are some tips designed to reduce the stress of shopping and free up more time for enjoyment of family and friends.
• Get organized. Make a list of all those you plan to give gifts to.
• Divide and conquer. Divide your gift list into at least two parts, and it will be less overwhelming. The first list should be for immediate family members. The second list is for friends and relatives to whom giving a gift is important to help stay in touch.
• Determine your spending limit. Avoid post-holiday anguish and establish a budget up front. Then allocate that amount across the names on your list.
• Be alert. Keep your ears and eyes open when spending time with or talking with your family and friends. They often drop hints that can help you target your shopping to their needs and desires.
• Give a gift of food. Instead of adding to material clutter, give something delicious or decadent to eat – a holiday treat the whole family can gather around and enjoy together.
• Make sure satisfaction is guaranteed. Check a company’s policy on returns and refunds in case something does not meet expectations.
• Keep a paper trail. Copy or print your order form and file it away, just in case you need to follow up later on.
Follow these simple steps, and you’re bound to find more time for what’s most important at this special time of year – the company of family and good friends.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
