Tips for Holiday Shopping

There are mixed messages on when you should start your holiday shopping.  Experts say that starting early will make your holiday season less stressful.  Other experts say that waiting will give you the best buys as stores begin to discount merchandise to entice consumers.

I’ve always been the kind of person who shopped early.  It wasn’t because of stress or because of prices, but it has always been because I wanted to get every person just the right gift.  Don’t get me wrong.  I am a frugal shopper to the max.  There are just better ways to go about saving money than to fight the holiday crowds during a sale.

If you are concerned about costs, then either start right after Christmas (when prices hit rock bottom) or shop online.  There are plenty of sites that offer amazing discounts year round.  An added benefit to starting your shopping early if you are shopping online is that you can get shipping at a much lower rate - no need to rush.

My husband is a “weekend before Christmas” shopper.  He is that rare man that likes to wander the malls full of crowds.  It is something I gladly let him do on his own (or with another buddy that enjoys the same tradition - must be in the water). 

Which ever direction you choose, the best way to make the most of your holiday shopping is to stay organized and focused.  Make a list of who you want to buy for, some ideas of what to buy, and a limit that you are willing to spend on each person.