Top 5 Holiday Shopping Tips

 

Courtesy of Vistaprint

By: Kristina Cross

With the holiday season quickly approaching and calendars filling up fast with parties and celebrations, the one thing most of us put off until the last minute is the shopping. Coming from a big family with lots of kids {on my husband’s side}, I’ve come to the realization that starting my shopping early is always better. This year, the kids are getting something homemade from yours truly but there are still a few people on my list that I have to plan ahead for.

Here are my top five holiday shopping tips:

  1. Subscribe to email mailing lists to your favourite stores: The sales start before the holiday season actually does {think November} and I find that this is the time to get the absolute best deals. Who doesn’t love seeing an extra 25-50% off sale in their inbox?  Plus you can always unsubscribe after the holiday season is over.
  2. Avoid shipping costs: I LOVE the convenience of shopping online but hate the huge shipping costs to Canada. Last year, I decided to do all of my Christmas shopping online and ship everything to a shipping/receiving company just across the border.  If you pay a small annual fee, you can pick up each package for only $2.50 which is a bargain when you consider your savings with the early holiday sales {see #1}!
  3. Black Friday: How convenient is it that Black Friday is right before the holiday season? It’s never too early to start shopping, so take advantage of it! Just head over the border early to avoid the crazy line ups!
  4. Make something from the heart: Not all gifts have to be store-bought. Handmade gifts are usually more meaningful and sentimental than the usual generic gift and can make an everlasting impression on the receiver for years to come.
  5. Know your recipient: We shouldn’t expect gifts but, let’s face it, it sure nice to receive them. Craft up clever ways of trying to find out what the person wants or needs. It could simply be revealed during an everyday conversation or you could be bold and ask for wish lists. It sure beats getting a standard {and somewhat thoughtless} gift card!

We hope you have a fabulous holiday season! Happy shopping!

Kristina Cross is a family & lifestyle blogger at SwankMama. She is also a wine lover and recovering shopaholic trying her best to live a healthier lifestyle (green smoothies anyone?). In addition, she constantly chronicles her daily activities on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@swankmama).

Photo Credit.

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