13/Oct/2008
By Emily Holden
1. Begin shopping early. The best two times to shop for gifts are right after Christmas and during the summer when winter items are greatly discounted.
2. Try to buy in bulk. If you have multiple nieces and nephews, buy in packs and pair each component with another item to personalize them.
3. Resist the urge to overspend. Don’t blow your entire budget on the youngest members of the family.
4. Buy online. Many Web sites offer shipping discounts for large orders. Be sure to buy only from secure sites.
5. Shop for couples' gifts. Give gift certificates for date activities.
6. One gift for the entire family. Consider buying a movie pass for each family member.
7. Try Secret Santa. If you have a large extended family, most members will understand how difficult it is to budget for a present for each person. An alternative is to put each family member’s name in a hat and everybody draws one name. That way everyone buys just one gift.
8. Don't shop when you're hungry. Low blood sugar and being in a rush can increase the likelihood of impulsive purchases that you will regret later.
9. Don't leave bags in your vehicle. Thieves want Christmas presents for their families too, so be sure to store packages carefully as you continue to shop.
10. Give experiences, not material items. Invite a loved one to a concert or an art show. Take your friend out to dinner. We don’t need things nearly as much as we need worthwhile experiences and each other.
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