Top Tips for Shopping Trips

I went shopping today (not for gifts, for shoes!) and there were people everywhere.  It reminded me that gift shopping is one of those exhausting, sometimes terrifying, activities that could be classed as an extreme sport! 

Here are some tips to survive the Gift Shopping Gauntlet! 

1. BE PREPARED  Make a list of people you want to buy gifts for and what you are planning to buy them.  Have alternative gift ideas just in case your plan goes awry.  Consider all possibilities.
2. HAVE A PLAN This may sound the same as the first tip, but it isn’t.  Before you go anywhere, answer the following questions and decide on the best plan for your circumstances. 

·         Who are you buying for?

·         How much do you have to spend?

·         Is there a shopping centre or mall that will have all the shops you need? Or will you need to go to various locations?

·         How much time do you have to shop, the whole day, a few hours, no time at all?

·         How big are the gifts? Will they all fit in the car?

3. BE SPECIFIC Don’t fall into the trap of buying 15 boxes of shortbread biscuits in the hope that you are covering everyone at work (for example).  A personal gift that considers each person will be more appreciated.
4. TAKE TIME Don’t wait until Christmas Eve!  Purchase some items as you see them.  Allow extra time so that if you can’t find something you are not stuck in a gift giving disaster!
5. EAT FIRST When we are shopping we spend far too much time in the food court.  We are also likely to spend money purchasing unnecessary snack foods or drinks while shopping for gifts.  So eat a proper meal and take some crackers in the handbag. 
6. STAY HYDRATED If there is a time you are likely to get a headache, Christmas Shopping is one of them.  Crowds, Christmas Music, Children, Sales, long queues!  AAAHHHH! Take some bottled water along with your list.  Dehydration is one of the most common causes of headache and prevention is better than cure!
7. DITCH THE KIDS If this is one time a babysitter is worth it, it is now. 
8. STAY FOCUSED You are shopping for gifts, not for clothes or shoes or hats or jewellery.  You are not shopping for yourself.  The quicker you get in and tick each item off the list the quicker you can get home and relax.

There is more to come, so stay tuned.  I have opened up the comments section once more, so if you would like to help out your Blogger or your fellow readers with your own tips for gift shopping, feel free. 

J M