The Best Time of the Year: Christmas Shopping Edition

Let the Christmas shopping begin! 

Christmas is just around the corner, and therefore the shopping starts (or may have already started). And not just for gifts, but for decoration as well. So why not share some tips and tricks on Christmas shopping?

What Is The Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a big thing in my family, however, I know for many it is not. This year I have come to learn that many people don’t do Christmas shopping or gift giving for a number of reasons. The main reason being that they don’t like what they get or don’t know what to get others.

For me, at least in my mind, Christmas isn’t about all the presents. It is something I do love doing though because I love giving gifts and seeing what people thought I might like or enjoy. But, Christmas is also about family. Being with them, appreciating them, learning from them, making memories with them.

That is, in my opinion, what Christmas is about. For some that includes gifts, for some it doesn’t. However, please remember this holiday season that what you do will be different for others, and it is important not to criticize or judge others by what they do. Spread joy and cheer, not hate and sadness.

Holiday Shopping

Christmas shopping doesn’t just include presents. Oh no, there are decorations, food, and more!

This time of year is equally fun and stressful because of getting to decorate, shop and just have fun. But, money can be a big factor, as well as work and having enough time. 

So here are just a few tips for holiday shopping as a whole:

Budgets

Set a budget for yourself. Determine a reasonable amount to spend on a person or give yourself a decoration allowance. And don’t stray (at least too far) from your budget plan!

This will help you have less financial stress not just at Christmas time, but going into the new year. 

Make A List

Stay organized and make a list of who you need to buy for and what you are thinking of getting.

Also, put in your budget on the list as a reminder and more organization. I have a list for this on my Etsy shop. Check it out!

Deals, Deals, Deals

Keep a close eye on the deals at your favourite stores, stores you shop at or even certain items at many places.

Most of the time around Black Friday and Christmas stores get really good deals for certain items. Compare places to one another as well to get the best deal you can. 

On the other hand, watch for price jumps. Around Christmas some places markup items then put a deal on the higher price. So just keep an eye out.

Shop Local

It is a good idea to try and shop local, to support your town and community.  A lot of local shops will have one of a kind decorations and gifts. 

However, sometimes it can be hard with getting something that person likes or your budget, especially if you live in a more rural area. But at least shopping locally you don’t need to wait for it or travel to it.

Have Fun

Shopping is usually always fun, but Christmas shopping, I find, is so much fun. Because I love Christmas and so much more cool stuff comes out at this time. For me (and I am sure for others) it truly is a wonderful time of year.

Some Store Ideas

As mentioned above, shopping locally is an option, but not always feasible. So here are some ideas of some stores that I shop at. They are bigger shops but I find them easy to shop at and I always find what I am looking for.

Amazon

I know. But Amazon is actually pretty great if you watch what you are doing. They have so many things that you can usually find what you are looking for or find something that’s perfect for who you are buying for. 

Just watch where they are shipping the item from, and keep an eye on pricing. Some shops may have it cheaper than Amazon, but there are some items that are more expensive on Amazon.

Etsy

Etsy is really great for getting more personal things. Like Amazon, they have a big collection of items that you can find the perfect gifts. But many things on Etsy are personalizable, which gives the gift a more sentimental value.

Most things on here are also very unique/collectible kinds of items and reasonably priced as well. 

Best Buy

Best Buy isn’t just electronics anymore. They have a variety of different things now, including but not limited to, household appliances, furniture, baby things, makeup and exercise equipment. So you are bound to find something for that special person.

They have online shopping, curb-side pick up and obviously in store shopping as well.

Winners/HomeSense/Marshalls

If you have never heard of these or didn’t know, they are basically the same store they just have different names and each store has a slightly different focus. Like HomeSense has more household stuff, whereas Winners has more clothes.

But, you can get so many good items and ideas from here. From clothes to home living to baby to beauty. There are endless options and some really great, big name items for a reasonable price, like Roots and Morphe for example.

RedBubble

This is strictly an online shop, but it is cool because you are supporting artists from so many locations.

There are thousands of designs that you can choose from and tons of different things you can get the design printed on. Such as shirts, cups, pillows, pouches, hats, etc. 

You can find things that are geeky or things like flowers or baking, etc. Find what you love and get it on what you like.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Stockings can be hard to shop for because of trying to find things that fit in the stocking and also things that may not be as expensive as their actual gift. Which can be hard nowadays unfortunately.

So here are some ideas for stocking stuffers:

Those are just some options of different stocking stuffers but there are so many ideas. And a lot of it depends on what the person likes and doesn’t like.

Many places, like Walmart for example, have little setups this time of year for things that are strictly stocking stuffer. Things that are made for the stocking, like mini foosball tables or hand warmers.

Here is a good post for even more fun stocking stuffer ideas. 

Remember

Christmas shouldn’t be a stressful time. It should be a time of joy and happiness, so try and keep that mentality. I know it has been a hard time and is still really hard, but do what you can and let the Christmas energy take hold of you and bring you cheer.

Like I said, do what you can. Do the best you can and it will all work out in the end. I know it’s easier said than done, but it will be okay. Be thankful for what you have this year and try not to focus on the things that you don’t.

Stick to a budget to help, make a list to stay organized. Take control of things so you don’t feel as stressed and overwhelmed. You can only do what you can do so don’t let some of the Christmas stressors bring you down. 

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. With all the holiday events, family time and shopping fun it brings it is a joyous occasion. 

Shopping is only a portion of the fun with the holiday season. Have you finished your Christmas shopping already or just getting started?