Getting Organized - Holiday Gift Shopping Tips

Today we have guest writers from, www.entwinedvinesjewlery.blogspot.com. Please welcome Tina and Tammy as they share their Holiday Shopping Tips with us.

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The holidays are upon us, if you haven't already you will soon begin the time honored tradition of gift giving.

Are you someone who plans ahead or waits till the last minute? Whatever end of the spectrum you are on or if you are somewhere in the middle, the following list is a great tool to make your shopping expeditions less chaotic and keep you within your budget.

Holiday Shopping Tips:

1.) Set a per person budget. I have found that a per person budget works best to keep from overspending.

2.) Ask for a Christmas list. Some of you are probably thinking this takes some of the magic out of it, but like me, you probably have at least one person on the list you have no idea what to get for them. And let's face it in today's tight economy sometimes a practical gift is more appreciated than a whimsical gift. No matter how much the person may like the whimsical gift.

3.) Make a list of people you are shopping for. There is nothing worse than getting home thinking you are done and find you forgot to buy a gift for someone.

4.) Add to your list of people an idea of what you are looking for. Don't forget to think of handmade items. Handmade gifts add a personal touch to your gift giving.

5.) Consider shopping online and avoiding the malls altogether.

6.) Plan your shopping trip -- Group your gift list based on the different stores, categories, types of items you are looking for, then plan your route. You will save a great deal of time this way.

7.) Find a shopping buddy -- stores in general are crazy busy this time of year, it is easy to miss deals. With a shopping buddy you will cover more territory, saving you time and catching deals missed when shopping solo.

8.) Bring your own shopping bags -- not only is it environmentally friendly, they are easier to carry and keep track of.

9.) Consider shopping for Handmade items online. -- Yep, I am all for avoiding those malls and totally appreciate a handmade gift over a mall special.

10.) Remember Yourself --- It may be the season of giving, but we all work hard and deserve to treat ourselves too. Whether this be a large item or a small item, you are deserving and taking care of yourself allows you the energy and humor to care for others.