How to avoid holiday shopping hassles

By ModernMom, on Fri Nov 27, 2009 2:11pm PST

Christmas and Holiday shopping has become very stressful for most of us. Fortunately, there are ways of reducing the stress and bringing back some of the joy.

Reduce Your Shopping List

Buy presents for only those people who are important to you. If you have a large extended family, consider suggesting that everyone pick the name of one other person to buy a present for.

Think It Out

Limit the number of presents per person

Choose Carefully

Shop during the week if possible, and during the daytime. Avoid weekends when the crowds are most intense

Plan Your Outfit

Wear comfortable shoes when you shop. If going shopping directly from work, take along a pair of walking shoes to change into

Watch Your Back

Buy the heaviest gifts last so you don't have to carry them around.

Make It Easy

Shop by catalog or online from the comfort of your home or office. This will save you an incredible amount of time - and wear and tear.

Wrapping Help

Arrange for the store to wrap and ship your gifts if they are for people out of town. It is worth the nominal charge not to have to wait in long lines at the post office.

Make It Homemade

Make some or all of your gifts. Baked goods, homemade ornaments or other crafts make wonderful gifts and are a lot more meaningful to the people who receive them.

Think Ahead

Buy or start making your gifts far in advance. If you see something in a store that is perfect for your Aunt Martha, buy it then and there. Don't waste time coming back next month.

Plan For Next Year Shop for Christmas cards immediately after the holiday. They are always on sale for half the price, and you will be all set come next Christmas.