It’s so easy to let Christmas shopping get out of control. With so many people to buy for, on top of planning for holiday parties… it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
But how many times have you started your Christmas shopping early, only to forget what you’ve already bought (or, worse, the kids find their presents)?
Or maybe you’ve always thought about starting early but it just never seems to happen?!?
The Christmas season can get so hectic that it’s nice to take something off your plate.
Planning ahead (the right way, so you don’t end up buying duplicates) can make a huge difference.
How to Finish Christmas Shopping Early
When you’re first starting, the thought of finishing (or even starting) your Christmas shopping in advance can seem overwhelming. If you’re trying to get a head start on your Christmas shopping, here are some tips!
Automate your shopping
Many stores offer monthly shipments. With the click of a button, you can plan your items to be delivered on a regular basis, often at a discount.
My kids have HUGE Christmas stockings, so I always try to buy large items like packages of Oreos or Gerber Puffs to help fill the stockings cheaply. Even so, I try to plan ahead and automatically include those items in my December Amazon Subscribe & Save order so that I don’t need to scramble at the last minute to buy them.
Target and Walmart also offer monthly subscription services, so if those are your favorite stores, check them out! The exciting part about using subscriptions is that you get to save money while planning ahead!
Make a list (and check it twice)
To stay organized as you finish your holiday shopping, make a list of everyone that you need to buy presents for. Don’t forget “appreciation gifts,” like presents for teachers, secretaries, hair stylists, etc.
Throughout the year, update the list as you think of people. Also, as you think of gift ideas, jot them down next to the person’s name.
As you purchase gifts, remember to check off the person’s name so that you know they’re done.
Track all purchases
This year, my gift closet is already getting full, so I decided to do things differently. Also, I wanted to track the exact amount of money that I was spending (and how much I was saving by purchasing the items on sale), so I created a gift tracker.
To keep things organized, record the name of the recipient, the holiday when you plan to use the gift (Mother’s Day, birthday, Christmas, etc.), a brief description of the gift, and the retailer where you purchased it. While you don’t have to record the retailer, it might be helpful in case you need to return a gift.
If you want to track your spending (and “savings”), list the amount that you paid and the regular price for each item.
Create a stockpile
I also created a gift stockpile tracker so that I could keep track of items that I purchased just in case I need a random present on short notice.
Similar to the gift tracker, list the item category (wedding, child’s gift, etc.), a brief description, the retailer, and the price paid vs. the actual item price.
When you need an unexpected gift, just refer to your stockpile tracker to find the perfect gift!
Christmas shopping can be simple and stress-free if you plan ahead and take your time with it. As you find deals throughout the year, have fun by thinking of interesting presents for family and friends.
By finishing your shopping early, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy a cup of cocoa instead of fighting the shopping crowds!
Find the gift stockpile, gift tracker, and more in the Organized Motherhood Resource Library. Sign up for free below!
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