Shopping during the middle of the year has its challenges, and shopping for the winter holiday season only adds to the stress. In the winter, you might want to buy decorations, a larger quantity of recipe ingredients, and gifts for friends and family. Begin by taking a deep breath and perhaps drinking some hot chocolate, and consider the following suggestions before you shop.
1. Place
Do you have a favorite business? Before you leave home to begin your shopping, visit your favorite store’s website. You might be able to order online and have the items delivered to your house. Where have you had success in the past? If you tend to find what you want at the same place each year, shop there again. Discover new businesses, too, by asking friends. If you think your cousin would like a necklace like the one your friend is wearing, ask where your friend found the jewelry.
2. Purpose
People buy holiday gifts with different intentions. If you’re looking for something to thank your co-worker for a good year, you might want something that reminds both of you of the work you do or the opposite, a gift unrelated to your jobs. Are you trying to thank, amuse, or congratulate the gift recipient? There is no formula for knowing what someone will appreciate, but any gift given with the person in mind is meaningful.
3. Price
It can be fun to look around stores and page through catalogs, but every store-bought gift has a price. How much are you willing to spend, and how much can you afford to spend? Look for sales, discounts (including coupons), and creative solutions. Maybe there’s a set of items you hoped to purchase for a loved one, but you’re only able to buy one. Try to mix in handmade items with the ones you’ve bought. Share your talents and showcase your personality in your gifts. A handwritten poem or a scarf you made can mean a lot to the recipient.
So, keep these suggestions in mind and enjoy the gift-giving season.
