But how I actually find gifts is far less romanticized.
I do most of myholiday shoppingonline, which is convenient but overwhelming.
There are more sites than I know how to find, and retailers have new sales every week.
In the last few years, I found myself anxiously going back and forth on gifts.
I would procrastinate, leading to last-minuteoverspendingand unnecessaryshipping costs.
Holiday shopping strategies
I’m not letting holiday shopping overwhelm or consume me this year.
Here’s how you’re able to also curb overspending.
This will help you avoid last-minute impulse buys and outrageous shipping fees.
Now, I put the item in my cart and revisit it 24 hours later.
Most times, I decide I don’t really need or want it.
Allow yourself one indulgence
I don’t buy many things for myself.
I can quickly get carried away.
To combat this, I purchase one Christmas gift for myself while shopping for others.
It helps me set limits while still treating myself.
Price comparison tools can also help you sniff out deals that aren’t so good, too.
For example, I love using the automatic pop-upKarma online window extensionwhen I’m shopping online.
Other apps, includingBuyViaandShopSavvy, let you scan a barcode in-store to compare costs.
Look for price-match guarantees
Some big-box stores offer a price-match guarantee.
Stores with price-match policies include Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Nordstrom.
Each retailer has different requirements for price matching.
When your list is complete, you’ve got the option to retire from holiday shopping.
There will always be last-minutesalesor items you didn’t see before.
give a shot to be content with the gifts you’ve found.
Other people tend to spend more when they shop in person.
Think about what helps you stick to yourbudgetand any strategies you’ve found helpful over the years.
In other words, my holiday shopping challenges may not be the same as yours.
It’s important to tailor your shopping strategies to your strengths, weaknesses and tendencies.
Use these tips as a guide, but be real about whatyouneed this holiday season.
