The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us….that means all us MOMS are starting our Holiday Shopping! If your hubby is anything like mine, then you are stuck doing it all. From planning the Holiday Meals to getting gifts for everyone, including myself. LOL! I don’t think my hubby even goes out to the stores during this time of year. You gotta play the shopping game smart…
So here are my top ten ideas to help you this holiday season:
1- Shop online! Save yourself the headache of fighting the crowds and sit back in your pj’s with your cup of coffee and have it all delivered right to your front door! Gotta love that!
2- Re-gift! I don’t mean use something old and give it away….simply look through your closets and find items that you received as gift and never used or even items you bought and never used like lotions and gift baskets. They will make a great gift for your mother in law or mom, or even your sister. It will help you save some money too and we all love that.
3- A gift doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s the thought that counts. Maybe this year make your neighbor’s some homemade goodies instead of giving them a gift card. You could make them a popcorn movie theme basket and put a cute note that says “Stay indoors where it’s warm for a movie night from The Hansen’s”. A cute inexpensive way to gift your neighbors.
4- Black Friday! Ok, so Black Friday can be quite overwhelming and scary so you must be prepared. You can score some killer deals by checking the ads the night before or even searching for the ads weeks in advance online. Team up with your sister and hubby to make a game plan. That way you can each hit one store and snag all the deals for each other. That way you are guaranteed the goods and you don’t have to run everywhere. Just one store!
5- Plan ahead of time. This time of year you can end up spending a lot more money than expected if you don’t make your lists. I like to start my holiday shopping in January. Then I can find deals all year long and save money. Then I am not running out and picking up last minute gifts and paying full price. It is just a smart way to shop!
6- Grocery shop for the whole month in one day! I find it so much easier to make a list of everything I will need for the Holiday Meals and treats ahead of time. I then go out one day and get it all. I love that I don’t have to fight the grocery store crowds to get my sweet potatoes or cranberries. This will give you more time to actually enjoy the holidays.
7- Opt for a family white elephant-I find most of the time our family gives gifts that we never use, or use once and then stuff in a closet. So one year we decided to do a “white elephant Christmas” where we all brought a fun or funny gift to exchange. It made for so many laughs and not to mention saved us a lot of money too!
8- Search for coupons! I love a good coupon when I shop. So I always do a google search for the store I am shopping at online. Most of the time I can snag free shipping or even a % off. So don’t just buy because it’s a good deal. Get an even better deal by getting an online coupon to stack on your purchase.
9- Homemade! Instead of letting your kids buy their friends gifts this year have them make them. You can search online for hundreds of fun gifts you can make. Plus you get to spend the time doing it together.
10- Put some thought behind your gifts. If you make a list you can really find that perfect gift for your kids, in laws and hubby. A handmade gift can mean more to them than spending hundreds of dollars at the store. It’s the thought that counts!!!
I hope you all have a great Holiday Shopping Season and remember to enjoy the holidays even though you are trying to do it all. It really is about family time, not shopping to death. The season will be so much fun if you make sure to take some time for yourself. Sit back and watch the Christmas tree lights glow and sip on that egg-nog. You deserve it Moms!
