Shopping for presents can be fun, especially if you're already a big fan of the activity and know exactly what you're doing. But if you're the type who hates shopping, buying gifts can be incredibly frustrating. Here are some tips on how to ease the stress.
Plan far in advance to buy the gift. Many a shopping expedition has failed because the giver didn't allot enough time for it. If you shop at the last minute, you can run out of money and time. Here's how to establish a schedule:
1. Get yourself a wall calendar, hang it in a place that you'll see it, an (here's the secret) use it. Mark down all the gift-giving occasions, like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Whenever you get invited to a special event, such as a graduation or bar mitzvah, mark it down immediately.
2. Look up the date that is exactly two weeks prior to the event and draw a big red "X" through it. This is the day you will start your shopping--not start thinking about what to shop for, which you should have done already. Go out on this day and really look for something to get the recipient. One exception: If you're shopping for gifts in honor of end-of-December festivities, start right after Thanksgiving.
3. Even if you don't find something within the first couple of days of shopping, you'll have at least ruled out certain stores or ideas. You should have the gift purchased (or mail-ordered) by a week before you have to give it away.
Stock up on generic (but appealing) gifts. If you happen to spot a wallet sale at Macy's or if you can save on bath stuff (like soaps or lotions) by buying in bulk from the Body Shop, stock up on these items. However, don't give these backup gifts to close friends and relatives that you see on a regular basis. Chances are, you'll be giving them gifts a lot, and it'd be awful if your best friend ended up with matching wallets for his birthday and Christmas. These gifts are more for third-tier friends.
Keep a list of who you're giving these generic presents to. You don't want to make the mistake of giving someone a great "one-of-a-kind" jewelry box, then giving her sister the exact same jewelry box 2 months later.
Shop with someone who knows what he's doing. Some people just seem to be born with a shopping gene: They ask you a few questions about the potential recipient and instantly pick out a great gift at a great price. So if you normally hate shopping, bring one of these folks along. Their experience will find you bargains and steer you clear of purchasing presents that no one in her right mind would want. If you're lucky, your shopping sidekick will get so caught up in the activity that he'll end up taking over, and all you'll have to do is follow him around.
Buy online or from a mail-order catalog. You'll definitely have to plan in advance to do this, because it usually takes 5 to 7 days for packages to be delivered (with some gifts, it could take up to 8 weeks). Use a "shop bot"--a site like MySimon.com and Amazon.com that helps you find the best deal on a particular product.
Chip in with someone. This is a good way to go if you're poor and have poor friends: Many people would prefer one nice gift instead of five lackluster ones. This is also a great option when you'd like to get a really nice gift. For instance, you and your sisters can chip in and send your parents on a luxurious cruise as an anniversary gift.
