How to Christmas Shop With a Spouse

With goodies to bake, parties to attend and presents to wrap, it's enough to stress out any level headed individual. Add Christmas shopping with your spouse in the mix, and you could be headed for a complete nervous break down. With some planning and good communication, shopping with your spouse can actually turn into a pleasant holiday adventure.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Budget
• Shopping list

1. Set a budget. Allot a set amount of money for each person on your gift list.

2. Divide the shopping equally between you. Decide who you will shop for as a couple and who you will shop for individually.

3. Leave the children at home. Take this time to enjoy one another without having to wrangle the kids through busy stores.

4. Shop with a plan. Discuss individual shopping tactics and techniques before hand to avoid stepping on each others toes.

5. Be patient and courteous to clerks and shop employees. Treat them how you would like to be treated and you will receive better service.

6. Be flexible in your shopping. Make a list of alternative gifts to purchase just in case you can't find what you're looking for. Take more than one day to shop if needed.

7. Reward yourselves. Plan something fun to do at the end of the day. Go out to eat, catch a movie or go ice skating.

Tips & Warnings

• Take time off of work and shop mid-week to avoid heavy weekend crowds.
• Shop at stores that offer something for everybody to finish shopping quickly.
• Eat a restaurants away from the mall and busy shopping centers to receive prompt service.