How to Shop for Christmas All Year Round

Christmas creeps up on most of us, causing a last minute rush to get everything done. When this means buying presents, we often end up paying more than we want because we're stressed and in a hurry. By this point, the good deals have dried up. One solution is to have Christmas taken care of long before the December rush begins. Planning is key. The key to a low stress Christmas is getting presents early. You can spend more time with family and relax all through the season.

Instructions

1. Make lists. Get a notebook. Devote a page to everyone you'll be remembering at Christmas. As you get an inspiration about a gift someone on your list might like, jot it down. This sounds like work, but it's really therapeutic. Once you start listening for clues, it can be fun, too. You'll be surprised at the useful nuggets you'll glean by just listening with an ear for gift giving.

2. Be creative. Gifts don't have to be purchased. Sometimes the best presents are those you make yourself. A little creativity can yield up some interesting ideas for gift giving. Use your summer vegetable patch to grow herbs for drying. A few plants and a dehydrator are all you need for dozens of bottles of specialty herb blends. A simple sewing class can yield personalized potholders, bags and table runners. A couple of afternoons experimenting with wax can result in inexpensive and attractive aromatherapy candles.

3. Budget wisely. Know in advance what you can set aside for gift giving each month. Consider how much you are planning to spend on each person. As you buy and put items aside, keep a ledger in your notebook. Stick to your preplanned budget wherever possible. As you start stashing presents, mark them off your list.

4. Buy consumable items like wrapping paper and ribbon after the Christmas season when you can get it on sale. Designs don't change drastically from year to year. Last year's Christmas wrap will look just fine under the tree.

5. Scope out the stores to find the items you want and follow any drops in price. Have an idea in mind of what you're prepared to pay. Snap up an item when it reaches that price. This takes some time, but often these small triumphs are the sweetest part of the process.

6. Use good judgment in the presents you choose. Sizes change. Tastes and interests change. When you're planning what you want to buy, keep in mind that there are some things you just can't anticipate.

Tips & Warnings

• Hide presents well. If you have children, a treasure hunt is inevitable.