How to Finish Your Holiday Shopping in One Day

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Rate: (4 Ratings)

You'll be amazed at how much easier your holiday shopping is when you prepare properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Make a list of everyone you want to buy a present for.
Step2
Decide how much you want to spend on each person, and write that amount next to the recipient's name.
Step3
Go to a mall or neighborhood that has several stores where you know you like to shop.
Step4
Shop during a less crowded time, such as a weekday lunch or evening.
Step5
Make a hard and fast rule that when you find a gift for someone, you will buy it and then cross that name off your list. After that, you will not think about that person's gift again or play the "Oh shoot! That would be even better for Mary. Maybe I'll buy this instead and return the other thing I got her" game.
Step6
Take advantage of free store gift wrapping only if the store isn't crowded and there is a separate person wrapping gifts. It can take longer to get your gift wrapped than to pick it out and purchase it.

Tips & Warnings

  • Consider shopping online, if you still have enough time. You'll avoid hassles like traffic and crowds, and you won't be limited to stores in a given neighborhood or mall.
  • Walking around the entire mall to see what each store has before you start shopping may allow you to find the perfect gift, but it'll also take twice as long. Managing your time is important.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and eat before you go; hunger will make you slower and cranky.
  • Never go to the mall on a Saturday or Sunday between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Between looking for parking and standing in lines, you'll lose precious hours.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you decide to shop online, go through www.schoolpop.com. Each purchase you make through them will result in a rebate at no extra cost to you to the school or group of your choice.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you find an item that is useful for many people, buy that item for as many people on your list as possible. Or, buy everyone on your list a very similar item, all at the same store (ie, books or calenders).

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Make a list of people you need to buy for, then make use of your local paper and flyers. Flip through the papers to find suitable items. When you find something, write the item, the price and the store name beside the person's name.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 The malls are most crowded at lunchtime and in the afternoon or right around 5:30 pm. Try to take an early lunch (11:00 am) or shop when they first open during the week.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you come to a store that you think doesn't have good potential gifts, go in anyway. There might just be the perfect thing in there for someone.

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eHow Article:  How to Finish Your Holiday Shopping in One Day

eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

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