Top 5 Christmas Shopping Tips
I think a lot of you know by now but for all you new people out there, I love shopping. I have Apps on my phone (probably too many) for shopping, I love subscriptions boxes, I love the feeling of wearing something new. LOVE shopping. Not just for myself but for other people too.
However, I'm not a huge fan of Malls. Too many people. And I LOVE getting packages in the mail, so online shopping is the perfect fit! So I do most of my Christmas shopping online. And since I've picked up a few things along the way, I thought I would share with you my Top 5 Christmas Shopping Tips.
1. Shop All Year Round:
I know this sounds crazy and super keener but trust me, this is a life saver. I can't tell you how many times I've seen something in the summer and thought, "My friend would love this!" It was a great deal and I wouldn't have found another one. So I just began to buy them and then started building kind of a tickle trunk for gifts. That way if something slipped my mind I would have a small gift to celebrate the occasion!
2. Don't Wait Til The Last Minute:
I think there's only been a few times when I've had to dash out and pick up a gift for someone. And it felt so weird because a) it's really not like me but b) I felt like I was in a big rush and therefore I didn't give myself enough time to really think about the person and what they would like or need. I try to get gifts that are really specific to each person because what I really want to communicate is that they're important to me. Do I always it a home run? No but I do my best.
3. Don't Buy Impulsively:
I'm really bad for this lately. I think, "Oh just get it, you might not get another one!" Not true. Likely, you will find another one, you just have to think about it you're going to find a better price for it. Take a breath and then decide. My litmus test is if it's there at the end of the day when I get home, then I can get it. But if I don't feel like getting it, then I won't get it then either, trusting that I will find it another time.
4. Shipping:
This is always the battle. Do you buy it online and pay from someone else's gas money or just go out and get it myself? I usually just go for paying someone's gas. That seems weird but if you're doing a million things at once, it's much easier for someone else to get it. So, I would just go for it. That way you get what exactly what you want, usually it's cheaper online anyways and it comes right to you.
5. Don't Over Do It:
This is the part that I sometimes muck up: know where the line is. Gifts can really overwhelm people and chase them away and that is the absolute opposite of the goal. Know what's appropriate for the type of relationship that you have with that loved one. Although, a good surprise can be really lovely, depending on the way the Spirit moves you and the moment.
What kind of guideline do you guys follow when it comes to Christmas Shopping?
Love & Prayers,
Lauren xo