Let’s face it–the holiday season can bring on a new level of stress, but it doesn’t have to be this way. With a bit of planning and some creative strategies, you can breeze through your shopping list, make it easier on yourself, and actually enjoy the season. Here are some easy ways to make your holiday shopping smoother, simpler, and even fun!

Start Early

Procrastination is likely the biggest cause of your shopping anxiety. Avoid the last-minute rush by:

• Making a list of everyone you need to shop for.
• Setting a budget early on to avoid overspending.
• Shopping throughout the year when you find good deals, so you're not scrambling in December.

By starting earlier, you’ll have  more time to find thoughtful gifts without feeling pressured during the busiest time of the year.

Shop Online to Avoid Crowds

If the thought of crowded malls makes you anxious, then do yourself a favor and skip the chaos by shopping online. As you shop online, make sure you:

• Take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
• Use free shipping promotions and discount codes to save money.
• Plan ahead to avoid shipping delays, especially for custom items.

We recommend shopping from the comfort of your home with a warm drink in hand, so you can have a more enjoyable shopping experience.

Consider Gift Cards or Experiences

If you’re stumped on what to get, think of gift cards or experience-based gifts. These are both practical and thoughtful gifts. Giving a gift card allows the recipient to pick out what they really want, while an experience (think concerts, day spas, or cooking classes) can offer a long-lasting memory.

Use Wish Lists

Don’t guess at what your friends and family want–ask them! Make shopping easier by asking friends or family to create wish lists online, so you can buy gifts directly from their selections. Plus it helps prevent duplicate gifts and you give them what they really want.

Set a Group Gift Exchange

You can reduce the number of gifts you need to buy by organizing a gift exchange among family, friends, or co-workers. With this, everyone gets something but you won’t face the pressure of buying for each person.

Shop Local or Handmade

You can also give a thoughtful gift by supporting small businesses and avoid mass-produced items by shopping locally or buying handmade gifts.

• Visit local markets or artisan fairs for unique gifts you won’t find in big box stores.
• Ordering handmade gifts from sites like Etsy adds a personal touch to your presents.
• Shopping local also helps you avoid shipping delays and gives back to your community.

Stick to Your Budget

Lastly, overspending can add so much unnecessary stress to a budget. You can limit this by tracking your spending with a holiday budget tracker. But first, be honest with yourself about what you can afford and then stick to your budget.

Remember, meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive—it truly is the thought that counts.

While we can’t do your shopping for you, Space Age Credit Union does have financial tools like convenient checking and savings account options that can make your holiday shopping a bit easier. Find out more today.