Stress-Free Holiday Shopping

By Tracey Dowdy

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – unless you’re Secret Santa for someone you don’t know well, you’re buying for your mother in law who already has everything and asks for nothing or a child whose list is longer than a Harry Potter book.

According to research by Chase Card Services, 80% of Americans say the holidays stressed them out and nearly a third admit shopping for gifts is the primary reason. In a survey conducted by VitalSmarts, 47% said shopping for gifts stressed them out, and 50% said financial pressures we’re at the top of their Christmas list. And a third survey, this one by McKinsey & Company, reported that not knowing what to buy is the number one worry for shoppers entering the holiday season. 

If you nodded your head to any or all of those statistics, these tips and tricks can help put the happy back in your Hannukah, the merry back in your Christmas, and bring light, happiness, and peace back to your Kwanza. 

Make your list and check it twice. And three times. Maybe four…you get the picture. Unless your list is really short, don’t try to keep track of gifts in your head. Make a note on your phone, in an old school marble notebook, or use an app like Santa’s Bag, an app that allows you to organize your shopping and spending for each gift recipient. It’s password-protected so neither your partner nor your kids can sneak a peek. 

If you’re struggling with gift ideas, do a little social media stalking – the good kind, like Santa does, not the kind that will get you arrested. A quick scroll through someone’s Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter may inspire you as you can easily see their hobbies, interests, and what they like to do for fun. Instead of a physical present, give an experience like museum or concert tickets, or donate to a charity they support in their name. 

Be strategic. The key to surviving holiday shopping is to have a plan. Kevin Gallegos, Senior Vice President of Client Enrollment at Freedom Debt Relief says, “Map out what stores you plan to visit, what you plan on purchasing at each store, and in what order you plan to stop at each location.” Avoid marketing traps like grabbing the first thing you see when you walk in the door. Those are designed to catch your eye, cause impulse shopping, and make sure the retailer gets the better end of whatever deal they’re advertising. 

The old adage, “You have to spend money to make money,” wasn’t meant for Christmas shopping, but it kind of works in this situation. install browser extensions like Honey and RetailMeNot Genie before you even start shopping. Both automatically apply any applicable coupons and discounts at checkout, no more scouring the internet for coupon codes and deals. 

If Amazon Prime has spoiled you and the thought of paying for shipping makes you cringe, hang on to your cart until December 14th for Free Shipping Day. Both big-box stores and smaller retailers will offer free shipping and guarantee your gifts will arrive by Christmas Eve. So, if you can wait, sit tight.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Comments:

  1. Excellent pieces. Keep posting such kind of info on your blog.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hey there, You have done an incredible job. I will certainly
    digg it and in my view recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be
    benefited from this web site.

  2. Hi! Quick question that’s entirely off topic.

    Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web
    site looks weird when browsing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to
    correct this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share.
    Appreciate it!

  3. Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any
    tips?

  5. This design is steller! You most certainly know how to keep
    a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my
    own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.

    Too cool!

  6. Greate article. Keep posting such kind of info on your site.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hi there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and individually suggest to
    my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.

  7. Good day! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for
    my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as
    yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a
    lot!

  10. You’re so interesting! I don’t believe I have
    read anything like that before. So nice to find
    someone with some original thoughts on this subject.

    Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is required on the internet, someone with some originality!

  16. Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web site, how
    can i subscribe for a weblog web site? The account
    aided me a appropriate deal. I have been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered vibrant transparent idea

  17. Can I simply say what a comfort to discover someone who genuinely knows what they’re
    discussing on the internet. You certainly know how to bring
    a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people really
    need to read this and understand this side of the story.
    It’s surprising you aren’t more popular because you certainly have
    the gift.

  18. Heya just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.

  20. Hello there! This blog post could not be written much better!

    Looking through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!

    He always kept preaching about this. I am going to send
    this post to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a good read.
    Thanks for sharing!

  21. If some one wishes to be updated with most up-to-date technologies therefore he must be visit this web site and
    be up to date daily.

  24. constantly i used to read smaller content that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with
    this article which I am reading here.

  26. Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?

    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any
    tips?

  30. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to determine if its a problem
    on my end or if it’s the blog. Any suggestions
    would be greatly appreciated.

  31. Thanks , I’ve recently been looking for info approximately this
    topic for a long time and yours is the best I’ve discovered till now.
    But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the supply?

  32. Definitely imagine that that you stated. Your favourite reason appeared to be at the
    web the simplest factor to take into accout of. I say to you, I definitely get irked even as other people consider concerns
    that they plainly do not understand about. You managed to hit the nail upon the
    top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects ,
    people can take a signal. Will probably be again to get more.
    Thanks

  33. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I
    will be waiting for your further post thanks once again.

  35. Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?

  36. Thanks for every other informative web site. The place else may just I get that type of
    info written in such a perfect method? I’ve a project
    that I am just now working on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such information.

  38. Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just
    wondering if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you reduce it,
    any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s
    driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated.

  39. You really make it appear really easy along with
    your presentation but I to find this matter to be really something that
    I think I would by no means understand. It sort of feels too complicated and
    extremely extensive for me. I’m having a look ahead on your subsequent put up, I will try to get the dangle of it!

  41. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the longer term and it’s time to be happy.
    I have read this publish and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or advice.
    Perhaps you could write next articles relating to this article.
    I want to learn even more issues about it!

  42. of course like your web-site but you have to take a look at
    the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are
    rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to inform the reality however I will
    certainly come again again.

  43. Hurrah! In the end I got a web site from where I be capable of
    in fact take helpful information concerning my study and knowledge.

  44. Very great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I’ve really loved browsing your weblog posts.
    After all I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  45. What’s up everyone, it’s my first visit at this web page, and paragraph is actually fruitful for me, keep up posting these content.

  47. You are so awesome! I don’t believe I’ve truly read through
    anything like this before. So good to discover somebody with unique thoughts
    on this subject matter. Really.. thank you for starting this up.
    This website is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

  48. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew
    of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically
    tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some
    experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  53. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this
    onto a colleague who had been conducting a little
    research on this. And he in fact bought me dinner due
    to the fact that I found it for him… lol.
    So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about
    this issue here on your web site.

  55. Excellent web site you have got here.. It’s hard to find excellent
    writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you!
    Take care!!

  56. Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are
    just too wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired
    here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it.

    You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep
    it wise. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific website.

  57. Just want to say your article is as astounding. The
    clearness in your post is just great and i could
    assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
    Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.

  58. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of
    that, this is magnificent blog. An excellent read.
    I’ll definitely be back.

  59. Does your website have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but,
    I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some creative ideas for
    your blog you might be interested in hearing.
    Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it improve
    over time.

  60. We are a gaggle of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve performed an impressive task and
    our entire group can be grateful to you.

  61. Hello, There’s no doubt that your site might be having web browser compatibility
    issues. Whenever I take a look at your site in Safari,
    it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, wonderful site!

  63. Hello, all the time i used to check blog posts here early in the break of
    day, as i love to find out more and more.

  65. Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone
    during lunch break. I really like the info you provide here and can’t wait to
    take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile ..

    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, excellent site!

  68. The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if
    it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My
    iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely
    off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  70. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe
    guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My site addresses a lot of the same
    subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you are interested feel free to send me an e-mail.

    I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the way!

  71. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or
    weblog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this
    web site. Reading this info So i’m glad to convey that I’ve
    a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed.
    I so much no doubt will make sure to don?t disregard this site and provides it a look regularly.

  72. I’m not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for great info I was looking for this info for my mission.

  73. It’s not my first time to pay a visit this web page, i
    am visiting this website dailly and get good facts from here every day.

  74. Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue with your site in internet explorer, may
    test this? IE nonetheless is the market chief and a good component of people
    will omit your excellent writing due to this problem.

  75. Great blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What host are you using?
    Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  76. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog.
    You have some really great articles and I believe I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some articles for
    your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an email if interested.
    Kudos!

  77. Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was
    extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your
    blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing.
    Do you have any recommendations for newbie blog writers?

    I’d really appreciate it.

  79. Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem
    to get there! Thanks

  82. If some one needs to be updated with newest technologies after that he must be visit this site and be up to date every day.

  87. If you are going for best contents like I do,
    just pay a quick visit this web page all the time for the reason that it presents quality contents, thanks

  88. Nice blog here! Also your website a lot up fast!

    What host are you the use of? Can I get your associate link to
    your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  92. Hello there, I discovered your site via Google at the same time
    as searching for a comparable topic, your website came up, it looks
    good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, just was alert to your weblog thru Google, and located that
    it is really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I’ll appreciate in the event you proceed this in future.
    A lot of other folks might be benefited out of your writing.
    Cheers!

  93. I’ve been browsing online more than 4 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all
    site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more useful
    than ever before.

  94. No matter if some one searches for his necessary thing, so he/she needs to be available that in detail, so that thing
    is maintained over here.

  98. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community.
    Your web site provided us with helpful information to work on. You’ve done a
    formidable process and our entire group shall be grateful to you.

  100. Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating
    it but, I’d like to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you
    might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website
    and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

  101. Hello, I do believe your web site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues.
    I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic blog!

  102. At this time I am going away to do my breakfast,
    once having my breakfast coming over again to read further news.

  103. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent blog.
    I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to return yet again since i have book marked it.

    Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be
    rich and continue to guide other people.

  105. Your method of explaining the whole thing in this article is in fact fastidious, all be capable of easily know it,
    Thanks a lot.

  106. Good info. Lucky me I discovered your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
    I have book-marked it for later!

  107. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right
    here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following.

    unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly
    the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield
    this increase.

  108. Hi everybody, here every one is sharing
    these experience, therefore it’s pleasant to read this web site,
    and I used to go to see this website all the time.

  110. I’m now not sure where you’re getting your information, but good topic.
    I needs to spend a while studying much more or figuring out more.
    Thanks for wonderful information I was searching for this info for my
    mission.

  111. Very good info. Lucky me I recently found your site by chance (stumbleupon).

    I have book marked it for later!

  112. Howdy would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with?

    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and
    I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
    Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a fair price?
    Thanks, I appreciate it!

  113. Link exchange is nothing else but it is only placing the other person’s blog link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do same in support of you.

  114. Does yοur blog have a contact page? I’m having ρroblems
    locating iit but, I’ⅾ like to send you an email.
    I’ve got some suggestions for youur blog you might be interested in hеaring.
    Eithr way, great site and I ⅼoοk forward too seeing it deѵeⅼop over time.

    Also vіsit my web page: online138 slot

  115. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your
    fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

  116. My partner and I stumbleɗ oveｒ here coming from a different
    web address and thougһt I might as well cһeϲk things out.

    I like what Ι see so i am just following you. ᒪook forward to exploring your web рage again.

  117. Helⅼo, I dο think your web site could possiЬly be һaving web browser compatiobility problems.
    Whenever I take a look at your blg in Safari, іt looks fine however,
    when opening in I.E., it hhas somｅ overlapping issues.

    I mereⅼy wanted to give yߋu a quick heads up! Apart from that, ɡreat website!

    Als᧐ visit my ԝebхite – slot online138

  119. Thanks in favor of sharing such a pleasant thought, piece
    of writing is fastidious, thats why i have read it entirely

  122. I’m really lⲟving the theme/dеsign of your site.
    D᧐ you ever run into aany internet browѕer compatibility
    issues? A handful of my blog audience have complained about mү sote not operating
    corretly in Exploгeｒ but lookѕ great in Оpera. Do you have
    any solutionns to helр fix tһis pгoblem?

  124. This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!!
    Finally I have found something that helped me.
    Cheers!

  125. Paragraph writing is also a fun, if you be familiar with then you can write or else it is complicated
    to write.

  126. Greate article. Keep posting such kind of information on your
    page. Im really impressed by your site.
    Hello there, You’ve performed a fantastic job. I’ll definitely
    digg it and in my view recommend to my friends.
    I am confident they’ll be benefited from this website.

  127. What i do not realize is actually how you are now not actually
    much more smartly-preferred than you may be now.

    You are so intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably in the case of this
    subject, made me for my part believe it from so many varied angles.
    Its like men and women don’t seem to be involved except it’s one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga!
    Your own stuffs excellent. Always care for it up!

  128. I think this is one of the most vital info for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. However want to statement on few
    normal things, The site style is ideal, the articles is truly great
    : D. Just right task, cheers

  129. My br᧐thｅr recommended I might like this weƄsite. He was entirely right.
    This post truly maɗe my day. Yоu can not imagine just how mucһ time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

    Visit my pɑge :: streaming anime

  132. Hi there this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if
    blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
    I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so
    I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  133. What’s Ԍoing down i’m new to this, I stumbed upon this I’ve discovered It
    absolutely useful and it haѕ aiԁed me out loads. I am hoⲣing to
    give а contribution & aid other usewrs like itss
    helpeԀ me. Great job.

    Here is my bloց post :: pkv games bandarqq

  138. Its like you rｅad my mind! You appear tto knw ѕo much about this, like yоu wrote the booқ in it or something.

    I think that y᧐ᥙ could do with а fеw
    pics to drive the message hme a bіt, but other thgan that, this іs fantastic
    blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.

    Fеel fｒee to ѕurf tto mmy һomeρage slot gacor

  139. Great blog you have got here.. It’s hard to find excellent writing like yours nowadays.
    I really appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

  143. A person necessarily help to make seriously posts
    I’d state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and so far?

    I surprised with the analysis you made to create this
    actual publish amazing. Magnificent job!

  144. Generally I don’t read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to
    take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me.
    Thank you, very nice post.

  145. I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to
    be just what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write
    content available for you? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating
    on most of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome web log!

  146. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now
    each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it!

  147. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your site.
    You have some really great posts and I feel I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write
    some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.

    Please shoot me an email if interested. Thank you!

  148. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
    You definitely know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site
    when you could be giving us something informative to read?

  150. This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking mre off
    your great post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

    Also visiut myy web pagge chaturbate69.fr

  151. Wonderful blog you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any community forums that cover
    the same topics discussed here? I’d really love to be a part
    of group where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest.

    If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks a lot!

  153. Have you ever thought abou writing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
    I have a blogg centered on the sane information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I kno my visitors wkuld
    enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel fre
    tto shoot me ann e mail.

    Visit mmy blog post best naked girls for men

  155. You need to be a part off a contest for one of tthe fibest websites onn the
    net. I am going to highly recommend this webb site!

    Feel free tto visit my site – Cam4

  156. I needed to thank you for this wonderful read!!
    I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…

  157. Hey There. I discovered your blog using msn. That is an extremely smartly written article.
    I’ll be sure to bookmark it annd come back to learn extra of
    your helpfjl info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

    Here iss my blog post … adult chat

  158. Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established
    blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog?
    I’m not very techincal but I can figure things
    out pretty fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where
    to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?

    Cheers

  159. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog.

    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much
    more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire
    out a developer to create your theme? Excellent work!

  160. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after checking
    through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking
    and checking back frequently!

  161. It is in point of fact a great and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us.
    Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  163. wonderful post, very informative. I ponder why the opposite specialists
    of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing.

    I am sure, you have a great readers’ base already!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.