Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so break out your comfy pants and get ready to enjoy a meal with your loved ones. But don’t forget about other events on the horizon: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
Holiday shopping has become a huge part of many holiday traditions, bringing in billions of dollars a year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Since shopping preferences vary by person, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. Asking yourself these simple questions can help you create a holiday shopping game plan:
Who Are You Shopping For?
Start by making a gift list. You can make one ultimate list or break this up into smaller lists that are a bit more specific (gifts for teachers, gifts for out-of-towners, stocking stuffers, etc.).
Knowing who you want to buy for can keep you organized and save you money. Going in without a game plan could be a bad idea, as you don’t want to end up buying things for a great price, only to realize you don’t actually need them.
When Do You Need the Gifts By?
With family and friends spread out all over the country, knowing who you are shopping for is only half the battle. You also have to figure out when you plan on giving these gifts so you can be sure to have them ready in time.
For example, if you are buying gifts for your children’s teachers, you probably want to give them before the holiday break. If you are gathering with your friends before the holidays to avoid scheduling conflicts, you will want to have their gifts early.
Don’t forget to factor in shipping times if you are buying gifts online.
What Means the Most to You?
Black Friday has evolved from people waking up early the day after Thanksgiving to shop to people staying up late to go out at midnight on Thanksgiving to shop. Some retailers are now starting their Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving evening.
Figuring out what means the most to you can help make it easier to make a shopping plan. If your family is only in town for Thanksgiving Day, you may want to wait until they leave to start shopping. If you are looking for big savings on a specific item, venturing out early may be worth it to you.
What Means the Most to Your Gift Recipient?
Getting the right gift for the right person doesn’t have to be a struggle. Think of what means the most to the person you are buying for, especially when it is for someone close to you.
Some people may want jewelry, technology or other big-ticket items. Others may prefer hand-made gifts or personalized options. Buying gift cards for different places across a new city can be the perfect gift for a friend who has just moved.
Gifts that help people obtain their goals are also a thoughtful option. Someone who wants to train for a marathon may appreciate some personal training sessions with a seasoned marathon runner. If someone is looking to improve their professional life, enrolling them in an online class or business seminar could help.
Being with your loved ones is the most important part of holiday celebrations, so don’t let the gift-buying overwhelm you. Answer these questions to make an easy holiday shopping game plan so you can relax and enjoy.
Erin Palmer is a writer and editor who is awesome at buying gifts. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including The Chicago Tribune and The Huffington Post.
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