Who’s in your thoughts of giving this season? As you may have already experienced, shopping in general is exciting, and doing so during the holidays is no exception. But it can also be stressful if not prepared for carefully. Before you do anything, make a list of those you wish to honor and a budget plan if you need one. It may also help to plan all of this ahead of time. Any time of the year is a perfect time to give a gift, so try to avoid over-spending and over-thinking!

We usually present gifts to those who mean well in our lives, so it is necessary to invest time in making the right decisions. This famous expression, “it’s the thought that counts,” comes to play when planning your holiday shopping. As a Christian, my gift-giving leans toward love, peace, and joy, rather than price. Whether you are planning on purchasing a gift or making one yourself, make it special and memorable. A perfect gift from you may just be a perfect gift to others. I know I personally value hand-made items all of the time, especially cards.

Most of us find it useful to create a budget plan. Think of how much you plan on spending and where you want to shop. Believe it or not, locations can make a difference when it comes to prices. For instances, depending upon your budget plan, you may be comparing and/or spending time at both department and thrift stores. Also keep in mind that shopping online may be less expensive. Keep in mind that layaways, coupons, and promotional codes are extremely useful when buying on a budget. If you decide to shop online, be sure to plan ahead to avoid delivery delays.

Do your research and look out for any sales. Depending upon the time of the holiday season, stores nationwide usually give out seasonal sales a few days to a week in advance of the special day. If you find yourself needing to shop last minute, there may be a chance to receive great deals. Do not limit yourself to only what you are used to. Apply for weekly newsletters via email or have it mailed to your door; these contain special offers including coupons and promo codes. You might be surprised by the savings you find.

It is a great feeling knowing that you are giving from your heart. When you plan ahead of time on shopping for the holidays, you have a better chance of getting everything on your list by creating realistic budget plans and listing out all of your desired gifts. Shopping should be an enjoyable and stress-free activity. There is no need to over-spend, either. If you do not plan on purchasing gifts but wish to spend time with others without feeling you haven’t given much, there are plenty of other options of doing so, such as planning a get-together. This event allows you to spend time with loved ones and can be affordable. Remember, the holidays are times spent with the ones who matters to us.