Simplify Holiday Shopping

With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the time to start planning a shopping strategy.

1. Make a list of people you will be buying for. Try using a chart format. (See sample below.) List names across the top. (For a Holiday Shopping List Chart, email pam@simplespacesorg.com.)

2. Decide what you would like to give each person on the list. Using the chart, write the store you will shop at on the far left and the item to purchase under the name and across from the store.

Consider consumable gifts: gift certificates to a favorite restaurant, tickets to a special event, a magazine subscription, and food. Children love coupons. Be creative. Consider what the child would enjoy: an afternoon at the beach, stay in your pajamas until noon, desert before lunch.

Sample Shopping List:

Name Store	Child		Husband		Neighbor	Home
Target	Basketball				Picture frame
Toys R US	Lego car
Best Buy			A new gadget
Dollar Store	Stocking stuffers					Wrapping paper, Ribbon
Make	Coupons				Coupon for babysitting

3. Plan the shopping to prevent multiple trips to the same store. Remember to use your list at the store. Mark off those gifts you purchase and highlight those you didn't find. See if those items may be available at another store on your list.

4. Shop efficiently. Shop stores that are in the same area at the same time and when you have a bigger block of time to shop. Stop at an isolated store when you are in the area for another activity or when you have a short time to shop.

5. Relax and enjoy the holidays!