Christmas Shopping 2017: 7 Tips For Braving The Holiday Madness

The holiday season is often a joyous occasion, with time off from work, lots of food, family, fun-filled activities, and gift-giving. However, searching for the perfect Christmas gift can throw everyone into high gear, making it one of the most stressful times of the year.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer consumers huge savings on coveted items for Christmas, but those deals can draw massive crowds and lead unnecessary anxiety. That’s why it’s important to have a plan that will help ease the pressure that can accompany Christmas shopping. Keep the following in mind to avoid holiday shopping headaches.

Start shopping early

Don’t wait until after Thanksgiving to purchase Christmas gifts. Keep watch on deals all year round. Avoid the busiest shopping days of the year, which are Saturday and Friday before Christmas. If you absolutely must wait, wake up early and be the first in line.

Research Items Online

If you’re unsure of what gifts to purchase, use the internet to search for reviews on popular items. This can remove the guesswork of gift-giving and relieve pressure. Online retailer Amazon has a section dedicated to its most popular products, and most have helpful customer reviews.

Keep an Eye on Cyber Monday

Last-minute shopping means crowds and long lines. Cyber Monday offers huge discounts online, which means shoppers can make purchases from the comfort of their homes. These deals will last a week or longer in most cases, so there’s no need to rush.

Curb Frivolous Spending

Americans are expected to spend $600 on average buying Christmas gifts this year, according to a 2017 survey by NerdWallet. Shoppers should set spending limits on holiday gifts as to not incur unwanted debt.

"In the often-recommended 50/30/20 budget, gift purchases fall into the 'wants' category and should not exceed 30 percent of your monthly income," NerdWallet told USA Today.

Create a List

Being organized is key when it comes to shopping and can save time. A shopping list is like a map that can help navigate crowded malls and shopping centers and cut down on aimless wandering, which can be tiring.

Consider Homemade Gifts

Do-it-yourself enthusiasts don’t have to go out and brave the swarming crowds at the mall. Homemade gifts are special and limit time spent shopping during the holiday rush. Bake cookies or knit personalized items like hats and scarves for friends and family.

Take a Break

If all else fails, take it easy. Lines will be long and shoppers will be on edge. Tension will fill the air, so it’s best to take a break while you’re out shopping. Give yourself time to clear your head and relieve anxiety by hitting the food stands and grabbing a latte or a pretzel.