Stress-free Gift Giving Tips

Stress-Free Gift Giving Tips
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

AVOID THE STORES

• how much is it worth it to not deal with crowds?
• shop through catalogs whenever possible
• use online stores to save time and stress
• be careful about paying too much for shipping and convenience
• plan ahead to avoid last-minute shipping fees

CREATE A GIFT WRAP STATION

• keep all of your gift-giving supplies in one place
• set up gift center nearest the point where you normally wrap gifts
• set up a long under-bed box for rolled wrapping paper
• set up smaller tubs for tags, bows, ribbon, etc.
• be sure to include scissors, tape, and a pen
• also store the gifts you plan to give in the same place
• set up one storage tub for "kid gifts" and another for "adult gifts"
• make sure to include a flat surface for wrapping

EVALUATE YOUR GIFT LIST

• huge shopping lists create a strain on your wallet and time
• give just one gift to each person on your list
• have each person draw one name and give only that one gift
• buy gifts only for the kids in your extended family
• buy many of the same item to give to several people on your list
• make an agreement to skip gifts this year altogether

GIFT ALTERNATIVES

• food (baked items, mixes, spices, wine, candy)
• events (tickets to a play, dinner out, a shopping trip)
• gift certificates
• flowers, plants, and dried wreaths
• personal services (babysitting, cleaning, a home-cooked meal)
• craft items (decorations, scrapbooks, centerpieces)
• recycled gifts -- unopened items you received as gifts in the past

KEEP A LIST OF GIFT IDEAS

• pay attention to items people mention they want
• keep a running "wish list" of gift ideas for each person in your life
• cross off each gift as you give it or know they have received it
• use this as your shopping list as the holiday season begins

PLAN AHEAD

• never go shopping without a list
• know how much you are willing to spend on each item / person
• have a clear idea of the type of gift you want to get someone
• schedule your shopping trip geographically

SHOP FOR GIFTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

• with your wish list, you don't have to wait until December to shop
• keep an eye out for sales throughout the year
• shop for interesting and unique gift items while traveling
• pick up both specific and generic (for anyone) gifts
• set aside a closet or storage tub for holding gifts you've purchased
• wrap and tag them as soon as you get home to save time

START A CHRISTMAS CLUB ACCOUNT

• contact your bank about special holiday savings accounts
• generally, you can't touch the money until December
• plan to put aside a small amount each month to use for gifts
• promise yourself not to spend more than you have in your account
• the easiest way to plan ahead, avoid debt, and stick to a budget

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

"Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook."

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