"He's making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty and nice, Santa Claus is coming to town...."
Remember that old Christmas song? Santa had the right idea! Rather than make gifts aimlessly for all the folks who celebrate Christmas, he made a list to work from. Now there's something we can all do to make the holidays less stressful.
If you plan to buy gifts for several family members and friends, it may be helpful to plan a gift list this year. And if you will be participating in a gift exchange, don't wait to the last minute for inspiration to strike. Jot down a few ideas ahead of time so when you go shopping, you'll know what to look for. Here are some tips for your holiday gift list:
1. Make a list of names. Write down everyone's name or title (like the newspaper carrier) for whom you would like to get a gift. You can sort these by category if you prefer. For example, you may want to group all relatives' names together, along with extended family members' names who you will see and exchange gifts with this season, like great-Aunt Sarah or second cousin Jim. Then, in another category, list neighbors and co-workers, along with others to whom you might hand-carry a gift, even if it's just a tray of home-baked Christmas cookies. A third group might be folks that serve you well all year, like the aforementioned newspaper carrier, along with your hair stylist, mail delivery person, snow plow driver, kids' teachers, and others.
2. Beside each name, indicate the type of gift you plan to get, like "gift certificate" or "music CD" if you know that in advance. If not, then write in whatever you end up buying the person so you won't forget what it is after wrapping it up. This is a good idea in case you receive a gift that costs more than the one you purchased and you want to make an exchange. In some cases, you may need an emergency gift for an unexpected guest and grab one of the wrapped items with a plan to replace it before the holiday.
3. Keep track of your list. In fact, create a computer spreadsheet to store it each year. That way you will know what you got that person in previous years and avoid duplicating the gift this year. Also, you can compare shopping lists from one year to the next to see if you are spending too much money. You'll probably want to keep gifts for the same person about the same amount each time.
4. Make a print copy to take shopping. Whether you write your list by hand or start a computer file, take a copy with you when you go holiday shopping. That way you won't forget what you planned to buy and end up going over budget to get something that catches your eye on impulse. You can also cross off names after buying that person a gift so that you won't forget after getting home and wrapping everything in gift paper.
5. Adjust your list each year. For families with new children, you may need to increase the value of an annual gift. Or if someone loses a spouse, you'll want to be sure and get an individual rather than a dual gift. You don't have to wait for the holidays to update it, though. Just make minor changes each month.
Get your list ready early this year to help you save time and money. Who knows? Santa may be watching and he will learn a trick or two from you about keeping good records!
