Christmas Present Buying Tips

Christmas is nearly upon us, and now is the perfect time to do your present shopping. It's only a couple of weeks till Christmas, and starting now gives you plenty of access to (near) stress-free online shopping. You can avoid the crowds, and Hotvouchers will also help you avoid spending too much this year. Once you decide what you want to buy, find the best price online and then see what voucher we have to help you. If you are in a hurry, now might be a good time to quickly move to the last paragraph of this post for the bottom line on Christmas present buying.

Get Yourself Organised
It may seem like a big task, and particularly when you have a big shopping list or have made mistakes in the past (leaving it too late, spending way too much money and of course, buying the wrong present), but it doesn’t have to end this way. If you break your buying spree (for want of a better expression) into smaller shopping visits and start early, you’ll find it’s not so hard.

Start by drawing up a list of everyone who you intend to get something for. And, the first rule should be don't forget people. Think outside the box and consider everyone you can think of. In other words, don't forget Miss Hewitt, your child's teacher, or the neighbour who keeps an eye on your home when you’re on holiday. But especially, don't forget the postman or the dustman, otherwise no bins collected at crucial times. If your list is getting a tad too long for your pocket, you can always resort to inexpensive homemade gifts. They may not look too clever, but at least you'll be demonstrating how much you care.

Hopefully, most of the people on your Christmas list will be receiving a present that you buy from a shop rather than one you make yourself. This has a number of benefits, particularly when it comes to food items. The last thing you'll want is for your mother in law to go down with botulism. Particularly when your only defence is that you weren't aware that the meat had to be cooked in your curiously shaped homemade pie.

Ok, once you have gotten the list together, you'd better think of a budget. You'll need to consider both your total intended spend and the amount you're prepared to spend on each person. Firstly, think of the overall amount you want to spend. Now multiply that figure by four to compensate for it no longer being 1992. Next, write the amount you intend to spend next to each person on your list. Then add all the figures up. If it comes out to a total less than twice of your overall budget, then things are looking good, but don't get too cocky as the tough part is actually finding gifts that fit your individual budgets.

Delivery
When you’re shopping online, be sure to look out for both delivery cost and duration for delivery, after all, granddad won't appreciate his socks arriving on 3rd January. A lot of sites offer free delivery on specific items or if you spend over a certain amount. If you're not getting free delivery, then make sure you factor in the cost of delivery into your overall budget. The last delivery dates are also critical, especially as you get closer to Christmas. Check whether the item is in stock, how long it takes for despatch, and how long before you actually receive the order. Also check whether the delivery schedule is guaranteed, so if there is a delay, you could receive a refund on the delivery costs of the order. If you intend to post the gifts on to friends or family, be sure to allow enough time for that second delivery. And don't forget that a number of retailers provide gift-wrapping services at this time of the year. This will save you both time and money, and let's be honest the gifts will also end being wrapped far better than when you attempt to wrap them.

What Should you Buy?
Your biggest problem is likely to be deciding on what to actually buy. Some people are natural gift-givers, instinctively having the knack of being able to buy that perfect something for every man woman and child on the planet. Let's be honest, if you're reading this then that just isn't you, is it? So start early, and pay attention throughout the year, noting what everyone on your list likes, dislikes, needs, or wants. Now, this cunning strategy may also involve buying the present when you see it (spreading the cost), rather than trying to find it last-minute just before Santa's big day. It's going to be too late to do that this year, so consider Marks & Spencer vouchers for everyone. Yes, I said everyone! They're quick to buy and everyone loves them. Simple really.

Catherine Prince