Savvy shopping tips for a stress-free holiday season

‘Tis the season to be shopping. And, as holiday shopping lists continue to grow with family, friends, co-workers and even teachers to buy gifts for, it’s important to be a smart shopper and not only stretch your dollars but also find quality gifts for everyone on your list.

Mom expert Stacy DeBroff of MomCentral.com has mastered how to shop for the holidays stress-free while still managing to get thoughtful gifts everyone will appreciate. “This holiday season, you have to get creative when it comes to shopping for many people on a limited budget,” says Debroff. “Even if you have just $5 or $10 dollars to spend on a person, there are great options out there; you just have to be wise about your purchasing decisions.”

DeBroff’s No.1 holiday shopping strategy is to be prepared and get organized for the hustle and bustle the season brings. She also suggests:

• Start early and stock up. Nothing’s worse than rushing into the mall, fighting traffic and crowds for last-minute gifts. When you find a gift you really like, consider giving that same gift to more than one person. Buy several, wrap them right away, and store them until the time of gift giving comes around.

• Call ahead. If there’s a particular hot gift you’re looking to buy, like the latest kids’ toys, call the store first and make sure it’s in stock. Also, call ahead to verify store shopping hours. Often during the holidays retailers will extend their store hours to accommodate shopper’s busy schedules.

• Chip in together for big ticket items. Group gifting has become one of the latest shopping trends. In fact, 83 percent of women and 75 percent of men say they’ve participated in group gifting and plan to do so again this holiday season. Sears offers Givetogether a great online tool so you can gather together with friends and family to share in the cost of a great gift. From home electronics and appliances to jewelry, housewares and apparel, you will find the best selection and gift options for everyone on your list.

“For me, Givetogether is a better way to shop and makes it easier for families and friends to pool their money together to give a great gift with lots of thought behind it,” says DeBroff. “This online shopping tool really taps the social power of the Internet to allow a group to give a more significant gift than they could manage individually.”

Lastly, remember to spread the holiday cheer with acts of kindness as you shop. After all, that could be the greatest gift you give this season.

Courtesy of ARAcontent