Christmas Shopping – A Plan of Action
21-11-2005
1 Make a list of everyone you need to buy for.
2 Work out a realistic budget that won’t see you in the red before the New Year commences.
3 Write pressie ideas next to each name, don’t beat yourself up if you can’t think of anything – keep the list on you for a few days and let those ideas pop into your mind as and when.
4 When working out your budget include all those little extras such as wrapping paper, cards, bows and decorations etc…
5 Start shopping as early as possible. Set aside a couple of afternoons or weekends to do all your shopping and promise yourself a cocktail or two at the end of it. (Some even go so far as a planned route of shops to visit with heavier items being bought at the end of the day.)
6 Try and keep all your gift purchases on one credit card/store card – it’s preferable to have a clear balance before you begin.
7 Remember you are shopping for others – try to keep purchases for yourself separate.
8 Resist the Christmas tat. Mini vodka’s paired with dinky shot glasses and a reindeer print tie & sock set might seem like a good idea at the time but will just end up at the back of the cupboard.
9 Search the web for specialist online shops.
10 If web shopping is for you start early to allow for delivery and only from sites that offer secure payment facilities.
11 Keep all your receipts and invoices not only to check against your credit card bill but in case you need to return something.
12 The longer you leave it to the last minute – the more likely it will be to impulse buy.
13 Clothing items can be difficult when you have sizes to consider while accessories can provide endless options for men, women and children.
Here are a few online stores worth a browse…
www.fashioncapital.co.uk (Boutique) {mosimage}
www.fashionshop.co.uk {mosimage}
www.net-a-porter.com {mosimage}
By JoJo Iles
