Thanksgiving is over and Christmas/Hanukkah/New Years are officially around the corner. While shopping for loved ones brings a special kind of warmth to some hearts, it only brings stress and mayhem to others. Here are some ways to rethink gift shopping this year.

1. Debt is not worth a smile on someone's face

Stop charging your credit card for every single transaction. Get financially savvy, people. Unless you HAVE the money in your bank account and plan on paying it off right after, don't use your credit cards this holiday season. It's so easy to spend more than you have! In case you didn't know, buying something and paying the minimum monthly payment until it's paid off could mean you end up paying TWICE what that item was worth!

2. Gift because you care, not to impress

DO NOT buy an expensive gift just for the sake of impressing someone. It is not worth it. To be honest, if you feel pressured to buy something expensive, you should probably reflect on that relationship. Real friends don't care about price tags. They care about you!

3. Expensive does not mean better

I can't tell you how many times I've walked into Five Below and found the perfect gift for someone. Nope, it doesn't matter I spent $5 or less on their gift. What matters is that I know the person getting their gift will flippin' love what they see when they unwrap it.

4. Don't think too hard

Some people hate shopping because it takes too much thought and effort, but it really doesn't need to. What comes to mind when you think of a particular person? Is there something they're been raving about wanting since summer? Find something that reflects their personality.

5. Online shopping saves time

There are so many gifting options online nowadays, and that includes a gift wrap option. If you're in a rush or just have 25 gifts to buy this season and don't have the time to go out and buy then wrap all those gifts, consider ordering online to save some time.

6. Small shops are more unique

Once you've decided what to buy, consider searching for the gift on a site like Etsy before heading to Sears or Wal-mart. More often than not, you'll find it, AND it'll be more personalized and unique! Plus, it's the season of giving. Support small businesses!

7. Gifts are for family/friends, NOT frenemies

OK, so I encourage you to give this holiday season to someone you don't know, but don't participate in some shallow gift exchange just because everyone else is. If the only thing you're excited about is getting a gift in return, then spend those $15 and buy yourself something instead of someone you don't even like.

8. Nothing says love like homemade

It's the thought that counts. Right? Take some time to really put effort into at least one gift this season. My guess is it'll be for your gf/bf, but parents and grandparents particularly love gifts made by hand (at least in my experience).