It is officially November which means I am officially allowed to talk about Christmas! Falling into the same old routine of waiting until the last minute to shop for gifts is not only stressful on you, but also stressful on Santa and his elves. Don’t wait until the last minute! Get started today with this quick guide.

1. Make A List

The first list you should start is one for yourself. What do you want for Christmas? This will be the most annoying question in the next few weeks if you haven’t thought of a few gifts you’d like to receive. Make a list of lots of gifts – small and big – that vary in price and availability. Keeping this list and jotting down ideas when you think of them will make your holidays less-stressful by having a quick answer for your relatives and friends that ask you for ideas.

2. Make Another List

The next list should be an outline of people you would like to buy for. Start with family relatives and close friends, then add co-workers and other acquaintances. Set a budget for each person and stick to it! After outlining and finding the total budget you have, try to stay within that budget to feel less stressed about holiday spending. Include gift ideas with each name and fill out your list as you go. I have included my own personal Christmas Gift List for you to use! Are you feeling relaxed yet?

3. Check It Twice

No, really. Check your lists twice! Be sure you’ve included everyone you want to buy for – even your furbabies! This will ensure an accurate budget and you’ll be more aware of your spending.

4. Keep an Eye Out for Deals

There are plenty of apps for iOS, or Android that can help you keep up with the best deals in your area. If you are an avid Black Friday shopper (like me), some of my favorite apps for organizing my steals are based specifically for Black Friday. Just search in the app store and you’ll be on your way to a shopping deal bonanza, all in the palm of our hands.

5. Wrap As You Go

After buying a gift for someone, wrap it right away! Put a gift tag on it and put it away. Waiting until December 23^rd to start wrapping all of your gifts calls for messy wrapping, and frustrated tape-handling. Mark your Gift List to show what is wrapped and done to keep track. Here are some gift tags made by me, for you. *Sighs of relief*

6. Sit Back and Relax

While everyone else scrambles in the last week of Christmas shopping, have yourself a cup of hot cocoa, and sit by the fire to reward yourself for early planning. A little here and there really does add up. And before you know it… Santa will be here! Happy Holidays y’all!

Buddy the Elf said it best...