With finals season upon us also comes snowflakes, ribbons everywhere, and of course holiday shopping. Holiday shopping is an event in itself, from trying to find the perfect gift, to wrapping it, and finally presenting it to its recipient. It’s exciting, but it can also be immensely stressful. While I love giving things to the people I love, I’ve also found this process of deciding on and finding and purchasing gifts to be intimidating, more so when there are long lines and bad weather and crowds to manage as well. Here are the three strategies I’ve developed over the years to make holiday shopping as stress-free as it can be.
1. Planning in Advance
For me, planning and organization are two key ways of managing the stress of gift-buying. I usually start planning early in advance when I want to start buying gifts for the people in my life, as well as coming up with ideas of what I want to get for each individual. It may be a bit too structured for some people who want more flexibility in their plans, but as someone who needs structure and routine in their life, I find it really helps with stress-management and balancing shopping and exams.
2. Shopping Online
Purchasing gifts online is a perfect way to avoid going out and braving storms and mobs of people. It’s fast, easy, and can be done from anywhere with internet. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to purchase gifts online. First, timing. Gifts purchased online can take up to a few weeks to arrive, especially when choosing the least expensive shipping plan. Planning is key here if you want your gifts to arrive on time. Second, remember that since it’s online, you can’t look at it or check it out beforehand to make sure you actually like the gift you’re purchasing. Checking out reviews is a good way to increase the chances that you’ll be pleased with what comes in the mail. Finally, remember that the price may be low on the actual item, but when you add shipping costs to it, the price could go higher than you’re willing to pay.
3. Self-Made Gifts
My final strategy is an old one, but a great one to avoid crowds: create a gift! Maybe to some it seems overdone, but I’ve always loved receiving gifts that my friends and family have made, and I love making things for my friends. Again, timing is something you need to keep mind him when deciding whether or not to make presents for your friends. Some things can be made quickly, like putting pictures in frames. However, others like painting, knitting, cooking/baking can take much longer.
Ultimately, the important thing is to, as cheesy as it sounds, put your heart into whatever you give your loved ones. It doesn’t have to be big, or expensive, or stressful to get. It just has to be thoughtful, whether that be a serious or silly or romantic gift. Good luck to everyone on their finals and holiday preparations