Holiday Shopping Tips

Yes, it’s time to start thinking about holiday shopping. You will soon (if you haven’t already) be bombarded with ads for sales from your favorite store. And let me tell you, it’s easy to buy everything.

But you must be strong and strategic with your shopping. Yes, this is coming to you from a recovering shopaholic. Once the sales started flooding in, I would buy everything…let me say that again…EVERYTHING!

I found myself purchasing 10+ sweaters, coats in every color, and shoes for every occasion, whether I was attending that event or not. Shopping like this created a ton of waste. Clothing items that I didn’t wear or need.

So I’ve started to become a bit more strategic about my shopping, which will come in handy for the holidays. The goal is to spend less and create less clothing waste by becoming more intentional. Now, you can use these tips when shopping for you or anyone on your holiday list.

Holiday Shopping Tips

Determine Your Budget

Now, if you have a ton of money, you might not need a budget. However, most of us do. It’s so easy to overspend during the holidays. Especially because giving gifts is so much fun.

To create a budget, take your monthly income and subtract your monthly bills. Once you have that number, subtract any life budgeting (groceries, gas, etc.). Then you will have what you can spend on holiday shopping. It might be useful to start saving early, but if you didn’t, it’s okay. There are a lot of great things you can get on a tight budget.

Create a List

I know, creating a list is what everyone tells you to do. Well, I’m telling you to do it as well. You know why? Because you don’t create lists. You know it’s true. A list will act as your guide, that way to don’t stray away and start buying random things, especially when those sales start popping into your inbox.

Research

Now that you have a list, you can research where to buy each of your items. Stores will often start posting their deals early because they want to be your shopping destination.

Be aware of stores that price match too. Stores like Target and Nordstrom will match other store’s lower prices for the same item. Things might be priced differently from store to store, as well as online vs. in-store.

Start Shopping Early

I know we all wait until the last minute to shop, but let me tell you, babe don’t do it. Trust me, if you wait, nothing on your list will be available. That means you’re going to buy the shit that no one wants. This is the TRUTH! No one wants to shop on the picked apart racks, and no one wants anything from them.

Another bonus to shopping early is that while everyone else is stressing, you can sit back and relax.

Stick To Your List

I know I mentioned it above but seriously stick to your list. Do not go astray. There’s a reason why you chose everything on there with intention. Do not second guess yourself, and do not shop for anything that is not on your list. This is how you end up spending way (way, way, way) more money than you budgeted.

Closing Statement

There you go, shoppers! Remember to shop smart and with intention, stick to the tips stated above, and always have fun. The holidays are more about sharing amazing moments with people rather than buying them things.

Outfit Details: Hoodie Zara | Jeans A&F | Shoes Reebok | Earrings UO

Photos by Anthea Marette Photography

Any of the brands mentioned above does not sponsor this article. However, some of the links may contain affiliate links which may generate revenue for the site when clicked, or when a purchase occurs. The information in this post is my thoughts and preferences.