How to Create a Stress-Free Holiday Shopping Season

Holiday shopping can be exhausting. The huge crowds, tight timelines and endless options for gifts are enough to make anyone stressed. But with the right planning and an open mindset, you can make it through the season without too much anxiety. Here are some tips on creating a stress-free holiday shopping season this year.

Start with a plan

One of the biggest stresses when it comes to holiday shopping is simply knowing where to begin. That’s why making a plan is one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for a calm shopping experience.

First thing to do is make a list of everyone you’re getting a gift for this year. Don’t feel like you need to get one for everyone you know. Keeping your list manageable will alleviate worries about running out of time or picking out a million gifts. Include what type of present each of your recipients would most appreciate to avoid having to make snap decisions in the middle of shopping.

Once you have your list, set a total budget for all of your holiday shopping. Also consider setting a spending limit that you use for everyone on the list. Not only will this help you stay on budget, but it will also help prevent stress about whether you’re spending too much or too little on each person.

Research shipping deadlines and store hours in advance. Consider putting specific shopping days on your calendar. This way, you don’t have to decide day-of if you’re going to the store or become overwhelmed picking where to go.

Shop early and shop smart

The earlier you start your holiday shopping, the less stressful it can be. Some of the benefits of shopping early are:

• Bigger selection: By shopping earlier in the season, you’ll likely find a wider selection and give yourself more time to track down everything on your list.
• Smaller crowds: Start shopping before everyone else rushes to the store to avoid standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the aisles and fighting for every last item on the shelves.
• Return: Keep an eye on return policies when getting your gifts. By shopping early, you’ll give yourself more time to replace defective items or return a gift if you find a better price elsewhere.

Don’t wait until the last minute to do your shopping. Feeling crunched for time can be a big source of stress. Pace out your shopping over several weeks and shop during off-peak hours like the early morning to create a less stressful experience.

Shop online

If going to the store stresses you out, consider doing your holiday shopping online. Not only is it more comfortable to browse while sitting at home in your favorite festive pajamas, but shopping online may also save you time and money.

Sometimes, prices online may be lower by as much as $100 or more online vs. brick-and-mortar stores. Citi^® cardmembers can use the Citi Shop^SM browser extension to automatically find and apply deals, discounts and coupons at stores across the web, helping you find the best price and shop with peace of mind. Set up price alerts for items on your list so you’re not glued to the screen all day. These alerts will let you know when an item goes on sale or hits a desired price.

If you’re getting stressed out about shipping times at the end of the season, consider using curbside or in-store pickup. Many stores allow you to buy items online and pick them up in person instead of having to wait for your purchases to ship. This can save you from worrying about gifts getting held up or lost in transit.

Don't forget the fun

With all the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking and decorating, it can be easy to forget the reason for the season: spending time and enjoying the company of your family and friends.

Consider gathering some friends and packing into the car to do your shopping together. Have a little competition to find the most absurd holiday-themed item in the store or take a break to grab a festive coffee or hot drink. Socializing has been found to help significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Remind each other that you’re not alone when it comes to holiday stress.

Don’t forget to take the time to celebrate small wins like crossing everything off your shopping list or coming in under budget. It may seem tempting to roll right into your next chore or deadline, but taking just a few minutes to acknowledge finishing a difficult task can help boost your motivation and lower stress.

Practice self-care

Stress may seem unavoidable during the holidays, but there are plenty of ways to help yourself calm down and push through when times get tough.

• Keep breathing: When stress starts to become overwhelming, try focusing on your breath to help you calm down. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, taking five seconds for each inhale and exhale until you feel your heart rate begin to relax.
• Take breaks: When you find yourself stressed out by shopping, don’t be afraid to take a break. It may seem like time is of the essence, but the shopping will still be there after a quick lie-down or walk around the block.
• Ask for help: Remember, you’re not alone. If you can’t make it to the store, ask a family member to pick up a gift for you, or ask your friends to keep an eye out for that item you just can’t find anywhere.

Don’t feel like you must take on every element of holiday shopping all by yourself. The calmer and more collected you are, the easier shopping will be in the long run. You can even use these strategies to help you with stress outside of the holidays, too.

Stress less this holiday season

With the right planning, budgeting and support, you can help make this year’s holiday shopping a stress-free experience. Remember, the season is about enjoying time with your friends and family, not finding the perfect gift. The memories you make will always be more important than the gifts you wrap.

Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.