Stress-Free Gift Shopping

Aug 11, 2025

Are you overwhelmed trying to find that perfect gift for Christmas, Valentine’s Day or your favorite loved one’s birthday? You’re not alone. Surveys show that approximately over 70% of Americans report feeling stressed out around gift shopping.

Buying your loved ones a gift doesn’t have to be so high stakes. There are ways to plan, budget and take control of your shopping that may make gift-giving stress-free. Explore our guide for some tips on how to shop for gifts for everyone on your list — without the anxiety.

Step 1: Start with a plan

One of the most overwhelming parts of gift-giving is figuring out who you need to buy for. Make a list of the most important people in your life and decide what kind of gift best suits them. Your outdoorsy friend might appreciate some hiking gear, but that may not be the best choice for a family member who’s a bit of a bookworm.

Once you’ve determined whether your recipients would enjoy an experiential gift like a class or event ticket, a practical gift that fulfills a need or a novelty gift that’s just for fun, you can narrow down where and when to shop. This will prevent you from getting too overwhelmed with all the possible stores and online outlets to choose from.

Step 2: Set a budget

Once you’ve figured out who you’re getting gifts for and what kind you’re getting, the next step is setting a budget. Deciding how much to spend may feel intimidating. Don’t feel like you have to go overboard and get the priciest gift. Your friends and family may appreciate smaller, more thoughtful gifts than expensive, trendy ones. Set a total dollar amount you’re willing to spend and divide it among everyone on your list.

To save some money, consider a hand-crafted or DIY present. This will help you stretch your dollar further since you can buy supplies for multiple gifts in bulk. Plus, it will show your loved ones just how much you care.

Sticking to your budget will help you shop more confidently and save money along the way.

Step 3: Shop early — or late

Starting your gift shopping early may ease your stress. By starting to look a few weeks or a month before the holiday, birthday or special occasion arrives, you’ll have access to the broadest range of inventory and won’t have to worry if there’s a delay in shipping.

For example, if you’re shopping for someone whose birthday is around Halloween, start looking into spooky gifts at the beginning of September, when many shoppers are still focused on getting those last-minute summer goods.

However, last-minute shopping may also have its advantages, especially if you’re on a budget. For example, many online retailers hold “Green Monday” sales 2 weeks before Christmas to eliminate excess stock. Just be aware of shipping timelines and return windows.

Step 4: Use Citi ShopSM to save

If you’re an eligible Citi® credit cardmember, consider using Citi ShopSM to automatically search for the best deals and promo codes across participating online stores. This tool plugs directly into your web browser, automatically finding deals, savings and coupons across a wide variety of online stores so you can shop hassle-free.

Step 5: Grab backup gifts

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Keep a few backup gifts at hand in case items get lost in transit or plans change last minute. Options like gift cards or digital subscriptions can be lifesavers if you’re running behind schedule or if the perfect gift is out of stock. Many gift cards can be purchased digitally, so you can buy them without having to run to the store.

You might also consider a more personalized gift like a digital photo album of your favorite memories with your loved one or a night in to celebrate with their favorite at-home activities. Even a handwritten letter or card may be a quick and easy backup that still shows how much you care.

Step 6: Wrap it up

One way to make any gift feel more special, no matter how much you spent on it, is to pay attention to presentation. Anyone can go to the local paper store and grab a few rolls of wrapping paper. Use the opportunity to personalize your gift from the moment the recipient lays eyes on it. For example, got a loved one who’s obsessed with superheroes? Use pages from old comics in the dollar bin as wrapping paper for an exciting presentation. Newspaper, sheet music or even vintage clothes can be great alternatives for generic wrapping.

Many stores also offer gift-wrapping services for a professional touch. Some even provide it free with purchase, saving you from an additional expense.

Gift shopping made easy

Yes, gifts can be stressful. But remember how you feel when you get a present. You’re probably not judging the person for the gift they chose or the way they presented it.

Use gift shopping as an opportunity to show your loved ones how much you care. Take a deep breath, make a list, budget and use the wide range of tools at your fingertips. Gift-giving doesn’t have to be a hassle. By budgeting, making a list and shopping smart with tools like Citi Shop, you can focus on celebrating your loved ones with a thoughtful present.

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.

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