We’re in the thick of the holiday shopping season. There’s a sale for every day now: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Cyber week, small business this and that. It’s a lot to navigate and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here’s 5 tips to help keep calm and handle your holiday shopping with ease.

1. Skip the store and order online.
   When I was younger I enjoyed all day shopping trips. I realized a few years ago I don’t have much patience for crazy lines, and packed parking lots. Most stores have a shop online and pick up in the store option. If you’re pressed for time, and can’t wait for shipping, order ahead, pick it up during less hectic times of the day.

2. Take full advantage of stores that offer complementary gift wrap and decorative bags.
   Not the boring, basic ones. I mean really pretty wrap. I love to coordinate my wrapping paper, but if you can save energy and money why not? Anthropologie, for example, is a store that’s great at offering really pretty boxes and bags all year round.

3. Have a little savings for services that lighten your load.
   I’m cost conscious, so I understand that paying for cabs services of shipping fees adds up and you may try to save money here. If you budget for services that lighten your load, and plan a certain amount of money for the season that you will spend on Uber, delivery fees, meal prep or a take out dinner, etc. it will reduce the guilt of spending a little extra on this. For example if you could say, “I’m allowing myself $20 this week to take an Uber pool instead of schlepping bags on the train because that will make my life easier by saving energy and my back.” If you don’t use the budgeted amount, roll it over for the next week.

4. Use in-store shoppers.
   Services like Insta-cart are lifesavers for anyone that can’t get out to do their grocery shopping. Yes there is a fee, but it’s super helpful for moms with small children, if your’e feeling under the weather, or if the weather is truly frightful, it can make the difference in keeping you in chill mode.

5. Give home-made items.
   Honestly a personalized gift that someone made with their own two hands is just as valuable to me as a store-bought item. If you have a talent, skip the malls and put your gifts to use.

These are just a few tips. I’d love to know if you have any more. But remember, no matter what, work within your means and don’t be pressured to do more than you’re able to. Be safe and happy this season!

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BE PRESENT. BE WELL. LIVE ABUNDANTLY.

XOXO