It’s that time of year again when weeks seem to fly by in a flash and anticipation starts to build. It may seem like there’s plenty of time to shop for gifts, but before we know it, the holidays will be upon us. For busy dads, there’s nothing worse than whizzing around malls and standing in giant lines trying to cross off seemingly endless shopping lists. If you’re keen to swerve the stress of Christmas shopping and get started early, here are some top tips.
Buy must-have gifts early
It won’t be long before this year’s must-have gifts appear in TV adverts and hot-lists in newspapers and magazines. If you’re shopping for your kids, or you’re looking for inspiration for your partner, it’s wise to make sure you buy any presents that are likely to sell out quickly in advance. Whether your teens are desperate for the Yeezy Boost 350 sneakers, or you’re keen to book tickets to a show on Broadway that has attracted rave reviews from critics, make sure you’re aware of on-sale dates and look for reputable retailers in advance. Every year, you see pictures in the papers or read stories online about parents standing in line for hours at the crack of dawn waiting for a toy, clothing, tech, or sportswear store to open. If you know what you want, get organized and cross that gift off your list as soon as possible.
Shop online
If you’re one of those people who cannot bear the thought of traipsing around shops hoping for a bolt of inspiration to hit you, online gift shopping is the way forward. When you shop online, you don’t have to worry about negotiating traffic, braving the elements or waiting for an age to be served, and you can surf from the comfort of the couch. With online shopping, you might also be able to access a wider range of products and you can compare prices from different retailers and sites before you buy.
Consider experiences rather than material gifts
Have you got a person on your gift list who has everything, or do you dread the annual struggle to find a present that fits outside of the tried and tested Christmas gift mold? If you tend to resort to buying perfume, candles, or new pajamas every year, or your sister or your dad already have everything imaginable, why not change tack this year? Instead of buying material gifts, take a look at experiences or make plans that will enable the recipient to create memories. There are all kinds of options available from track days for petrol heads and skydiving for adrenaline junkies to indulgent spa weekends and tickets to concerts or sporting events. You could also consider buying a flexible voucher, which will enable the individual to choose which type of experience to book.
Christmas shopping can be stressful. If you’re already dreading the holiday countdown, now is the time to get organized and start planning ahead. Shop online, buy popular gifts early and think about swapping socks, aftershave, or toiletries for experiences.
