When Is the Best Time to Start Considering Christmas Gifts for Your Loved Ones
Many people struggle with the timing of gift-giving during the holiday season. Some insist on waiting until the last minute, while others start planning in advance. But when is the right time to begin considering Christmas gifts for your loved ones? The answer is now – and we'll explain why.
Why Starting Early Is Better
Starting to think about Christmas gifts for your loved ones as early as mid-November can provide a multitude of benefits. By beginning your gift search early, you can take advantage of better deals and offers, and you'll have more time to research and order gifts that are perfect for your loved ones.
Utilizing Global Garner App for Savings
Consider utilizing the Global Garner app, which is a game changer in saving money on your Christmas shopping. This app not only helps you save on your Christmas shopping but also offers discounts on your everyday expenses. With Global Garner, you can shop for gifts from numerous brands and platforms while enjoying their exclusive deals and earning cashback ranging from 2 to 100 on every purchase. By taking advantage of this app, you can make your gift shopping more economical and rewarding.
My Personal Gift Planning Strategy
From personal experience, I never stop thinking about gifts for loved ones. I pay attention to what people say they like or need year-round. If they mention a podcast they enjoy, I keep an eye out for books by that podcaster. If they buy a new coat, I get a matching scarf. I use a list on my phone and a "wishlist" on Amazon to track these items.
Additionally, I utilize Amazon daily for 50% off deals for those with Prime membership. If I see something I think a friend or family member would like, I add it to the wishlist. If the price is right, I buy it or wait until closer to Christmas or their birthday. I keep a price watcher on everything on that list using CamelCamelCamel, which notifies me if something comes on sale.
I maintain similar lists on other store websites, not just Amazon. I check email notifications from stores for stock or sale updates, and I consider adding items to my wishlist if they might make good gifts.
Using a Gift Budget Tracker
The holiday season can easily lead to overspending, but using a gift budget tracker can help you stay within your means. I've been using a free Excel template for gift budgeting for about 10 years. To access it, launch Excel, open a new file, and enter "gift" in the template search bar. When I do this, I get 7 different gift tracking template choices. Alternatively, there are videos on how to create one in Google Sheets, and you can buy one through Etsy.
I set a budget for each person I want to buy gifts for and apply a certain percentage of my budget to each individual. This tells me how much money I can spend while still staying within my overall budget. My gift tracker also helps me keep track of when I've purchased and wrapped each item.
Even if you don't think of gifts year-round, it's a good idea to start drawing up gift lists for everyone no later than mid-November. This way, you have ample time to order an item and ensure it arrives by Christmas.
Final Thoughts: Starting early and leveraging tools like the Global Garner app and gift budget trackers can make your gift-giving process smoother and more cost-effective. By laying the groundwork early, you can ensure that your gifts are thoughtful, timely, and within your budget.