Christmas Shopping 101

Before anything:

Happy Holidays!

Over the weekend, Arckham and I had places to be and people to see which basically required us to go around the metro. The heavy traffic we faced was close to stand stills and the rather annoying part is that it was EVERYWHERE. We went from Ortigas to Diliman to Quezon Ave and finally Blumentritt. Let me just say that every step of the way was frustrating and to top it all off it rained. Gah! [Picky cab drivers were also of no help]

In the least, I was thankful we weren't heading to the mall.

Let's all learn from this years traffic clog. According to PUV drivers, the traffic is due to people who are basically doing last minute Christmas Shopping. Let me just say that this is something I do NOT practice. Here are the reasons why:

1. The Crowds - it's hard to pick a present for the people on my list if I am frustrated mainly because people are all in the malls. It's crowded, stuffy, smelly and everyone is irritable. 
2. The Poor Quality Products - with the amount of people in the mall purchasing things, everything you are likely to get would either be defective or would probably be lacking sizes since the early bird probably got the better quality products already. 
3. Low Quality of Service - More over, with the influx of people to be catered to the sales ladies/gentlemen are too tired and also highly irritable and would really not pay as much attention to you as compared to a few weeks before.
4. Prices Are Hiked - as much as you would like to tell yourself it's Christmas and there's a sale sign, the items you buy are 10%-20% more than their regular price. [Believe me, I canvass before I buy anything]

See? *shivers*

I also do not understand why this happens? I mean there are so many other and better ways to shop nowadays. [Yes, even on a busy schedule.] Moreover, Christmas Bonuses are given on the later part of November to the 1st week of December which gives people a lot of time to budget, canvass and shop.

For those who want to lessen the stress of Christmas Shopping in 2012, here are a few good practices I've been doing over the years:

1. Make a list. Always organize who you're going to be blessing this Christmas. This helps you not forget or miss anyone during the season of giving. 
2. Budgeting. Always function on a budget. [on everything and not just this season actually] Make sure that you are not going to stretch your funds thinly over the season. Think about it this way, buying gifts over paying your bills should never be the case.  It is not a pretty picture once Christmas Eve comes along and you don't have electricity or food prepared. 
3. Brainstorming. Now that you have your budget, start thinking of what the people on your list need/want this Christmas season. Yes, it is the thought that counts so let's make an effort. This is also a good starting point so that you are not aimless wandering the malls and wondering what to give to people on your list. [Make sure that what you get them is within your budget] 
4. Canvass. You actually don't necessarily need to go around at all. Check stores online and also make sure to take note of prices in order to compare and get the best buys. Most stores located in malls would have websites and contact details, go ahead and use these resources to your advantage. Once you've decided, have it reserved and pick it up or delivered. Sometimes, you don't need to purchase your gifts. You can make them yourself or even give away things you don't really use. [Like that top that really isn't really your style but looks great on your best bud.]
5. Wrapping. Yes this is part of the process. Here's the part where you also can save money. Remember those old magazines you no longer read? Brochures that are no longer useful? Posters? Left over wrappers from the previous year? Well, start using those to wrap your gifts. Get creative. I believe you would find this rather relaxing. [I do]

If you do come up with a budget, don't forget to include yourself. After all, you had been a good shopper and deserve a little treat. For me this year, it's a set of rings from Charm Bin. I really love the items that CB releases. It's fun, laid back and I can sport it at work. CB has good value for money [at times, also a amazing bargains and finds]. Transactions are easy and  they are also very accommodating. [Specially to busy girls like me.] I definitely recommend them for stress free shopping.

So here's [one] of my Christmas Gifts to myself:

 

 

I am loving it. Thanks, Charm Bin!