Did Black Friday and Cyber Monday pass without you buying a single Christmas pressie for your loved ones? Holiday shopping, especially if you are taking your partner with you, should be fun and enjoyable. So we’ve compiled a helpful do’s and don’ts, so you can hit the shops and get the job done with your sanity – and relationship – in tact:
DO make a list, so you know who you need to buy for and a rough idea of what you might get them. If you’re shopping with your other half, compare lists and cross off items together.
DO go your separate ways. So if your boyfriend or girlfriend needs to head to another shop, agree a meeting place and time and rendez-vous for a hot chocolate or something stronger later. There’s nothing worse than a partner loitering by the doorway looking bored as you try to make an important pressie decision. If you follow each other around it will take twice as long and tempers might start to fray…
DO set a time limit. Decide to shop for say 90 minutes and then call it a day. It’s also worth noting that researchers have discovered that after around 40 minutes, we start to buy emotionally. If it is after this time, before going mad a buying a luxury designer handbag for your Great Aunt Mildred, ask yourself whether it is a good decision.
DON’T be sucked in my gift sets. Shops use these as a clever way of selling everyday products with an inflated price tag. Consumers’ Association Which? Said that Lynx had a gift set for £6.50, which contained a £3 deodorant and £2 shower gel.
DO drop hints. If you’re shopping with a partner and think they might need help when it comes to the present stakes, don’t be afraid to drop a few subtle hints about what you might like. Comments like, ‘I love that new XX fragrance,’ or ‘I think a great gift would be gig tickets to XX,’ should land you whatever you are after. But be reasonable with the price tag!
DO wear comfortable shoes: Battling crowds and irksome blisters will not make for a good trip. Your feet will get hot and swell so ladies, ditch those high heels in favour of those comfy slouch boots or baseball style shoes. The more supportive the sole the better. If you must wear your favourite but not overly practical shoes, try double-layered socks which help avoid blisters/chafing.
Do layer your clothing: It may be cold outside but the often shops have their heating on full blast. Getting hot and sweaty under bright store lights and layers of wooly jumpers can makes you both irritable and flustered. Consider wearing an over coat, jumper of cardy that you can tie around your waist if need be.
DON’T get ripped off. It’s easy to get caught up in a mad frenzy but be watchful of special deals and if you are buying something expensive, run a price comparison to see if you can get it cheaper elsewhere. Use the Internet and do your homework!
Good luck shoppers! Bring us something nice back…
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