Time-management Tips for Holiday Shoppers

If you feel stressed by the demands of the holiday season, you're not alone. With so much to do -- shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking, entertaining, and spending time with family and friends -- many people feel overwhelmed and exhausted before the holidays even arrive. By using some simple time-management strategies, you can spend less time shopping and more time enjoying all that the season has to offer.

The best way to manage your time while shopping for the holidays is not to shop during the holidays. By shopping throughout the year with the goal of having gifts for everyone on your list before the Thanksgiving turkey goes into the oven, you'll have more free time during the holidays to relax with family and friends. And by spreading out your spending over the course of the year and taking advantage of sales, you can even end up with some extra cash in your pocket.

If you have to shop during the holiday season or there are some last-minute gifts on your list, here are some tips that can help you save time.

* Set up a gift-wrapping station in a corner of your home so that you can easily wrap items as you buy them.

* Check with stores about free wrapping or take advantage of gift-wrapping services in malls that benefit charitable organizations. The fees are generally reasonable, so you can save time and donate to worthy causes.

* Plan your driving route. Before heading out to multiple shopping destinations, it pays to plan your route ahead of time. If you're already out and about on other business, check to see if any stores you need to stop at are on the way.

* Avoid peak shopping and traffic hours by shopping during early or late store hours. Check to see which stores offer extended holiday hours and take advantage of them.

* Shop alone whenever possible. Children and even friends can be a distraction. You can always arrange a separate holiday shopping trip with friends to socialize.

* Organize a family shopping day. Get it out of the way in one trip so you can remain focused during future outings.

* Plan for next year by buying this year. Many holiday items, such as decorations, cards and wrapping paper, are heavily discounted during the week after Christmas. Take advantage of the sales and you'll be one step ahead at the start of the next holiday season.