Use these mindful shopping techniques to keep you in budget on on task during the holiday season.
As we head into the big power shopping season of the year, I thought it might be helpful to lay out some ideas to help you be a little more mindful when you head out to shop. It’s so easy to spend too much money or make less-than-stellar choices when you are unprepared and stressed out. Can you relate?
Mindful Shopping Techniques
Follow these mindful shopping tips for a holiday gift buying experience you will enjoy and feel good about!
Make a list
Before you make a bee-line to the mall, make a list of your gift recipients and what you think they might like. Sounds simple, but most people don’t do it.
Start early
Don’t wait until the last minute to shop. Start now and feel good about getting it done!
Be alert
Don’t shop when you are tired. It’s like grocery shopping when you are hungry. You make bad choices. Personally, I prefer to shop in the morning or early afternoon when my brain and body still have plenty of energy.
Focus on quality
Instead of a bunch of cheap gag gifts, look for one high quality item your friends or family will actually use.
Shop local
Support a local business or artisan instead of the mega-mass-merchandiser. Besides, the gift selection is so much more unique at independently owned shops!
Give experiences
Instead of the latest video game, give a pair of tickets to a sporting event. Instead of a new knick-knack, how about a membership to a museum?
Go DIY
Spend your money on supplies for homemade gifts like spiced nuts, peppermint lip balm or a set of handmade cloth napkins. Homemade gifts are fun to give and extra special to receive!
Beware window shopping
Some people can do it but if temptation is your middle name, stay away from those pretty window displays!
Do you have any tips for mindful shopping? How do you manage the holiday madness?
Michelle @Special Mom Space says
I’m with you on the being early thing. I don’t typically do a list for holiday shopping because I have tunnel vision when I shop. I do however find making lists helpful for grocery shopping 🙂
I also love to shop online so cyber Monday is my day! I’m hoping to get an increase in sales on my stress and alternative pain relief site at that time.
Betsy (Eco-novice) says
I absolutely agree that shopping is really a miserable experience when you are exhausted. You have some great DIY ideas on your blog! I mostly avoid the holiday madness by staying away from the stores and shopping mostly online. But I would like to try to patronize some local independent stores too this year — they are usually less crazy and more fun to browse.
Lori Popkewitz Alper says
Thanks for the great tips! My biggest issue is that I don’t start early enough. I am a last minute shopper so I tend to get sucked into products I don’t necessarily need or want. Buying just for the sake of having a gift for someone isn’t the greenest way to shop. Hopefully this year I will be more on the ball and shop early!
Micaela says
Good point about on-line shopping Michelle. I didn't mention that in my post, but it can be a great way to focus your shopping efforts without getting overwhelmed by so many choices in the stores. My only hesitation is the extra shipping costs and energy used for transportation etc…But I still do buy a few things online each year!
Harriet says
Thanks Micaela. I love the reminder to “go for quality.” Particularly when there are so many incredible sales, quantity often “ups” quality, and it should always be the other way around!
Micaela says
Hi Betsy – I love shopping at independently owned stores – I just try to go at times when they aren't so busy!
Micaela says
I'm in the same boat Lori! Every year I vow to be more organized and get started earlier but it's so hard – especially when you have a family! Ah well, we do what we can!!
Micaela says
You are so right Harriet – it's easy to be tempted by getting more, more, more when more really isn't better. 🙂
Karen Hanrahan says
I love the give experiences suggestion!
Micaela says
Thanks Karen! Don't you love to get gifts of experiences instead of just more stuff?