| Each month there are special days to celebrate, | | | | make your list, decide on the prices you can afford for |
| whether it is someone's birthday, anniversary or a | | | | each item and stay within your budget so you don't |
| major holiday. Many times the task of choosing gifts | | | | come up short. Many times toys, electronics and |
| becomes Mom's responsibility. | | | | computers have a wide range of prices. It might be |
| Getting Started | | | | wise to compare before you shop instead of |
| It is good to organize your list if you are shopping for | | | | impulsively buying the first one you see in a store. You |
| the holidays or several things at one time. Before you | | | | may be able to save on one item and spend a little |
| go, write suggestions on your list for the gifts you have | | | | more on another one and stay within your budget. |
| to buy. | | | | More people are finding out what a convenience it can |
| Making choices for individuals is sometimes the hardest | | | | be to shop online. There you can search out products |
| part of shopping. Relating to a person's interests or | | | | and compare brands and prices without leaving home. |
| hobbies can be helpful to get started. For someone | | | | When shopping online, keep in mind shipping costs that |
| who likes to use computers and laptops, buy | | | | will be added to the final prices. There are sites that |
| accessories for them, such as Skype extra services. | | | | offer discount shipping when you purchase multiple |
| Other popular electronic gifts are Xbox and video | | | | items. This could save in the final costs. Some of the |
| games. Children and grandchildren will get many hours | | | | best bargains are at online auctions and discount store |
| of pleasure in these activities. | | | | web sites. Also, by state law you aren't charged sales |
| Traditional gifts are always appreciated. For ladies, | | | | taxes on purchases made outside your state. |
| jewelry, perfume, and clothing accessories. If the man | | | | Be Prepared |
| you know is hard to buy for, consider a gift card, | | | | If you decide to go shopping at your favorite stores, |
| luggage, gym bag or laptop bag. Gifts for the home | | | | make sure you are prepared. Have your list ready and |
| could be decorative or ornamental, such as a water | | | | wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Start shopping |
| fountain for the front yard, pewter charger plates, | | | | early and during the week instead of waiting for the |
| holiday decorations, food gifts, and floral arrangements. | | | | weekend. Also, buy heavy gifts last to avoid carrying |
| Before You Buy | | | | them around all day and take advantage of |
| Before shopping, take time to research products and | | | | gift-wrapping. These practical steps will make your |
| browse the sale papers to find the best prices. As you | | | | shopping experience more enjoyable. |