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