Things can start to feel rather frantic this time of year, so today begins my series of organizing tips for the Holidays And Everyday. 

     This week’s topic is “Holiday Shopping, Deals and Receipts”.

1. First step is to Make your Gift List.  On paper or in the computer (mine is in MS Excel, I just update it every year with any changes), list all the people you buy for, any ideas you have for each person, your budget for each person and any gifts you already have purchased.
2. Our families swap wish lists, but every family is different.  We like the lists because it ensures the kids (and adults) get something they will really like, is age appropriate and is not a duplicate.  You and your family can do whatever you want!
3. Next, look around your house to inventory any gifts purchased earlier in the year, or unopened items that could be used as gifts (for example, I stocked up on candles over the summer, knowing I would need hostess gifts this time of year!).  
4. From now on, carry your Gift List with you all the time, and keep it updated with budget, purchases and ideas.  I took advantage of a sale at a local store because I had my list on my IPhone, and knew what brand of product a client was looking for.   
5. Which leads me to Deals:  A good plan can help you take advantage of deals when they come along.  Coupons, free shipping, special sales, etc. are great when you find them for things on your list.  Here are some tech-friendly places to find the deals (from Real Simple and Parenting Magazines, October):
   1. Fastmall.com  (free IPhone app), maps of local malls
   2. Shopkick.com (free IPhone app), sort of scary but this app “knows when you walk into one of its partner stores, like Macy’s and Best Buy, and rewards you with coupons, cash back, etc.”
   3. MobiQpons.com, (free app for many devices) finds store and restaurant coupons
   4. Coupons.com, redplum.com, and smartsource.com for in-store purchases
   5. Couponcabin.com, offers.com and retailmenot.com for on-line shopping
   6. Cellfire.com and couponsherpa.com for shopping on your handheld device
6. NO IMPULSE SHOPPING!!  Do I need to say it again?  Deals and coupons are only helpful if you are buying something you really need or want as a gift.  Using these specials to stock your own home or to buy things no one will ever want just because it is on sale will lead to gift disasters and debt.  Both things to avoid!
7. Receipts:   This time of year, consider receipts as valuable as cash, because in some instances, they are.  Receipts enable gift returns in case you realize you’ve got a duplicate or gift receipts for your loved ones in case the gift wasn’t quite right.  Take an envelope out right now, put Christmas 2010 Receipts on it in big bold letters, and keep it in a prominent location.  I put all holiday shopping receipts and packing slips in there, and save it for 6 months. 

Happy Shopping!