Tips for Creating Your Christmas Shopping List

The holidays are upon us and it's time to start getting your ideas together for your Christmas shopping list. Don't fly by the seat of pants when it comes to Christmas shopping. Instead, use one of these tips to create your Christmas shopping list.

Use a Spreadsheet

Whenever I have to get organized and make a shopping list, I use a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. It may be a little geeky when I use it for grocery shopping, but it is a handy tool to have to help organize a shopping list around the holidays.

I use four columns when organizing my Christmas shopping list. In the first column I put the names of the people I need to buy presents for. I usually start with the people I am closest to (spouse, child) and work my way down. The next column I use for gift ideas. I put whatever I think that person would like in this column and try to put more than one suggestion so I'll have plenty of options. The third column I put the price I'm willing to spend up to so I will stay within budget. The fourth column I use to check off after I've bought the gift.

Wishlist As You Go

If you like to do your Christmas shopping online, then make use of the wishlists that some sites have. If you're browsing on Amazon and see something that you know Grandpa would love, wishlist that item so you can easily go back to it later. I really like wishlists because I tend to be forgetful and it's nice to be able to easily save the gifts I want to purchase later.

Start Early

Don't procrastinate when it comes to Christmas shopping. Start early. Even if it's just scribbling down random names and gift ideas onto sticky notes, it's a start and you can use these notes to build your list later.

Online Organizer

Organize your shopping list and gift ideas by using suggestions online at Organized Christmas. This neat site gives you week-by-week instructions on getting your Christmas shopping organized. The site even has some extras that may come in handy, such as recipes and printable gift tags.

Break Up Your List

Take a look at your Christmas shopping list. Make subcategories either by making notes on your main list or using another sheet of paper. If you have to buy toys for several children on your list, when you're out, do all of your toy shopping at once. Likewise, if you plan to buy clothing for several people, mark that on your list and do all this shopping at once. This will save you from having to backtrack and go to the same store multiple times.