15 tips for holiday shopping

Now that Halloween is over, tis the season!

Shop early
Keep track of what you've bought for whom (I have a spreadsheet)
Set a budget (either per gift or in total [or both!])
If you can, check out sites like Etsy where you can buy directly from artists
Don't be afraid to look at gift guides (Here are some I made: 15 gifts that are $15 or under; 15 white elephant gifts for work; 15 gifts that you can do/make yourself; 15 giftcard ideas; 15 online shopping options that aren't Amazon)
Know that it's okay to ask people what they want (either specifically e.g. a scarf with holly on it or the kind of thing they'd like e.g. jewelry or board games)
Homemade works great--just plan in advance
Get unique with wrapping if you have the time and energy (15 gift wrap ideas)
It's okay to consult people who know the person you're buying for for ideas
Do a brainstorm for ideas without a budget in mind--things out of budget may help you think of things within budget
Shop local if you can (note that this may require some extra time and effort)
Do a brainstorm for things that you'd want--things you want may help spark ideas of things that others want (also, then you'll have a wish list you can share with people shopping for you)
It's okay to do a group gift (e.g. printed photos of your kids for the whole family or matching bracelets)
Find a place to stash gifts--this will help you keep track and maybe even keep them a secret from whom you're giving to
Make things personalized if you can (e.g. a book signed by the author or a monogrammed shirt)

(Prompt by me)

"Project 365 #345: 111210 All Wrapped Up" by Pete

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