You can make Christmas gift planning less stressful by starting early, making a handwritten list, setting a budget for each recipient and brainstorming ideas based on their interests. Mapping out where you’ll shop can also help you save time and stay organized.The holidays sparkle with bright lights and cheerful music, but can also bring a surprising amount of pressure. Between decorating, cooking, hosting, and shopping, the season fills up quickly, and it can feel overwhelming.According to surveys, 58% of American adults cite financial worries as a major source of holiday stress in 2023 – and this year, 41% say they expect even more stress.Fortunately, a little planning can ease some of that tension. Here’s how to de-stress Christmas with simple, thoughtful tips that will make gift giving even more fun.
1. Start your Christmas shopping early
One of the easiest ways to reduce holiday stress and overwhelm is to start shopping early. This doesn’t mean you have to buy everything months in advance. But if you get a head start before you get hit at the last minute, you’ll have more time to:
- Think about your options
- Compare prices
- Avoid busy shops
It also increases your chances of getting what you want before the items sell out.A simple first step would be:
- View last year’s list
- Write down names
- Create a loose action timeline so you don’t get confused later
2. Create a handwritten gift list to spark creativity
Digital lists can be useful, but writing your ideas by hand on paper can lead to more creative ideas. In fact, research shows that writing by hand activates parts of the brain related to memory, focus and imagination.For extra stress relief, you can make this a fun and calming ritual:
- Put on your coziest clothes
- Play relaxing music or Christmas carols
- Brew your favorite tea or pour a glass of wine
- Sit down with a pen and paper
Making lists a fun activity will set the tone for a less stressful season, and you can even brainstorm more meaningful gifts for the people you love.
3. Set a realistic gift budget for each person
According to the American Psychological Association, holiday expenses are one of the biggest sources of stress this time of year. Combat that stress by setting a gift budget for each person and writing it down on your list. This provides clarity and helps reduce subsequent decision fatigue, making the process feel more manageable.Your budget doesn’t have to be exact either; Just choose a range that suits you.
4. Think about each person’s interests
Before you start brainstorming gifts, take a moment to think about who each person is and what’s going on in his or her life right now. For example:
- What do they like to do?
- Have they taken a trip recently?
- Do they have a favorite hobby or new interest?
- Are they busy with something stressful, such as a busy schedule with children?
Write down three interests, passions, or pain points for each person. This simple reflection will help you come up with more thoughtful, personal, and meaningful gift ideas.
5. Brainstorm three gift ideas per person
Now that you’ve identified each person’s interests, brainstorm three gift ideas for each of them. But don’t fall into the trap of looking for the “perfect” gift; that pressure can make shopping a chore. Instead, focus on something meaningful.If you feel stuck, try browsing:
- Online gift guides
- Pinterest boards
- Amazon’s search tool for inspiration
Even if you don’t plan on purchasing anything from these sites, they are great for sparking ideas related to specific hobbies or themes.
6. Map out where you will shop
Next to each gift idea, write down where you would like to purchase it. This simple step can save you hours later by allowing you to batch shop or place all your online orders at once.Some more tips for both approaches are:
- Online: If you prefer to shop from home, take advantage of sales, fast or free shipping options, and small business shopping on Amazon and/or Etsy.
- At the store: If shopping in person, go early in the day or on weekday evenings to avoid the crowds. And if possible, check store inventory online in advance and plan your route based on where your items are in stock.
These small steps will help you stay organized and keep the season joyful and unhurried.
Try these stress-free holiday shopping tips
With a little intention, buying gifts for the holidays can be one of the most enjoyable times of the season.By creating thoughtful handwritten lists, setting realistic budgets, and planning your shopping strategy, you can relieve stress and avoid last-minute hassles.Here’s to a holiday season where you can focus on what really matters: connection and the joy of giving.
References:Psychiatry.org – Americans are more concerned than last year about the upcoming holidays; Healthcare and the economyThe Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing: Who Wins the Battle? – PMCTopline of data from the 2023 Holiday Stress SurveyEven a joyful holiday season can cause stress for most Americans