Lists are the head of everything when you want to simplify shopping. They are unlikely to help you save money and not buy too much, but they will allow you not to forget anything in the New Year's rush. After all, it is important to remember about gifts to everyone, and about party dresses, and products for the New Year's table. And the lists can also be a great itinerary. You won't have to walk around the mall looking like a confused Travolta from a meme. You will confidently go only to the right stores and take what you need. What a time saver!
But in order for the lists to work, you should prepare for their compilation. For example, the entry "gift to mom" is, of course, good. But what exactly will you be looking for? It is better to decide in advance. Ideally, if you conduct a mini‑investigation on the Internet and find out which store sells it.
And do that with everything. So, you should not go in search of an outfit for a New Year's party before you review the contents of your closet and find out if you really need it. Festive dresses before the New Year are quite expensive, and after the holidays they will hang with discounts of up to 70%. Is it really necessary to overpay?
In general, preparation is an important part of shopping, and it really can make the process more enjoyable.
The previous point guided us to careful planning. But let's be honest, pre—holiday shopping is also fun. Lists are lists, but a New Year's ball or a sequined top thrown into the basket in a hurry can bring more joy than the brightest fireworks. If you are not severely limited in funds, but just trying to save money, it's a pity to deprive yourself of this. But it's still worth limiting a little.
Set yourself a budget that you will spend on necessary things — gifts, groceries — and follow it. But also determine the amount that you can spend on something that you impulsively like. If you don't like anything, well, there will be money left. But if something catches your eye, you can buy it and not blame yourself. Self-flagellation has never made anyone's life better.
Holidays are perceived as a kind of milestone to which it is necessary to redo everything, and then run to the finish line and fall — at best on the sofa, at worst — face into a salad. But if you think about it, it's just a day that doesn't change anything.
The stores are still open in January. Moreover, many things can already be bought at sales. And it's not just about clothes and shoes. For example, gift sets are sold at a discount after the holidays. And if, say, you plan to visit a distant aunt in the twenties, then a set of sweets or cosmetics can be purchased at a discount and without much crowding in stores.
However, it is also better not to postpone purchases that are needed directly for the New Year until December 31. Firstly, there are many people who want to jump into the last carriage. And long queues and the battle for the peas can kill any festive mood. Secondly, stores generally cope with the hype, but not always. Therefore, it may turn out that the right peas are simply not on the shelf. If you do not postpone shopping, it will be much calmer. And there will also be time to look for different offers and choose cheaper options.
Even if you like the atmosphere of shopping malls decorated for the holidays, nothing prevents you from just taking a walk, drinking coffee on the food court and enjoying the garlands and Christmas trees. And running between the rows can be delegated. It's not that expensive, but it saves a lot of time and nerves.
This advice is good at all times, but it will especially help out when you have to spend a lot. When you decide what and where you will buy, ask your friends in the chat — maybe someone has discount cards of this store. In this case, it will be a good way to save money. If the card is not a discount card, but a cumulative one, you will help your friends earn more points — it costs you nothing, but they are pleased.
You can walk around the mall in a large company. But it is better to go for specific things alone or with a loved one with whom you have compiled lists together and reached a consensus on this issue. Otherwise, shopping will be greatly delayed, because you will need to take into account the interests of all participants in the process. And there is also a risk that you will see enough of other people's purchases and will not be able to resist unnecessary purchases.
