We have a fairly large family and I come from a large family so gift and time management is critical during the holiday season. Here are a few of the things I do to make sure I am wrapped and ready by the time Christmas Eve hits (this year my goal is to be done by December 1st and I am totally on target!!!!).
My top 5 tips!
- Brainstorm Early – If you think of something or get inspiration for a gift write it down. I put my ideas on a list in my phone OR I add them to my Amazon Lists. I will 100% forget if I don’t write it down (even if I convinced it is so good I won’t forget).
- Start A Spreadsheet – I LOVE a good spreadsheet and I have a Christmas one going as soon as October hits. I would post my spreadsheet but it is super simple and tracks the person, gift and rough cost. I bold the items that have been purchased so I know its done.
- Use Credit Card Cash Back – We have a couple of credit cards for different purposes but our most used card is our AmEx. At the end of every year I apply my cash back to my credit card to cover gifts. The scary thing is that it usually covers a good chunk of the gifts, apparently we use this card a ton!!!
- Gift Storage – Get a box for each person who gets multiple gifts and fill it with their gifts, stocking stuffers and wrapping paper (if you are wrapping each person with their own specific paper). I also have a miscellaneous box for the people I purchase one gift for. Even though I have a list going it is helpful to actually see what the pile looks like, sometimes the list looks long but it doesn’t look like much when you see it (something kids care about).
- Gift Tags / Printable Coloring Sheets – Search for printable coloring gift tags on Pinterest and let your little ones go to town. My kids are so excited to make a tag for their loved ones and it is adds a nice little touch.
Happy Shopping!!