cairnseye-10-december-publicity

• Pip’s A to J Shopping Tips for Christmas

I hate to admit it, but shopping is one of my favourite things. And I am not talking groceries. I am one of those people who find a real high is found in hallowed department stores and boutiques…and by pressing the ‘buy it now’ button on my keyboard. That said, I derive the greatest pleasure buying gifts for my family (starting with the four kids) and friends.

With Christmas looming, the pressure is on. If you haven’t started, don’t worry, here are some tips (ABC_ to help you hunt and gather with success – translation – smiles on dials.

A: Avoid shopping centre car parks

Why drive around in circles and risk denting the car when you can park out front and pay for the pleasure….

B: Beat the budget

Plan, Plan, Plan. Write your list and work out in advance a ball park figure for each person on your Christmas list.

Shop around. Be it the web, the phone or good old-fashioned browse. Keep in perspective, if you can buy something now, why trek across town for a $10 dollar saving?

Don’t be afraid to ask a retailer for their best price – you will be surprised how many are willing to drop their price or value add to secure a sale.

C: Creativity Counts

The longer you give yourself to Christmas shop, the more time you have to find the perfect gift. Throughout the year, use your ears and listen for hints….write them down for the future or really think about the person in question. What would ‘they’ like?

When all else fails, a personalized gift is a great fall back – be it framed photograph, album or canvas, t-shirt, cushion or jigsaw puzzle (www.bepuzzled.com.au)

Gift boxes of assorted goodies also have great wow factor.

D: Department Store Loyalty Cards

Shop and earn points, enjoy added discounts and recognition. Think Myer One….it is free to join and offers a plethora of great savings, value-adds, exclusive shopping nights and you even get a free mag…

E: Exercise your body and mind

Well, it is fair to say, shopping can be great exercise for the body and mind (thinking of those perfect gifts). Make sure you wear flat shoes and walk briskly between shops.

F: Fashionistas dress down – the secret to a good shopping mission – cool, comfortable clothing.

G: Gift giving is one of life’s greatest rewards….so enjoy the process….don’t do it all at once and leave until last minute – chop up into smaller bite size pieces or shopping trips. Start with a coffee, end with a glass of wine….

On that note, take care with your wrapping….add a bow, a card or some gorgeous cellophane.

H: Think with your Head and your Heart…..if you see something you like for a special person and Christmas is nowhere in sight – buy it there and then on the spot….because like all givens, it will arrive sooner than expected. And then, if something else comes along in the meantime, you are covered…no pressure! Also, don’t forget to check out the store’s refund policy if you are unsure if the item – and very important, keep all your receipts….number one no-no is leaving in bag – I always put in wallet at time of purchase.

I: Internet, Interflora – don’t diss the world wide web when it comes to shopping. Ebay is a great place to start if hunting for a bargain – but remember, refund policies and postage can be dangerous traps if you don’t fully inform yourself before you buy. For the overseas rellies, buying something on the net and having it delivered is a godsend – think Amazon.com, Ebay.com; Interflora.com.au etc….

J: Junk – don’t buy it….buy the best you can afford…..especially when it comes to gifts for your nearest and dearest….if you have to fall back on a gift voucher, nothing wrong with that….after all, plastic is fantastic!