Use these tips to be sure that shopping remains a pleasant pastime in your life, and not a source of financial and emotional stress...

	The key is to get started early!!! Do your research before you leave the door! Try www.shopping.com, www.froogle.com, www.amazon.com or www.ebay.com to find up to date prices for gifts on your list without leaving the house! If you have the time to wait for an item to be shipped, go for it and buy online from a reputable retailer. For tips to make your online shopping experience stress free, click here!
	Establish a realistic budget! Can you really afford to buy your nephew the Wii for $300?
	Stick to your budget! Don’t forget to include everything. For example, be sure to budget for gift wrap, greeting card, bows and tape…etc. These costs can easily add $10-$15 dollars to your budgeted price if you’re not a savvy shopper or creative gift wrapper! Click here for a great tool you can use before your next shopping trip!
	Create a shopping wallet! This separate wallet should contain your list, budget, driver’s license and cash/debit card. Leave all other temptations at home!
	Keep all gift receipts in your shopping wallet with the name of the recipient written on each receipt and/or gift voucher. That makes things easier if any gifts do need to be returned or exchanged.
	Consider creative gift-giving! Consider gifts that have a personal touch, such as hand-made and homemade gifts like tapestries, quilts, pastries or other pre­pared foods.
	Give the gift of yourself! For a gift that’s both personal and easy to execute on a deadline, create “coupons” for services you can provide in the weeks to come. You can give coupons for an amazing multi-course meal, babysitting services, pet-care services, massages, Web site building, car repairs, painting and other handyman services around the home. Just be careful not to over-promise; you’re sure to be remembered for giving a “gift” and failing to deliver on it.
	Avoid last-minute shopping! Shopping under stress can lead to more spending!
	Never go shopping hungry! Dealing with crowds, decision making, and spending money is done best when not hungry or thirsty. Hunger and thirst lead to grouchiness and can make you feel tired faster. Take a break and grab a snack and drink at the mall. The time it takes to sit and eat it will also give you a breather from all the walking.
	Leave the little ones at home! Watching the kids while shopping for good deals will only raise your blood pressure. Even the best-behaved children can act out when they are in a loud environment. Also, it is not uncommon for children to become separated from their parents or guardians while in a crowded shopping center. It is best to leave the kids with a partner, trusted friend, or sitter while you shop.
	Know your limits! Before you embark on your holiday shopping trips, do a quick review of your finances. You should know your available balances and the limits on your credit cards. Shopping without knowing your financial situation is unwise and can cheat those on your list if you have to start cutting corners later in the day. Ideally, you should have a shopping list and a spending limit for each person on the list. Listing spending limits on your shopping list will help you stay within your budget.