There are 2 Ways to Slay Your Holiday Gift List Early this year, and I’m going to share with you my bifurcated approach to online purchases and shopping local. Naturally, this post is going to take a food-focused approach to gifting, but the techniques discussed within can be applied across any niche.
‘Tis nearly the season for gift giving! I know, I know. It may seem a little early to start all that, but getting an early start is actually an important and helpful step in managing the holidays. Whether you’re focus is on finding the latest lux kitchen item, gifts that support local businesses or charities, shopping for the foodie on your list just got a little easier. If you’re looking for gift ideas for someone who loves all things food and beverage, I have 2 Ways to Slay Your Holiday Gift List Early so you can take the stress out of holiday shopping and get back to enjoying all things merry and bright.
Make your list, check it twice and then get crackin’
It may go without saying, but the first step in 2 Ways to Slay Your Holiday Gift List Early is to start by setting your budget. We’ve all felt the impact of inflation this year, and economists expect we’ll continue to feel it into the holiday season as well. Establishing a number you can live with in advance is essential to keeping you on target and stress free.
There’s immeasurable value in making a list before you hop online or head out to the stores. After setting your budget, write out your complete list of names, followed by a few gifting options for each person. This requires a little planning, but nothing you can’t hammer out over a cup of coffee. Having a few carefully chosen options for each person gives you just that – options that you can draw from should your first choice prove unavailable.
Keep your list and budget readily available (save it to your phone) so you’ll have it with you until the last present is purchased and wrapped.
Divide and conquer – 2 Ways to Slay Your Holiday Gift List Early
In a recent Forbes Magazine article, contributing writer Richard Kestenbaum shared that “major retailers…who were burned during the pandemic… are avoiding [stocking] high-end items and cutting existing orders” this season. They already have too much high-end inventory in stock and they are made anxious by the possibility of getting stuck with it again. Stores will be stocking more of the basics this season – everyday apparel, household items and the like. That being said, more heavily sought after, high-end items may be in short supply this year. If you’re looking to buy high-end items this season, now is the best time to start, and online shopping is the place to begin. Online is where you’ll find the best deals on these items. Start early. The holidays are an extra busy time of year, and delivery systems remain taxed. Be sure to get ahead of the rush by shopping and shipping early so your gifts arrive on time.
For all else, I like to buy local – especially for the foodies in my life. Our family makes a big deal out of stocking stuffers at Christmas. Gourmet herb rubs, sauces, kitchen gadgets, self-care items and holiday confections are packed into stockings until they are practically bursting at the seams. If you’re looking for easy ways to slay your holiday gift list, local items make great stocking stuffers and host gifts.
I especially like shopping local when I’m shipping a gift to someone who can’t be home for the holidays. It’s a great way to send a little bit of home to them, but remember to get ahead of the rush by shopping and shipping early so your gifts arrive on time.
Take the stress out of holiday shopping with Online Deals
It may seem a little early to start all that, but getting an early start is actually an important and helpful step in managing the holidays. If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to shop, online deals delivered straight to your door are a great way to beat the rush. It’s also an easy way to ship directly to friends and family who live far away.
Getting back to basics with homemade gifts from the heart
Although not explicitly one of the 2 Ways to Slay Your Holiday Gift List Early recommended earlier in this post, one of my favorite ways to take the stress out of holiday shopping and spread a little cheer is through homemade gifts.
In 2021 we saw a shift in gifting that put a greater emphasis on homemade gifts. I’d like to see that continue. I’ve always had a soft spot for homemade gifts and I talk about this in my recipe post for Homemade Italian Limoncello. If someone gives you a homemade bottle of Limoncello, they are not just proudly sharing their bounty with you. They are telling you how truly special you are to them. Making Limoncello is a labor of love. Gifting a bottle of homemade Limoncello is a declaration of love.
Think about it. We all have a special cookie, quick-bread or other recipe that we are known for. Why not use the season of giving as a way to nourish both the body and soul. The majority of recipes on my blog can be made to share. So make a few for yourself and put together a little treat tray or host gift for a friend or neighbor. Keep it simple and keep it from the heart this holiday season.
So there you have it – My 2 Ways to Slay Your Holiday Gift List Early, plus a bonus recommendation for homemade gifts. Remember to shop online deals on luxury items early and shop local for most else. Whether your focus is buying online, local, or homemade gifts, I hope you find these recommendations helpful. And never forget that at the end of the day, it’s the people we share the days with that make this holiday season special. Blessings!
