For many of us, Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year. With so many gifts to check off your shopping list, not to mention, planning for Christmas lunch and a ton of other parental responsibilities on your shoulders, finding the perfect Christmas pressies for loved ones can be a seriously daunting task.
Yes, Christmas shopping can indeed be a demanding challenge, there’s no denying that. But the good news is that by following these 7 tips and tricks, you’ll be able to navigate the bustling shopping centres and online stores with ease.
- Set A Realistic Budget
Step 1 in your stress-free Christmas shopping plan is setting a realistic budget. Let’s be honest — the digits can really get out of hand during the festive season, and the last thing busy Perth parents want is to go overboard with their spending. So, before you even head out the door, remember to spend some time setting a realistic budget.
You can do this manually with a pen and piece of paper, or make use of budgeting apps, whatever floats your boat. Planning ahead not only helps you stay within your financial limits but also allows you to allocate funds wisely, ensuring you have a stress-free holiday season.
- Take The Challenge Online
Let’s be honest, sometimes you just don’t want to fight the crowds at your local shopping centre. Don’t worry, we feel your pain. Well, lucky for you, because finding the perfect Christmas gifts can now be as easy as making a cup of tea, lounging on the sofa and tapping away at your phone or tablet.
Shopping online also provides unique opportunities to enjoy exclusive discounts and deals. For instance, when you shop at David Jones via Qantas Shopping, you can earn Qantas Points on every purchase you make. Similarly, some retailers may even host their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales later so that you can still enjoy digital savings all the way through to the end of the year! Keep an eye out for any businesses that look like they’re trying to get rid of their stock fast.
With just a few clicks, you’ll be able to explore hundreds of gift options, compare prices, and even take advantage of online-only discounts from the comfort of your home. No more searching for parking, squeezing through crowded aisles or waiting in long queues. Just sit back, relax, and let your fingers do the shopping.
- Make Use Of Click and Collect
Online shopping is amazing, but I’m sure we can all agree that no one is a fan of shipping costs. Chances are you’ll probably purchase Christmas gifts from a handful of different online retailers, and the last thing you want is to spend hundreds of dollars on unnecessary shipping costs.
This is where click and collect can be a real game changer for busy parents. Not only will you save a ton on shipping costs, but you’ll also get your hands on your purchases much faster. Most retailers in Perth offer next day click and collect, ensuring you’ll never have to worry about peak-season shipping delays disrupting your celebrations. Always a good thing.
- Head To Local Markets and Pop-Up Stores
Tired of the boring old Christmas gifts? Looking to wow your kids and loved ones with something other than the standard pair of socks or cheeseboard this festive season? Well, all you have to do is look towards one of the many Christmas markets and pop-up stores in Perth. From the Christmas Twilight Market at the Supreme Court Gardens, to the Bazaar Christmas market at the Fremantle Arts Center, there is certainly no shortage to choose from.
From handmade crafts and artwork, to specialty or locally made gifts and Christmas treats, you’ll find everything you need to really impress the family at Perth’s markets and pop-up stores. What’s more, these markets are also the ideal destinations for a family outing, allowing you to spend precious time with the little ones while also checking off your Christmas shopping list. It doesn’t get any better than that for a busy parent.
- Stay Organised With Shopping List Apps
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you suddenly realise you’ve forgotten someone’s gift? There’s truly nothing worse than finding out you’ve accidentally left someone off the gift list on Christmas day. The truth is staying organised with your Christmas shopping can be pretty challenging, especially when you’re a busy parent who is juggling a gazillion different things each day.
Luckily, no one has to draw the short end of the stick ever again because there are dozens of shopping list apps to help you stay organised and on top of things. These apps allow you to conveniently create detailed Christmas shopping lists in the palm of your hand. No more rushing to the shops last minute or frantically searching for the perfect gift. Just create your list, tick gifts off as you purchase them, and enjoy an easy breezy holiday season.
- Involve The Kids
Newsflash: did you know that you actually have your very own group of Santa’s little helpers who happen to live under your roof? When it comes to navigating the Christmas shopping frenzy, involving the kids in the process can really take the pressure off and add an extra layer of excitement to the holiday prep.
If your kids are old enough, consider involving them in the gift-wrapping process or card-making activities. Not only will this keep them occupied, but it’ll also save you a surprising amount of time. You won’t have to stress about spending hours wrapping gifts when you’ve got to prepare for Christmas lunch, and you can even turn it into a fun family event. Imagine the smiles and laughter as you all gather around the table, scissors, wrapping paper, and ribbons in hand, creating a flurry of creative activity.
- Prioritise Self Care
Finally, take some time to be kind to yourself. Amidst the chaos of the Christmas season, many busy parents end up neglecting their own well-being. From endless days of shopping, wrapping, cooking and house cleaning, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks. This is why it’s so important to prioritise self care above all else.
For starters, carve aside a small block of time each day just for you. It really doesn’t have to be anything grand or fancy. It could be as simple as enjoying an undisturbed cup of tea on the verandah, meditating, or taking a warm bubble bath to de-stress and rejuvenate.
Oh, and remember that you don’t have to do everything on your own. Enlist the help of your spouse, family members and kids where and when possible. At the end of the day, you can’t fill others cups if your own is empty, so embrace the holiday spirit by nurturing your wellbeing. We promise it will make all the difference.
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And there you have it — our top 7 Christmas shopping tips for busy Perth parents. With a well-organised plan and a heart full of love, you can make this holiday season truly special for your family. Happy holidays and may your days be merry and bright!
