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Quick shopping tips for Christmas

For most of us, time is something we are often short of, not least at Christmas, and managing to squeeze in everything that the festive cheer brings can be a struggle. To help you out here are some top tips on how to be shopping savvy and complete all of your Christmas gift shopping in one go. Ready, steady, shop!

Back to basics

Simple preparation like planning your journey to the shops can save you a lot of precious time. Avoid rush hours first thing in the morning on weekdays, as you’ll be battling your way through feisty nine to fivers. Mid-morning is probably your quietest time to hit the shops for Christmas gift shopping during the week or first thing at the weekends – quiet shops are definitely worth getting up for. Using cash instead of paying by card will also save you minutes at the till, but be safe and don’t carry too much on you at one time. Also, have all of your loyalty cards and coupons organised in one place for fast flashing at the till.

Make a list

Make a list of all the people you need to buy for and any ideas you’ve had so far for their gifts. Don’t forget to jot down Christmas necessities like sticky tape, tags and wrapping paper too. Also, think ahead about where you’re going and what shops will be there, then plan a route through the shops so you don’t waste time traipsing back and forth through the crowds. Ideally, start furthest away then work your way back to your car/bus stop.

[Useful: Christmas delivery and shipping date deadlines]

Another helpful tip is to print off images of any products you’ve seen online or in magazines that you wish to buy in store. You can then simply flash the printout to your (hopefully) helpful shop assistant and they will find it quickly for you, rather than you scouring the shelves for the gift. Reserving items online beforehand will also save you time.

Go surfing

The online kind is perfect at Christmas time! You’ll be able to tick off your whole Christmas gift list, as well as added extras and food and drink in one afternoon if you choose to shop online. Bank card? Check. Pen and paper? Check. Glass of wine? Why not? You’ll be flying through the virtual checkouts faster than Santa’s sleigh; it’s just click, pay and away! Plus, you have the added bonus of having everything delivered to your door so you don’t have to wrap up and face the cold. To make sure you get everything in time for Christmas just check with each retailer when their last delivery dates are.

Double up

There are many gifts, such as cosy pyjama sets, foodie kits, celebrity biographies and comedy DVDs, that you can double (or triple) up on to tick off multiple relatives in one fell swoop. Often, gifts such as these will be on ‘three for two’ promotions and are usually all in one place, making your speedy shopping a success. You could go one step further and decide to buy everyone the same gift this year –share your love of chocolate and get everyone chocolate themed prezzies from Thorntons or Hotel Chocolat, or buy oodles of wine and Christmas tipples along with some festive gift bags and make everyone merry.

One hit wonder

Save yourself time traipsing from store to store by doing your shopping in a department store. One shop means one queue and you’ve got the bonus of everything being under one roof – whether it’s clothes for your cousins, books for your brother or make-up for your mum, you’ll be able to get it all there and then. With late night shopping events and promotional days, department stores are a wealth of opportunity for the savvy Christmas shopper.

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