This year, the holidays are looking a little different. With the pandemic, maybe your budget is a little smaller, or maybe you’re a little wary to head over to potentially crowded stores to do your Christmas shopping. And if you’re like me, you usually end up waiting until the last minute to buy gifts, rushing to the store the week before when they’re extra crowded, or caving in to some Amazon Prime shopping. 

With all of the changes this year, it’s the perfect chance to plan your holiday shopping in advance! Here are some tips for this unusual holiday season of shopping:

1. Create a Budget

Whether you’re getting gifts for family, friends, or your significant other, it is always a great idea to have a budget in mind. If you’re worried about your budget being low compared to others, just talk to them! It’s been a difficult year for all, so if you need to spend a little less than usual, your friends and family should understand! And if you’re the type to get a gift for everyone in your close circle, maybe plan a secret gift exchange instead! They are cost effective and a great way to ensure everyone is included.

2. Have a Plan

Know who you are buying gifts for and have a general idea of what you would like to get them. If you know they like clothes from a certain store, focus on that store. If they are into a certain style or certain games or trends, focus on stores and places that would carry those types of products. When shopping for clothes, make sure you know their size to minimize the need to make returns or exchanges.

3. Shop Locally

One thing many have been pushing for since the start of the pandemic is to shop local! Many local shops are struggling to keep up with major corporations in general, and the pandemic has made this gap between the two even larger. Shopping local not only helps small businesses, but it can be a more personal or intimate gift choice! You can find more unique pieces than you might at a mall. If you're hesitant to visit stores in person, see if they have a website; you can also hit up all the small businesses on Etsy!

4. Make your own gifts!

Another thing that has become big over quarantine is crafting! Many people have taken up hobbies such as journaling, writing, drawing, working with resin and clay, making candles and soap, knitting, and so much more to pass the time. Put your new hobby to use by creating unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for the ones you love. 

If you didn’t pick up a new hobby that you can share with those you love, there is still time to learn one, even if it is just for the holidays. It doesn’t have to be complicated either. Use your imagination, take your old photos with the ones you love and create a collage or a scrap book. Or stitch them together with some old videos to create a beautiful memory that they can use as their screensaver or just have to look at when they are missing you. As we move back into lockdown, a gift to remember the good times spent together in person is perfect.

This year has been stressful, but let's make the most of it by making this holiday season the best one yet. And don’t forget to shop early and, if you have the means, support your local delivery men and mail services. Every holiday season, they are overwhelmed making sure you get your orders and gifts to you in time. This year is likely to be even more stressful due to the current situation. Order early, thank them (even if your gift isn’t on time! They are trying their hardest), tip them if you can afford to, or just leave a little something to say thanks.

Happy Holidays!