How to Stay Organized While Holiday Shopping

Fall is my favorite time of year. Our house is bustling with activity as the school year gets into full swing and we prepare for the holidays. Staying organized while holiday shopping is not always easy, especially when you have a big list to work with and hard-to-shop-for loved ones. Here are some holiday shopping tips that I could not live without!

Whether you start early or wait until the last minute to get your holiday shopping done, it is absolutely essential to have an organized shopping list. You can download a printable list or create your own. I love to create my own as an arts-and-crafts activity with the kids. The decorated lists may not be the ones I take with me on shopping trips, but it always helps get the ball rolling and the ideas flowing!

To create an organized shopping list, I find it helpful to start with small lists arranged by groups of people. For example, I make one for my family, my husband’s family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and then Kendall and Stella’s teachers.

I also include folks like my favorite barista and yoga instructor who I may not see regularly but don’t want to forget. Once I have all the people listed by category, I combine them all into one list. Alphabetizing everyone by last name helps jog my memory in case I’ve forgotten anyone.

Having an organized shopping list is the first step to efficient shopping. Next you will want to consider where you would like to do your shopping. Online, brick and mortar stores, or a combination. OTG|247 has been an absolute godsend for the people on my list who are hard to please!

One of my best holiday shopping tips is to keep an organized space in your house (perhaps a closet or storage room) where you can keep presents in order and store wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows. Oh -- and refer back to your shopping list to make sure you haven’t left anyone out before wrapping!

Staying organized will make your holiday shopping fun and rewarding.