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We called it a “Mental Health Day”, and truly, as an ambivert who might be petrified of crowded malls on any given day, it was the perfect solution to getting my shopping done in a stress-free manner. Now that I have kids and less time to waste, I find that I still like to find the most stress-free ways to get my holiday shopping done. Over the last few years, I’ve discovered the wonder of our local Big Lots. I’m someone who needs to be super organized, or else it’s just a really big and untethered mess so I’ve started doing my holiday shopping in a countdown sort of way, so that I don’t miss anything important to do.
I’m often astonished when I walk around our local Big Lots because there is such a wide and fun variety of anything at all, much less all of your holiday gifting needs. Where else can you find large decorations, wrapping paper, toys, games, gift baskets, chocolates, pet products, household items, furniture, groceries and so much more?? Like Ugly Sweater Cookie Kits!
Day 1: Make a holiday budget and stick to it, if possible! Every November/December, I determine my holiday budget, while also factoring in the cost of decorations, gas and food expenses for holiday travel, party planning, gifts and wrapping paper and then I assign each thing a dollar amount. I haven’t yet figured out my gift list this early in the game, but I do make my estimates. You can use highly rated apps to track your holiday spending. I tend to round up with my estimates!
Day 2: Make that list! This is where being super-organized does come in handy. Write down the names of everyone you plan to buy a gift for, no matter how small (or even homemade) the gift may be. On your list, include a rough idea of what you want to give each person, along with the maximum amount you’re willing to spend. Don’t forget holiday tips – like for your mailman, babysitter, UPS man, etc. And don’t forget teacher and neighbor gifts!
Day 3: When you do shop, park smart! Raise your hand if you’ve lost your car in the parking lot while shopping. (me!) Next time you park in a crowded garage, mall or parking lot, take a picture with your phone to remind yourself where you parked. Honestly? I once lost my car in Disney World. The staff members there are complete pros but I wouldn’t have been circling with a toddler in a stroller during the fireworks if I had thought to take a photo first.
Day 4. Adopt a family! We do this every year through the Salvation Army at our local mall. You can provide a family in need with utilities, food, clothing and toys, or pick a wish list ornament off one of their trees to shop for a child in need. Scarlet and Des both picked out ornaments this year so we went straight to Big Lots to shop for toys and clothes.
Day 5. Be thoughtful. When in doubt about gift giving, which happens quite a bit to me, you can get creative and thoughtful. What I like to do is think about my favorite gifts from over the years – such as memory books, scrapbooks, coupon books, photos in frames, homemade and handmade items, etc. Then I think about doing those things for someone else.
Day 6. If ideas fail, there are always gift cards. Personally I love getting gift cards. It makes shopping so much fun. If you’re having trouble shopping, or if you’re running out of time, consider a Big Lots gift card!
Day 7. Don’t forget the hostess! Heading to a holiday party or have travel plans? Don’t forget to get a quirky or thoughtful or great gift for the home.
Day 8. Don’t forget stocking stuffers. These are really fun to shop for, and Big Lots has you covered!
Day 9. Start early, hit up Black Friday or Cyber Monday (if you’re brave) and then go during off times. I like to keep my eyes open all year round for items for friends and family. When the holiday season hits and after Black Friday, I tend to go during off times, like on weekday mornings or late at night, because it makes shopping easier for me.
Day 10. Make the most of Christmas Eve. If you’re brave enough to do it, get an early start and get to Big Lots when it opens!
Big Lots is THE place for buying holiday gifts and wrapping for me. This is a place for me to organize my thoughts and lists, and to check items off my to do list. Do I need gifts, gift baskets, wrapping paper, decorations and more? Yes. This is the place. I love the quality and price of every item I find at Big Lots. Styles and assortments vary by store – and I always know what I will find will be perfect for my holiday.
Don’t you just love Big Lots! It really is a one stop Holiday shop!You shared some great tips for surviving, thriving and enjoying the holidays! Thank heavens for Big Lots!
I never lived near a Big Lots until I moved here! The kids love it too. You just never know what you’re going to find.
Great tips! I love Big Lots – there is one near my work and I love to stop by once in a while. Their prices are great!
I agree about the prices! I was shocked the first time we went into one, which took awhile because I’ve never had one in my town until I moved here.
Absolutely love Big Lots here too and not going to lie that they have tons of great products at even better prices, too!! 😉
Totally agree! I couldn’t believe how long I could spend in there, and how much I could fill my cart with..
Huge fan of big lots! Everytime I go in I come out with a ton of fun stuff and I always go there for my gift wrapping paper and Christmas accessories–it’s so much better priced and same quality for sure!!
I am all about the wrapping paper. If you get the bad stuff, it rips easily! The good stuff is the stuff we bought. LOVE it.
Super nifty tips! I’m thinking of going handmade this holiday. BUT I haven’t started yet. I do have a lot of scrapbook materials I can use for making my own holiday cards. I’m excited!! Looks like you have a one stop shop over there, that saves so much time and effort!
Oh, you totally should! Everything you make will be magical!
I can’t believe it’s Christmas already. All the shopping. In not ready for it.
I’m fully in agreement with you. It snuck up. And even the “official” holiday season (as in, after Thanksgiving) is only five days away. How did that happen?
These are awesome tips, Tamara. I’m usually on top of the Christmas list thing but this year I’m so behind. As in, I haven’t even started one! I agree it’s so important to get one started so you don’t go over budget. And how awesome are those ugly sweaters cookies??? Those would be a big hit at any party.
The ugly sweater cookies are awesome. I had to buy a few packages, because, how could I resist?
The budget thing is something I always do.
I haven’t even thought about holiday shopping yet! I do love Big Lots though 🙂
I usually don’t even start until after Thanksgiving. I guess I’ve been creeping that up a bit earlier, year by year!
Those ugly sweater cookies are awesome! I might have to go to Big Lots now… 🙂
haha, yes! I hope I can decorate them as well as they did on the cover. I suppose it doesn’t matter so much with ugly sweaters..
These are great practical trips. I love the hot sauce set.
Me too! What a cool gift set. I know just the person I’ll give that one to!
:::Raises hand::: Yes, I have forgot where I’ve parked.
Great tips! I should start a list now. I’m behind. WOMP WOMP!
xoxo
haha, but did you do that at Disney World??? Not my finest moment…
XOXO!
I can honestly say – I have never been to Big Lots. And I am very bad Costco and fairly bad Target shopper. You could say – I am just a bad shopper. I guess it shows that I don’t have a big family 🙂 I tend to also go shopping during off-times, I hate the crowds. I already got my turkey for Thanksgiving on Saturday when I went shopping at Trader Joes at 8 am, when they open – I really dislike shopping and crowds.
ha! I’m a bad shopper too, even though Cassidy pointed out to me that I basically shop for a living. So I guess I AM good, but it has to be my terms. Which is early morning or late at night. I’m with you there.
These are great tips. The whole holiday season can be so stressful. How can Thanksgiving be this week already?!
I know! I said the same thing to my mom today! I said, “How can this be now??”
My Christmas shopping is done. I make it a point to be done by 11/01.
That’s pretty impressive! And must be quite a relief.
Peace and baked goodies. Lol. 🙂 That’s all on my list.. I’m in baking mode, as you know, and I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving and all its glory. Need to start making my schedule of things to be baked/cooked in proper order. I bought a cute gift box for your future doughnuts Lol 🙂 I’m emotionally so drained yet feel so peaceful. Relationships are exhausting. Lol. I don’t want to work or think. I just want to sit here and tune out with music in the background – think anyone will notice or care? 🙂 What’s up with the lack of commenting in the other posts?! Take Care lovely -Iva
Sorry, Iva! I just can’t keep up with them all! It got ridiculous with the holiday season. I still leave enough of them open for lovely people like you!
The doughnuts make me so excited. Perhaps I need to send you some cookies?
Lmao I bet it’s tough!! 🙂 Haha yes just keep at least one open a week and I’ll find my way. Hey I still need your addy lady! I got the box and I’ll send them early December so HIT ME! Cookies are always welcome, esp butterscotch for Amir 😉
Lol I don’t blame you! So long as you keep at least one open during the week, I’ll find it!! I still need the addy lady! I would like to send them early December before the holiday mess kicks off. Cookies are always welcome, especially butterscotch since they’re Amir’s favorite. 🙂
Oh definitely. At least one! And I’ll try to make it my best one. For you!!
I try to start to do my holiday shopping early, especially when I’m at craft shows. I did buy my MIL a gift at a show on Saturday since I was next to this awesome potter who sold planters (my MIL loves plants!). I have ideas for other family members, but I still feel like I’m behind on things! Great tips 🙂
That’s so awesome! My grandmother loved plants so much. She said, “Don’t send flowers – they’ll just die.”
So plants it was!
I try to do a little here and there with my shopping.
First on my shopping list is always bake goods. I love making and giving homemade gifts to family and friends.
What a wonderful idea. I’ve been thinking about doing that more and more. I know I personally love getting baked goods.
Big Lots is a great store for holiday shopping! They have so much there at wonderful prices!
I totally agree. I love the prices!
That gingerbread soap is so cute! I would love to have some in my guest bathroom…
I love it! I think my daughter already stole it from me, though!
I went to big lots recently for some holiday decor, I was amazed by how much they have there.
Me too! It was much bigger on the inside. And they had great placement of items. I had fun in there.
Fabulous tips my friend! I’ve never heard of Big Lots – must be another US store 🙁
I’m done shopping. Seriously… all gifts are purchased and just need to be wrapped. We try to buy everything before December so that December’s not a mad rush. Plus in December I have my birthday, my brother’s birthday, Christmas concerts, parties, etc. Why add shopping into that already crazy mix?!
Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Oh dear – it must be a US thing. Or regional. I’m not sure!
I can’t believe you’re done shopping. I am not! I agree about December being a mad rush if you’re not planning before it.
Very wise!
I am due for a shopping trip to Big Lots! I always find unique items that I don’t see in other stores!
I find the same thing! Definitely things you don’t normally see – like the A Christmas Story hot sauce! Or the ugly sweater cookies kit!
Chock full of good ideas!
Also, I think it was cool of your mom to take you out of school for Christmas shopping (mental health day).
Thank you! I totally want to do that for my daughter eventually. By that point in life I never really got sick (past the daycare/kindergarten days) so when I did miss school, it was almost always because I just needed a break!
Great tips! Also – if you have a Hobby Lobby – they sell cool wrapping paper – BIG ROLLS for 50% during October. Good paper, too.
I think we DO have a Hobby Lobby! Which surprises me because this is such a politically charged area! Actually it’s two towns over. Figures!
I used to love Big Lots, but the one in our town closed.
Oh no, that surprises me! I feel like ours is always busy.
Love your tips! I love Big Lots – there is one near me and I love to shopping there! Their prices are great!
Yeah, they totally are! It was so refreshing the first time I went in there. I think it was for a My Little Pony!
What great ideas! I really need to follow these steps and get organized like yesterday.
I hear you. I think I’ll wait until after Thanksgiving to do most of it, though!
I really need to keep these tips in mind. I haven’t had my big holiday shopping day yet. I need time to prepare!
Ooh, I bet it’s coming up! I still haven’t had mine either.
I feel so behind with Christmas shopping this year! Definitely going to have to take this list into consideration…though there will be no black Friday shopping for me. It’s all about shopping online for us! P.S. – Those gingerbread soap bears are adorable!
I agree about the gingerbread soap! I had to buy.. 17 of them.
Those are great tips! All of those look like they would make great gifts.
Thanks! I can’t wait to give them all out!
I laughed at the park smart! I totally lost my car last year
haha, I’m glad it’s not just me! I think I do it weekly.
So many great items! I cannot wait to start Christmas Shopping!
Me too! I’ve done some here and there and organized my lists and budgets but I haven’t done THE trip yet.
Best part of this weekend is that my radio station will start playing Christmas songs 🙂
Absolutely fab way to start the shopping and baking process 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving, Tamara
Yes!! One of ours already started. I really love that.
Happy Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Thankfully, I usually never have to do any Christmas Eve shopping. I’ve made a list and now I just need to watch for sales for a few things for my neices and nephews. Thanks to the pre-black friday sales, there are already a lot of great deals available.
That’s nice! I don’t think I ever shop on Christmas Eve either, unless it’s something totally unexpected and last minute!
These are awesome tips! I adore shopping at Big Lots! So much stuff in one place and great prices.
Me too! And I like to go at night when it’s so peaceful there.
My mom and I did the same thing when I was younger, and even though living in different cities since I have been married, we still tried to get that “mental health holiday” day of shopping done. Now that she lives in my town — I expect that day might turn into several! ha. that’s okay by me.
But just thinking about all I have to do right now makes me want to put wine at the top of the list at the moment. 🙂
Your mom lives in your town?? Lucky!!!
Wine. Yes.
They just moved this summer! So it’s new and it’s pretty nice and exciting. Especially since she rarely shows up without coffee in hand. 🙂