Offering some great holiday shopping tips is our brand new contributor, Whitney Chianese, founder of Three Lovelies - a fabulous website to purchase gifts for babies, moms and the special women in your life.
The holidays are here and shopping season has officially begun! In my opinion, the two biggest obstacles with holiday shopping are finding the time (I’m convinced the days go by faster in December!) and scouring for the perfect gift. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while shopping both in-store and online – the goal is to be efficient and have some fun in the process!
CRUISING THE AISLES:
1. Create a game plan – shopping without a plan can leave you feeling lost. Create a list that includes stores, names of who you’re shopping for and the type of gifts you need. This will not only save time, but also reduce stress…especially if the kids are in tow.
2. Pack snacks – shopping on an empty stomach leaves you feeling lethargic and ready to throw in the towel. Pack healthy snacks such as a bag of nuts or a piece of fruit to keep you energized. You can also always grab a latte for a shot of caffeine and a dose of calcium!
SHOPPING ONLINE:
1. Set a time limit – make a date with your computer and stick with it. Online shopping is a fabulous, time-saving tool, however, many people get sucked into cyberspace and find themselves browsing the web aimlessly. Limit your online shopping to a set period of time (one hour perhaps), this will make you stick to your goal and stay focused.
2. Visit a favorite designer’s website – many designer’s include a list of online retailers that carry their merchandise. Since these stores already carry a product line that you love, chances are good that they’ll carry other items that are right up your alley as well.
3. Explore the Blogosphere – blogs are an amazing resource for gift ideas. Many smaller businesses not only advertise on blogs, but are also discussed by blog members. Spend some time reading other people’s suggestions and I guarantee you’ll find some amazing gifts that everyone will be raving about.
One final thought – a gift doesn’t always have to be a tangible item wrapped in a bow. Think about conversations you’ve had with family and friends in recent months - have they joined a new organization or charity, expressed interest in a new activity, talked about that one thing they’ve always wanted to do? It could be dancing lessons for someone who loves to dance or a donation to a meaningful charity, as long as it has meaning to the recipient.
And to get your juices flowing, and maintain your shopping momentum, I’ve featured a few gift ideas from my website www.threelovelies.com - check out the photos above for a sneak peak!:
· For the new mom, these sweet long-sleeve tee sets with holiday inspired icons are sure to be a hit.
· Women on the go will enjoy an exquisite (and spacious!) red python tote with faux snakeskin lining.
· The “hostess with the mostess” can entertain with a sassy Zebra Party Tray.
· And for a little holiday splurge, the bracelet featured above is a must-have in any woman’s wardrobe!
And as my holiday gift to you, please enjoy a 10% discount on ALL merchandise at www.threelovelies.com through December 31st! Just enter RMHOLIDAY at checkout. I hope these tips (and gift suggestions) help guide you through the craziness of holiday shopping and that you get as much as you give!
