10 Tips to Reduce Holiday Shopping Stress & Simplify Gift-Giving

While completing your holiday shopping for family and friends can be exciting, it can also be a daunting and stressful task. Apart from your day-to-day life of going to work, caring for your family and completing household chores, there is now the added pressure of finding the perfect holiday gifts for your family and friends. On top of that, it is important to make sure you find everything in time, stay within your holiday spending plan and don't forget anyone on your list.

To help minimize this gift-giving stress, Dr. Yazhini Srivathsal, psychiatrist at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, shares these simple pieces of wisdom.

1. There is no right way to give gifts

Buying gifts can bring lots of questions to mind. Is this the right gift to give? Did I spend enough money on it? Is it too generic? Dr. Srivathsal emphasizes that there are no requirements or rules surrounding the gift-giving process. Rather than worrying if you are giving the “right gift,” understand that what truly matters are your good intentions as the gift giver. As cheesy as it may sound, it is the thought that counts.

2. Set a realistic budget and stick to it

Holiday spending can quickly get out of control, especially when buying for multiple family members and friends at once. Set a realistic budget for how much you can spend on holiday gifts and stick to it. Setting a budget helps you manage your personal finances effectively, and it also ensures that you can save money. Remember, sticking to a spending limit is key to avoiding financial stress. If possible, use cash or debit cards to avoid racking up too much on your credit cards.

3. Set a time limit

In addition to budgeting your money, consider budgeting your time. Setting a time limit for your shopping trips helps prevent the frustration of endlessly browsing. Plan which stores you need to visit and allocate a specific amount of time to get what you need. This approach allows you to focus more on enjoying the holidays with your family, rather than getting lost in the quest for the "perfect" gift.

4. Take away the guess work

If you're unsure about what to buy, take the pressure off by simply asking your recipient for hints. Instead of trying to guess, you can ask about their favorite store or preferred gift cards. If you still want the gift to be a surprise, consider asking for details like favorite colors or hobbies to help guide you. You can also simplify things with a themed gift-something thoughtful that doesn't require too much second guessing.

5. Don’t make gifts the focus

Although we all enjoy giving and receiving gifts, the holidays are about more than material things. Try to create non-materialistic traditions with your family, like hosting a holiday movie marathon or playing board games by the fire. These moments of togetherness will create lasting memories and reduce the pressure that can come from holiday spending. By focusing on experiences rather than just gifts, the stress of shopping fades, and the real joy of the holidays comes to light.

6. Give back

Sometimes, the best gifts are those that don't come in boxes. Consider skipping some presents and instead donate toys to a local charity with your family. You might also decide to spend time volunteering at a soup kitchen or food bank. Giving back as a family can help you shift the focus from materialism and remind everyone of the true spirit of the holidays.

7. Plan ahead to save time and money

One way to reduce holiday shopping stress is to plan ahead. Create a list of everyone you want to buy for and start shopping early, so you can avoid the last-minute rush and inflated prices. By taking advantage of sales throughout the year, you can save money on holiday gifts and spread out the spending over several months rather than trying to fit it all into December.

8. Consider experiences over physical gifts

Instead of focusing on material gifts, think about giving experiences that your family members and friends can enjoy. Whether it’s tickets to a concert, a gift certificate for a fun class or even planning a weekend trip, experiential gifts often leave a lasting impact. Plus, they can help you avoid the holiday clutter that comes with too many physical gifts.

9. Use technology to simplify your shopping

Make use of technology to streamline your shopping experience. Use price comparison apps, digital coupons and cash-back rewards programs to help you save money. Shopping online can also help you avoid crowded stores and reduce the temptation to overspend. Some websites even offer free gift-wrapping services, which can save you time.

10. Be mindful of mental health during the holidays

The holidays can be emotionally challenging, especially for those who have lost loved ones or are feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of the season. Make sure to take time for self-care and be mindful of your mental health. Setting boundaries and managing your holiday expectations can help reduce stress. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or lonely, reaching out to a mental health professional or talking to a supportive friend can make a big difference.

If the holiday season and gift-giving stress is affecting your mental health, call 800-254-4357 to make an appointment with a Banner behavioral health specialist or visit bannerhealth.com for additional behavioral health resources.

Have you listened?

Holiday Gift-Giving Tips to Reduce Shopping Stress