Tips for stress-free Christmas shopping

1. Make a list
Avoid the dreaded late December panic for inspiration by making a list of what you need in advance plus add budgets so you don't have the last minute panics.

2. Start early
Beat the crowds, and the spread the cost, by stretching your shopping out, rather than pack it in to the last 3 days (Men, we're looking at you here!). Use the Mall gift ideas to make your job easier.

3. Make the most of the extended opening hours
No need to get dragged along on a Saturday lunch time when most Malls open later during November & December. Mall opening hours can be found on Each Malls section of this site. Find your local Mall.

4. The early bird catches the worm
Getting a head start is important, especially on the weekends. Get to the shops in the first few hours of opening to ensure you beat the car parks and till queues.

5. Take a break
Crowds getting you down? Take a break to grab a coffee, sit down, and recharge your batteries.

6. Don't forget the batteries!
Many toys won't come with batteries so make sure you've got some on standby. AA and AAA are the most commonly used in toys and gadgets, but check the box when buying.

7. Gift Vouchers  
The perfect back-up gift for unexpected visitors or difficult to buy for relatives. The Mall Gift Card can be used in any store within the Mall so is even more flexible.

8. Bake and store
If you make your own cakes and Christmas puddings, start early and get these time consuming items done and out of the way. Plus, it gives you an extra few days to soak the fruit in booze!

9. Do your research
Ask best friends or members of the family for ideas as they often know more than you do - from favourite scents to games and must have pressies.

10. Make sure you know the last posting days
Don't miss the post - click here to find the latest postal dates

11. Swap
Ask your friends to babysit so you can go shopping on your own and be much more efficient, then you can repay the favour

12. Grab the Mistletoe
Create that extra sense of excitement especially if you are single ......try it at work

13. Save pounds 

Sign up for the free Mall Reward Me Card and save money by getting discounts in stores

14. Be inventive
Be inventive with wrapping and invest in crepe or tissue paper. Brown paper decorated by the kids with coloured string can look stylish and add a personal feel. Even the brown labels work and kids love to add their own touch!

15. Wrap attack
Once you've bought a gift, wrap it up straight away so you're not left with mountains of gifts to wrap on Christmas eve, when the all the Christmas specials you've been waiting for are on TV.  If you cant face gift wrapping a number of Malls offer a gift wrapping service in exchange for a small donation to charity. 

16. Book a day's holiday
Save a day, or half-day holiday for the Christmas period. Shops are quieter during the week, you'll get more done and be more stress free.

17. Buy non-perishable food in advance
Supermarkets get extremely busy in the last week before Christmas. Make sure you only need to get the essentials buy getting all non-perishable items well in advance.

18. Keep receipts
A number of stores can also issue gift receipts which don't have the value printed on them.

19. Check that your purchases work
Check that your newly bought gifts work and aren't damaged in any way before you wrap them up.

20. Relax!
Now you have followed our tips sit down and relax and feel proud that you are prepared.

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