Website design By BotEap.comAre you stressed out buying Christmas gifts? Worried about overspending? An easy way to get rid of the overwhelming feeling is to create a Master Gift List. This list will help you organize the entire process of who to buy gifts for, what gifts to buy, and how much to spend. So create the top gift list to make your holiday gift shopping this year and years to come that much more enjoyable.

Website design By BotEap.comStep 1: recipients of the gift. The easiest way to set up your list is to take four separate sheets of paper and label them; Family, friends, co-workers and service personnel (hairdresser, children’s teacher, etc.). Check your address book and list only the people you want or feel compelled to give a gift to. Once you have completed the lists, you can continue to use the printed copies or configure the lists on the computer at this time.

Website design By BotEap.comStep 2: create a budget. First, calculate the total amount you can or are willing to spend on gifts this year. Then write next to each person’s name how much you want to spend on them. Add up everyone’s total dollar amount.

Website design By BotEap.comStep 3: review the list. If the total amount in Step 2 is above your budget, it’s time to review your list. You can reduce the dollar amount for some or all of the people or remove some people from the lists.

Website design By BotEap.comOnce you’ve gone through the lists, add up the total for each. If the total is still over your budget, repeat Step 3 for some or all of your lists.

Website design By BotEap.comStep 4 – Gift options. Now that you know each person’s budget, it’s time to make a list of gift options. Next to each name, write several gift ideas that you think that person would like and that are in the predetermined price range.

Website design By BotEap.comStep 5: Gifts that need mailing or shipping. List the people to whom you will need to mail or gift. If you’re shopping for a large or difficult-to-pack gift, consider shopping online or at stores where the item will be packed for you. Don’t forget to calculate packing and shipping costs in your budget. Also, make sure you have plenty of time to shop and ship gifts so they arrive in time for the holidays.

Website design By BotEap.comStep 6 – Time to buy. Take a copy of this master list to stores. Every time you finish a shopping trip, take a few minutes to update the original list (on paper or computer) and copy it. Be sure to cross out the names on the copy you bring to the store. The original list at home will have all the details to help you stay organized and on budget.

Website design By BotEap.comStep 7: Save the list for next year. After the holidays are over, you’ll want to briefly go over the list again. Take notes of any changes you’ve made to gift options or people added or removed from the list. Keep this list in a place where you can access it throughout the year. When you have a gift idea for someone, write it down next to their name. That will give you a head start on your list next year.

Website design By BotEap.comThis Master Gift List will help put the fun back into shopping. You’ll be more organized and have more control over your gift shopping and budget. No more feeling overwhelmed by what to buy or surprises when bills come in.