Can’t you believe it’s already October? I wouldn’t believe it myself if not for the increased heating costs I will be paying this month for the change of weather. It is a reminder to me to start planning Christmas present shopping for my family and loved ones. My immediate family is actually accounted for, I just need to buy small nothings for relatives and of course, my godchildren. I will not be giving them cheap presents because I take my role as a godparent seriously. Besides I only see most of them once a year so I feel I need to make up.

Some even apply for payday loans to be able to get some decent Christmas shopping done. While this is a solution, think about having to pay for something after the holiday season is over – it might not be the best way to start the new year.

Here are some tips for you to be able to shop wisely for the holidays:

1. Make your list early and keep it all in one notepad.

2. Visit malls before the holiday shopping season starts, about a week before Thanksgiving and take note of which stores have what you want to buy.

3. Organize your list so each item is grouped by store. This way you can efficiently maximize your trips to the stores and finish shopping sooner.

4. Map out your trips so you hit two or three stores in one trip.

5. Plan your trips to these stores in the late morning between 10 and 11:30 or early afternoon, between 2 and 4 when there are fewer shoppers clogging the aisles.

6. Any gifts you can’t buy during mall downtime, buy online. It’s still the best way to beat the rush.