You may not be thinking of the holiday season yet; after all, it’s still three months until Christmas. But the holidays can be a frantic, if amazing, time of the year when you don’t want to lose out on any memories. A bit of head-start planning can save you heartache and headache in December. So here’s a list of Elfster tips for things you can start thinking about and plan ahead of time:
1. Create and gather wish lists
While you may not start shopping until later, getting people thinking about what they might like to receive can start at any time. This also helps give those who buy everything for themselves a reminder to leave a few things for others too. At this time of year, remember our mantra, “Don’t buy it, wish it”. Check out this blog post that describes how to easily use our browser button, photo wishes, mobile apps, and barcode scanner.
If they haven’t already, remind your friends, family, and co-workers to sign up for an Elfster account and create their own wishlist. That way, shopping for everyone on your list will be a snap.
2. Time, or Money?
The holidays can be a struggle for those who have less, and now is the time to think about whether you’re able to give some support to your community. Think about whether that commitment can be time, or money. If it’s time, consider volunteering at a local food bank or shelter, or helping serve a holiday meal at a low income kitchen.
If you’re going to be busy with friends, family, or other preplanned commitments, you can donate to a charity of your choice. Elfster has pulled together a list of some worthy charities at http://www.elfster.com/wish/guide/12/give-back/, which can be found on the left sidebar under “Shop” at any time.
3. Choose just the right one
Just like choosing a tree, when buying gifts you want the right one. When shopping for a child, teen, or young adult it’s important to consider our top two tips:
a) Age & Maturity
-What’s good for one ten year old may be wildly inappropriate for another. Checking sites like http://www.parenting.com for toys, or specific sites like the ESRB (www.esrb.com)for video games can give you some much needed insight.
b) Interests & Learning
-Any toy or activity that expands someone’s mind and tastes seems like a good idea. Take a moment to consider how the child typically acts. If they’re fiercely independent and seek to be alone frequently, buying them a toy which requires supervision — like a science kit — won’t be as welcome as a crafting kit for painting, stitching, or bracelet making which can be done solo.
Elfster is proud to feature a trending gift list at http://www.elfster.com/wish/ for the hottest gifts daily. You can also ask the Elfster community for advice via our Facebook wall, or Tweeting @elfster. We can re-share questions and get everyone’s advice!
4. Have Fun!
Ultimately, we know the holidays can be a little stressful. Even the elves know when to ask for help, and you can too! Remember, during every exchange you can ask & receive secret questions that will help pin down what your gifters may want to get or give. You can view all the secret questions asked and answered in your exchanges by clicking on “Q&A” at the top of each exchange.
Feel free to share any tips you have for your holiday preparation routine on our Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/elfster or Tweet us @Elfster.
Photo Credits: Tag Photo, Powerhouse Museum, tom faulkner photographs, Suzie Cheel
