It’s almost that time of year again, so get a head start on the holidays with these tips!

We all know that once we put up Halloween decorations, it’s only a matter of time until we switch them for Christmas! If you’re also preparing for the holidays like I am, shopping is the second biggest to-do behind decorating. Luckily, you have plenty of time to figure out your presents.

These are my very simple tips to become the ultimate early bird shopper. I’m sure if you try this technique for one year, you’ll turn it into a habit for every year after!

1. Create your gift list when they least expect it.

Most people enjoy surprises, especially when it comes to Christmas. The problem is that presents are fairly easy for our loved ones to guess when we wait until December to start preparing our shopping list.

Now, before anyone suspects it, start your gift lists for everyone. I’m sure there were at least a few times this past year where you heard someone say, “I want that for Christmas!”

Don’t feel bad if you can’t remember what that gift was because it’s not too late. By starting a list now, when you hear this phrase again, I guarantee the list you started will come to mind. Your list can be on your cell phone if that’s easiest for you, or written on a note you keep in your wallet or purse.

2. Scout out the best deals for your list.

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but don’t be fooled! If you love shopping, it can be tough to only buy presents based on the lists you create. The point of scouting out the best deal for each present is to keep yourself on a budget, save time, and to ensure that you are giving the exact best gifts to your loved ones from square one!

3. Don’t underestimate gift wrapping.

An old practice I’ve kept up is when I end up shopping in a department store, I have my gifts wrapped there as well. Many department stores have a gift wrapping section that’s complimentary!

If you order online instead like many shoppers these days, keep all of your boxes and wrap your presents as they come in. Keeping your gifts wrapped will reduce the risk of exposing the surprise, and will get this task out of the way so you can focus on more important things, like planning for holiday parties!

Do you have your own holiday shopping tips? Share with us in the comments!