Christmas shopping is never fun, at least for us men. If it were to me, I wouldn’t mind not receiving a gift, as long as I’m not expected to give any. But then again, this is a season of giving gifts, which brings us to one inescapable fact of life – shopping for Christmas gifts. Since I hate shopping and my wife doesn’t enjoy writing, I’m more than glad to to write about her Christmas shopping tips:

1. Shop early. My wife was fussing that she’s already late in her Christmas shopping schedule; she started her shopping only last month, while she FINISHED her 2006 Christmas shopping — plus my shopping list — in September (so, you see, this article is late). This way, prices are lower, choices are better, and the payment counter queue is shorter. Makes sense, except that I really hate malls even if I have to do my Christmas shopping in February.

2. Prepare a list of the recipients. There’s a reason why Santa prepares a list (and checking it twice). You won’t forget anyone so you go shopping only once and you don’t overspend by buying something to cover anyone you might forget.

3. Set a budget cap. Stick to the budget regardless of the length of your shopping list. While you may be expecting the balance of your 13th month pay or a hefty Christmas bonus (or a 14th, 15th and 16th month bonus), don’t stretch it too far. Save. There are other expenses more basic than Christmas gifts. What if my cap is P10,000 but I have 200 on my list, I asked my wife. That brings us to the next tip.

4. Be creative. A good gift need not be expensive, although an expensive gift wouldn’t hurt if you’re awash with cash, and certainly won’t hurt the recipient. It’s the thought that counts, they say. While I was still an associate in a firm, I was able to gave a gift to every lawyer, all 60 of them, and it didn’t cost me a fortune. My wife bought cookies in bulk, which means they’re cheaper. She threw in a nice medium-sized container, plus colorful wrappers and ribbons. Voila!

5. Shop in Divisoria, Greenhills or a tiangge. These days, even celebrities and well-off people admit shopping in those places, together with the masa. Why wouldn’t you shop there when the same item (and I’m not talking about fakes, although admittedly there are many lying around) costs way cheaper than in high-end malls? There are so many tiangges being organized these days. Perhaps members of the Pinoy Entrepreneurs community who are orginizing a Christmas tiangge or bazaar could point you to the right direction.

6. Haggle. Haggling is an art, and my wife is a great artist, I would say. I’m always amazed how she gets away with more than half of the original price. At the very least, she tells me, ask for a half price off so when you meet halfway, it’s always at least 25% savings. Be prepared to walk away when it’s not the price you want. Chances are, they’ll go after you.

7. Wear comfortable shoes and dress down. Comfortable shoes obviously keep your feet happy as you go hunting for the best bargains. Dressing down keeps your wallet safe from pickpockets and gives you an edge in haggling.

There you have it. Common sense tips to start off your Christmas shopping. As for me, I’d stick to writing and leave the shopping to my wife.

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