During the holidays, we’re all looking for ways to save time and make what we need to do easier in the mad rush. Some things you can do to ease your holiday obligations and shopping burdens are to:
1. Make sure it’s in stock before you leave home. You can check some stores online, but I’d even suggest calling. I’ve checked stores online and have it say that an item was in stock only to get there, and it’s not.
2. Use the “route planner” feature on Map Quest to map out your errands. This way you will prevent backtracking. I’d also make sure you have a list for each store so you don’t find yourself going back for a missed item.
3. Organize a wrapping party. Have everyone bring a roll of paper and any other decorative items they’d like to share, and all wrap together. Eat, drink, wrap, and be merry!
4. Exchange babysitting or playdates with friends so that you can each get some time alone to take care of things you need to accomplish this holiday season. It’s a great way to get in some kid free shopping and a lunch date with your spouse.
Above and beyond all of these things, make sure you know your budget. I know we’ve been with Bank of America Military Bank for eons. My husband got an account with them at his first duty station, and he’s been with them ever since. I inherited the bank, so to speak, when we got married 10 years ago. My favorite features are the online and mobile banking. I’m terrible at keeping track of paper, but this way I can always check to see what our balance is, and where I’m at in our budget. Instead of spending hours balancing our checkbook, if I need a quick figure, I can check electronically and be on my way. You can find more of what Bank of America offers in banking solutions that make life easier at their site. You can also follow them on Twitter @BofA_Tips for some financial tips.
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To Enter: What is your time saving tip for the holiday season?
One entry person 18 and older. Entries close at 11:59pm Friday December 24, 2010. Winner will have 24 hours to reply with their shipping information.
*I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bank of America and received a Bank of America preloaded gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
**Giveaway hosted by Confessions From HouseholdSix
About Amanda
My tip is to do your Christmas cards online. E-cards save time and are also environmentally friendly!
My tip is to shop in advance. You get plenty of gift ideas and sales earlier in the year too – and then you can enjoy time with cocoa and family instead of fighting last minute lines.
My tip would be to to make sure you have plenty of the holiday essentials around like tape & storage containers, so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.
Robin @ Blommi´s last [type] ..Tassimo T20 “Brewbot”- Review and Giveaway
My tip is to plan ahead and make lists. The more you plan, the easier it is. I find that if I don’t have a game plan for gifts and a dinner or party I’m planning, the more stressed out I get.
JulieD´s last [type] ..The Best Gift I Ever Gave and SWAGG App
Shop late at night when the stores are less crowded. You’ll get through the check out line faster.
Karen´s last [type] ..10 For 10 Auction- Lot of 3 Gluten Free Cookbooks
Do as much as possible online. If I do need to go to physical stores (ie groceries) I try to go at off-peak times from 10am-2:30pm.
cookiesandclogs[at]gmail[dot]com
TerriAnn´s last [type] ..50 Almost Everything at The Body Shop-Today Only!
Cook ahead and in bulk. It saves a ton of time. I actually do this year around, but it works great for the holidays too!
I do most shopping and all banking online to save time during the busy holiday season
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
I’m another ‘shop onliner’ to save time – also I cook as much as possible before hand and freeze it so when guests come I just have to thaw and reheat.
Tammy´s last [type] ..Village Candle Décor Pillars Giveaway
My time saving tip for the holidays is to prepare as many dishes (if you are hosting a dinner/party) ahead of time and freeze them. Many dishes are so easy to do this with, and it allows you to spend more time with guests
Thanks!
My time saving tip would have to be BF sales. I take 2 weeks before to get my plan straight but Black Friday is the day to do it all. So after I can relax and enjoy baking before Christmas.
My time saving tip is that I shop all year, instead of waiting until December.
Virginia from Lady V dZine´s last [type] ..Blogger Meet Etsy- Etsy Meet Blogger
I shop all year. That way I just have to get a few small things. I save time shopping, and I don’t impluse buy.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I shop online for most things, but I also shop with coupons on items such as board games and movies and stock up thru out the year. Also, I start shopping the day after Christmas for next Christmas and bdays that are in December (and we have quite a few)!!!
My biggest time saving tips are I shop online and at stores that offer free gift wrapping.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
Keep a gift list throughout the year, watching for sales. Wrap each purchase immediately and store in a gift closet. By December, you should be mostly finished.
My tip is to use lists! I have to write a to do list for each day/shopping trip, or I realize I’ve forgotten half of what needs to be done. Writing it down helps me so much!
Plan early, and shop early, because when you get sick the first of Dec and stay sick all month you’re so messed up.
Barbara Platt´s last [type] ..Get a coupon for free Ruffles
My time saving tip is to be organized! If you are organized it makes everything quite a bit easier.
I suggest shopping online and skipping the queues at the mall. This year Amazon matched the black Friday ads, which made the entire day stress free, by allowing my dh to shop at home.
My biggest time saving tips are I shop online and at stores that offer free gift wrapping. tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com