5 Holiday Shopping Tips to Help You Beat the Gift-Buying Rush

You wait all year for fall to arrive, and you want to enjoy it. But autumn also means the holidays are fast approaching, and every year it seems you need to start shopping a little sooner. The tips below will help you find the perfect gifts this holiday season for everyone on your list.

When should you start holiday shopping?

Start your holiday shopping in the fall. Most people don't consider being jostled by strangers in a crowded mall a good time, yet that's the reality for those who procrastinate on their holiday gift list.

Personal shopper and wardrobe consultant Sahra Schukraft prefers to begin shopping in September. You don't have to start that early, of course, but she says you also shouldn't wait until after Thanksgiving, when shoppers look for Black Friday sales. "If there's something specific on your list, it's good to shop early and ensure you have that special gift before risking it not being available," she advises.

Looking for inspiration? Browse our holiday gift guide.

5 easy-to-find holiday gifts that won't sell out

Of course, we're big fans of sending food baskets, but they're not the only option. Below are five more ideas for relatively easy gifts they'll love.

1. Sign up for a gift subscription

Most people receive so many gifts over the holidays that it becomes challenging to appreciate each one. Consider spreading the fun throughout the year with a monthly subscription they'll enjoy long after the decorations are put away.

Subscriptions can be anything from flowers to book clubs to monthly food deliveries. The options for the latter are plentiful, including gourmet clubs, flavored popcorn, and fine wine. If the gift goes over well, consider making subscriptions an annual tradition by switching up the theme for next year's holiday gift.

2. Book an adventure

If you want to make memories this holiday season, buy an experience, not a material possession.

"I love this idea for parents and couples who are too busy to spend much time with each other," Schukraft says. "You can gift a date night or experience and include the cost of a babysitter or dog sitter to ensure it's a no-stress gift for the receiver."

Think beyond the norm. For a foodie-loving partner, book a specialty cooking lesson, a paint-and-sip party, or a local dinner cruise. Consider going even bigger by reserving a weekend stay at a bed and breakfast.

This lets you give two gifts in one: the thrill of anticipation and the enjoyment of the experience once it happens.

3. Go the gift card route

If your time is limited and you just can't think of the right present, there's nothing wrong with giving a gift card. After all, letting someone else select their own goodies ensures they'll come away with something they love. An eGift card also arrives instantly, so there's no inventory or shipping risk.

And gift cards don't have to be used toward the purchase of an item. Consider gift cards for a spa package, pet grooming, or a clothing rental service.

4. Shop local

"Personally, I love shopping at my local maker markets," Schukraft says. "I go to two to three in the fall and stock up on unique gifts from small businesses. Some people really appreciate receiving the kinds of locally made, small-batch items that you'll find there."

You can also consider making purchases that support organizations you care about. This will magnify the impact of your gift beyond just the warmth and generosity it conveys to the recipient.

5. Buy used

Devote a Saturday to scouring your local thrift stores for hidden treasures, or take the search online, where there are dozens of consignment stores and bidding sites to browse through. You might even find a lightly used version of a hard-to-find item on your list.

Bonus: Get double the benefits by listing some of your own family's stuff for sale. Your unwanted belongings might make someone else's holiday season, and you'll increase your present-buying funds (and space for new gifts!) in the process.