I’m still wrapping my head around how it’s already November! I realized that I still have a lot to do to get ready for the holidays. I am excited to have the twins home, enjoy family traditions, and the magic of the season. But the holidays will be here before we know it, and I want to be ready when they finally arrive, so I can enjoy them.

This month, I’m sharing some tips on things that I do to help me feel ready and what you can do to feel more prepared.

Gift Shopping

One thing that really helps me stay organized for the holidays is to start making a shopping list early, so I’m not running around at the last minute trying to remember everything.

I like to start by writing down everyone I need to buy gifts for, what I’m thinking about getting them, and how much I want to spend. That way, I can keep track of what I’ve already purchased and what I still need. I break everything down into categories so I can keep track of what I need, what I’ve already purchased, and what still needs to be done.

• Write down everyone you need to buy gifts for.
• Brainstorm gift ideas for each person.
• Set a budget for each person and stick to it as much as possible.
• Keep track of what you’ve purchased and what you still need.
• Remember stocking stuffers, gift exchanges, teachers, coworkers, neighbors, and hostess gifts.

Gift-Wrapping Supplies

I also try to get all my gift-wrapping supplies together ahead of time. Wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper, ribbon, bows, gift tags, tape, and scissors are all things I like to have on hand. It’s always a good idea to check what you already have from last year before buying more.

• Wrapping paper in different sizes and designs.
• Gift bags in small, medium, and large sizes.
• Tissue paper, ribbon, bows, and gift tags.
• Tape, scissors, and double-sided tape.
• Gift boxes for oddly shaped items.
• Shipping boxes, mailing labels, and packing tape if you’re mailing gifts.

Household Essentials

Another thing I try to remember is all the household essentials. Paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, trash bags, batteries, and anything I might need for holiday cooking or entertaining. Those little things are easy to forget when you’re focused on shopping for gifts!

• Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, and trash bags.
• Dish soap, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies.
• Hand soap, bathroom essentials, and extra hand towels for guests.
• Batteries for toys, remotes, and holiday decorations.
• Check your holiday lights and decorations to see if anything needs replacing.

Holiday Food and Kitchen Supplies

I love to host family and friends for the holidays. So, making sure I have all the needed ingredients for my favorite recipes and the supplies to do so is a must.

• Baking ingredients like flour, sugar, vanilla, and chocolate chips.
• Aluminum foil, parchment paper, plastic wrap, and storage containers.
• Napkins, paper plates, cups, and disposable serving supplies if needed.
• Ingredients for holiday meals, snacks, and desserts.
• Drinks, coffee, and other items you might need when hosting family or friends.

Staying Organized

I think it helps to keep everything organized in one place, whether it’s a notebook or a note on your phone. I like the idea of keeping track of what I need to buy, what I’ve already bought, and what still needs to be wrapped.

• Keep one master shopping list on your phone or in a notebook.
• Check your cabinets and storage areas before buying more supplies.
• Keep receipts together in one place.
• Store gifts in a designated area so nothing gets misplaced.
• Keep track of which gifts have been purchased, wrapped, and are ready to give.
• Wrap gifts as you go instead of waiting until the last minute

Saving Money and Time

Shopping a little at a time instead of waiting until the last minute has helped me save BIG time! That way, I can spread out the spending, take advantage of sales, and avoid feeling overwhelmed. And when I do buy gifts, I try to wrap them as I go so I’m not stuck wrapping everything the night before. I love wrapping (it’s my favorite!), but doing it last minute stresses me out!

• Set a holiday budget before you start shopping.
• Look for sales and compare prices before purchasing bigger gifts.
• Shop early for items that might sell out.
• Spread your shopping over several weeks instead of doing everything at once.
• Avoid buying duplicates by keeping your list updated.
• Leave a little extra room in your budget for unexpected expenses.

A little planning ahead makes the holidays so much less stressful. You don’t have to do everything all at once. Just take it one step at a time, keep your lists organized, and enjoy the process! What traditions or plans are you most excited for this holiday season? I’d love to hear them!

Tonia