By Chiara Shafrazian

• Get a Head Start

Give yourself enough time to really search for the right gift for everyone. Many people begin the gift-getting season on Black Friday, but why not start even earlier? Keep your eyes peeled when you’re out and about throughout November in case a great gift option pops up where you least expect it.

• Make a List…and Check it Twice!

Things will go a lot more smoothly if you make a list of all the gifts you want to give to each person on your list. Having a list and sticking to it means that you won’t be doing a mad dash, trying to guess what exactly your nieces or office Secret Santa would like best. Plus, knowing exactly what you’re going to get makes budgeting a lot easier, eliminating any surprises at the register.

• Get Exactly What They Want

• Part of the stress of holiday shopping is not being sure exactly what to get for each person on your list. If nothing springs to mind immediately while you’re making your list, consider doing a little research.