I’m a slow and steady shopper. I need time. Time to take it all in, time to walk about and often re-visit items I’ve spent time inspecting before. I also need space.
You will find none of these are available during Black Friday or any time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And so, one would think I would abstain from shopping during this mad, frenzied season….the only problem is…I also need sales.
Sales really get my blood pumping. The thought of buying with an added discount of X% off…tantalizing. Buy one & get one free?! I must!
But, here is one of the biggest questions of the season…at least for me, “How do you immerse yourself in the shopping experience and not shop for yourself”?
Obviously, I know that it is better to give than to receive and I do derive a wealth of happiness in finding just the perfect gift for a friend or loved one as well as donating to charities and the needy. However, when my distracted eye catches glimpses of colorful ladies wear…its just too much to bear. And so, here is my survival guide:
Give in – but just a little
Don’t deprive yourself of any and all shopping, especially if there are items you are currently craving and you can find them on sale. You’d be buying them anyway in the future, right? So go ahead…feed that monster…but just a snack!
Avoidance
I’m embarrassed to admit this – but I avoid the women’s clothing, jewelry, makeup and shoe aisles AT ALL COSTS! Why tempt yourself (this is after you’ve given in just a little)? You’re serious now, you got presents to buy and they ain’t for you!
Shop on an empty stomach
If you’re hungry you won’t linger and you won’t try things on! You’ll be too focused on getting in, grabbing the present for your loved one or friend and getting out!
Shop ugly
You know what I mean. This is for those of us who don’t venture out without full makeup and garb. Don’t wash your hair, don’t dare style it and leave the makeup sitting on the vanity. Throw on some sweats and sneakers and get to work shopping for those presents! You won’t dare be caught in the ladies boutique section or (egads!) the makeup aisle! Trust me…it works every time.
Go shopping in the morning and SKIP caffeine
Similar to shopping hungry but taking it to another level. No item is as appealing though a caffeine-free veil. Get that mandatory present shopping done and then head on over to Starbucks. Job well done. Mission accomplished.
I hope these tips will prove useful when shopping this Holiday season. Of course, I did not heed my own advice when Black Friday shopping and so I have a new jacket to show off today! But really….I woulda bought it anyway so I’m just following tip #1!
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and happy shopping!
Cortneybre….
