HAVE YOURSELF A STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS

Posted by France at November 24th, 2009

The next time your wife or girlfriend berates you for not helping out with the Christmas shopping, tell her that it’s seriously bad for your health. Studies in Britain indicate that the stress levels of males in crowded malls were equal to high-stress situations experienced by fighter pilots or policemen in emergencies. If, however, you don’t have a willing girlfriend or sibling who’d gladly take the Holiday responsibilities of scouting the malls for perfect Christmas gifts out of your hands, here are a few tips that will make Christmas shopping easier on your wallet…and your heart.

Plan ahead. It works in sports and business, and should make Christmas shopping an easier task. Make a list months before Christmas, and pick up items even before the “Ber” months are in—you might even finish your shopping way before December, and don’t have to brave the maddening holiday crowds. Check your list, twice, too—you wouldn’t want to forget anyone.

Scout for sales. Mall-wide sales usually happen the weekend on or after payday, so make the most out of the drop in prices to stock up on gifts. The best sales are the mid-year ones, so think do your rounds around July or August–you save more by starting your Christmas shopping earlier.

Timing is everything. Just like in courtship and sex, this statement holds true for shopping as well. Avoid the lunch to early-evening crowd. It’s best to hit the malls when they open, or a few hours before they close—this way, you won’t have to squeeze through people to get to the stores, and you get the best parking spaces, too.

Stick to a few stores. Pick stores that offer a wide range of products, so you don’t have to traverse the whole mall. Large hardware and drug stores offer everything—from toys and cellphone charms for kids to mini flashlights and tool kits for your best buddies and officemates. Large bookstores are also a treasure trove of easy gifts like calendars, fancy pens and planners.

Go with reputable brands. To lessen your headaches, stick to brands that have proven track records, such as international watch brand Buffalo David Bitton. Lauded by tastemakers and International publications such as InStyle, Elle and offbeat design magazine ID, Buffalo David Bitton carries a varied collection of uniquely designed watches that allow wearers to let their own distinct personalities shine through. The bold, daring collection of timepieces transcends current trends and continues to entice the creative set. Designs such as an unconventional all-black stainless steel watch or a classic stainless steel timepiece with luminous hands make for ideal gifts that’ll surely be appreciated.

Give more for those who deserve more. For people who deserve more than just the generic fruitcake or desktop calendar, pick out a stainless steel ROOTS timepiece. Inspired by Canada’s natural beauty and culture, ROOTS has been known for representing the athletic lifestyle and strong team spirit. As a brand of choice among Canadian and British athletes during the past Olympic Games, it has been praised for its quality everywhere over the years. Made of solid stainless steel and totally nickel allergen free, they’re even tagged with easy-on-the-pocket prices—you’ll be tempted to put your name in your own Christmas list just to get one of these affordable, classic timepieces.

So, go forth and brave the season’s mad rush. With these tips, you—and your wallet—won’t have to dread the Christmas stress.

Buffalo David Bitton and ROOTS watches are available in select SM and Robinsons Department Stores and at the Urban Time Flagship Store in SM North EDSA Annex.