It’s fun to get gifts but buying them when you have a chronic illness can be anything but fun. Having to get bundled up if the weather is cold and walk through crowded malls and stores, if you have a compromised immune system, can be a bad idea. So here are a few tips to keep holiday shopping fun and easy.

Tip #1
If you do want to go out and do your shopping make sure to consider the following. Try to go on the off times during the week. Weekends are always going to be more crowded and busy, so try to go in the middle of the week when most malls and stores are less busy. Another thing to keep in mind is to carry hand sanitizer with you at all times. Stores, malls, buses etc., are always full of holiday germs, as much as holiday cheer, and if your immune system is low then make sure to wear gloves. If you eat out use sanitizer before you eat, as soon as you get into your car, and when you get home wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and wash gloves. This will help lower your chances for getting sick. Also remember to try and start your Christmas shopping early, this helps as stores tend to get more and more crowded closer to Christmas.
Tip #2
To keep costs down during this time of year on gifts, I shop all year round. As soon as Christmas is over if I see something on sale that I know someone might like, I pick it up and store it in my Christmas bin in my closet, this way the cost is spread out and come December I’m usually pretty well done. This goes for boxes and wrapping paper, even Christmas cards. After Christmas these items all go on sale and sales are the best time to buy things.
Tip#3
If you can’t go out physically, then God Bless the Internet for it is the best way to shop and at friendly amazon.com you can even find more obscure items and they are at great prices too! So don’t be afraid to shop online. Ebay
is great too and you can even use paypal to keep from using credit cards.
Shop through Amazon.com
Tip #4
Make a list of those you need to buy for, this helps keep things organized and don’t be afraid to make a budget of how much to spend. You would be amazed at what sort of things you can find at discount or dollar stores to add to your gifts or even to give as gifts – they look great and help you keep costs low. This is also why I buy especially in the summer flea markets and sidewalks sales, as they are are great places to grab early Christmas gifts.
Tip #5
If you have a friend, family member or partner that is healthy and can help out, make a list of things you need as gifts and let them go and pick them up for you. It’s not a bad thing to ask for help, especially for wrapping paper and such, which can be picked up almost anywhere. Check out local discount or dollar stores for wrapping paper, tissue paper and tape, they are always inexpensive.
Tip #6
When it comes to wrapping the gifts if you can get help that is great, if not just pace yourself. Wrap one or two gifts each day or so, that way you can spread it out instead of tiring yourself out all at once. Also if your local mall has gift wrapping services take advantage of it, it may cost you a bit, but it saves your hands from aching. Also most stores will gift wrap items free, so see if that is a possibility. Another idea is use gift bags when you can. These are quick and easy and you can keep gift bags that you receive and save them to give away. Most dollar stores have a wide assortment of gift bags. All you need is a little tissue paper then place the item in the gift bag top with tissue paper and no fumbling with wrapping paper, scissors or tape.
Tip #7
Always have a few extra small things on hand for those unexpected guests who pop in with a Christmas gift. Either keep some inexpensive boxes of chocolates wrapped and ready to go with a gift tag on it so then just add
their names, or keep a few small tins of cookies ready in the freezer or cupboard. Also keeping some small items like bath soaps, candles, etc… can make great, fast, inexpensive gifts and if you don’t use up the items just
save them or if they are chocolates or cookies take them with you to your next party.
Christmas shopping can be a hassle, but with a little planning ahead and even with just the click of a mouse, you can make it a whole lot easier! Merry Christmas!
By: Stefanie Leale © butyoudontlooksick.com