Simple Steps To Avoid Christmas Shopping Panic

December is here and as tempting as it is, there's no point putting off the Christmas shop any longer. If you've planned ahead and know exactly what you need, then you might actually enjoy present shopping this year. As a self-confessed serial shopper, I've put together a few of the tips that have served me well when it comes to Christmas gifting. A 'phone list' This is essential. Mainly because it makes you feel organised and that's half the battle. The traditional way was writing up a to-do list and setting off for the shops. However, more often than not you'd lose the list or forget to cross things off and the whole thing became decidedly confusing. Thanks to smartphones, listing is lot easier and you can edit as you go. Go and do it this minute, you'll immediately feel calmer about Christmas mayhem. In-depth investigation One of the worst things about Christmas shopping is the fact that things sell out in record time. The last thing you want is to travel to a store, only to find that what you're after is no longer available. Remember the Elsa doll chaos from last year? *Shudder* Look online, ring ahead and where possible reserve the item in question. The last thing you want is to spend your precious shopping time running around in a blind panic. Elsa doll chaos... Quiz your nearest and dearest The trick here is dropping present ideas into conversation, but not in an obvious way. If an ad comes on TV or you see something while browsing online, casually mention it when chatting to see if they're on the same page. Think back to things your friends and families may have mentioned during the year but never bought. It's thoughtful gifts like this that show you've really listened to them and will win you significant brownie points. A statement timepiece is always a welcome present Set some time aside Some of us prep for the festive season doing a little bit here and there while others prefer to get it over in one go. If you can at all, try and aim for a mid-week day, early in the morning. Having recently gone shopping on a Wednesday, expecting it to be quiet, I was surprised to find that it wasn't. Not at all. So if it's busy during the week in early December, I don't need to tell you what the rest of the month will be like. Shopping can be fun, when you're not battling your way to the front of the queue. Help is at hand If you're really stuck and at a complete loss for what to buy someone, gift guides can come in very handy. Particularly for Dads, they always seem to get landed with socks/aftershave/the reliable jumper and shirt combo so a little inspiration is no harm. There's endless ideas on the internet and in magazine supplements so don't stress too much if you're at a complete loss about what to buy this year. With the Swatch Christmas & Aprés Ski collection you don’t have to worry about the frenzy and stress of finding the perfect gifts on time! Definitely a gift for someone who has made the ‘nice’ list, the collection encapsulates ultimate slope style. Inspired by winter colour palettes, snowflake designs and glistening gold Christmas decorations, they're perfect timepieces that will add sparkle to any outfit both on and off the slopes. To purchase any of these products, call into one of Swatch’s Dublin stores or visit stockists nationwide.