Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/611961
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 DECEMBER 2015 II Christmas Supplement EARRINGS for Mum, a tie for Dad, something for your mother-in-law, and don't forget a secret Santa gift for the office gift swap. 'Tis the season for giv- ing, which means it is also the season for buying, an activity that can be stressful even without Christmas carols blaring in the background. Here are some tips for saving money and staying sane while navigating holiday shopping madness. Make a List Write down everyone you plan to buy a gift for, no matter how small the gift may be. Include ideas of what to give each person, along with the maximum amount you're willing to spend. Don't forget to list the people who will receive holiday tips, such as your postman, cleaner and babysitter. This will help you manage your holiday budget. Start Early Don't wait until December to start buying holiday gifts. Keep your eyes open all year round for items friends and family would like; it's often when you're not looking for something specific that you stumble across the perfect gift for your brother or your best friend Jenny. Once December hits, you'll be glad that you already have some people crossed off your list. Just make sure to keep all your advance gifts in a designated (and hidden, if necessary) spot so that you don't forget a purchase you made months in advance. Do Online Research If you're unsure of which specific item to buy (for example, you want to buy your husband a digital camera but don't know what brand or model is best), search for reputable online reviews. You'll have to pay a small subscription fee, but Consumerreports.org has hun- dreds of expert reviews on everything from laptops to baby strollers to break- fast cereals. Or check sites with user reviews and ratings, such as Amazon. com, to find out which products have the most positive feedback. Do It Yourself There's an abundance of home- made pickles, hand-knit hats, and handcrafted stationary these days, thanks to a growing obsession with all things crafty, artisanal, and homespun (just look at all the unique things for sale on Etsy.com). If you're creatively inclined, avoid mall mad- ness altogether and bake a batch of cookies, sew personalized tote bags, or make beautiful earrings for friends and family. If you need to learn a new skill, look into classes in your neigh- borhood or invest in a how-to book— there's one for just about every craft out there. II Christmas Supplement Surviving the shopping season