It can be tricky shopping for any occasion but Christmas takes this pressure to a whole new level. This is why you’ll often find yourself running around the shops until closing time on Christmas Eve!

But make sure you don’t let that affect your judgement in the shops by following our do and don’t guide for Christmas shopping today:

DO look for bargains and sales. Shops are more likely to do more offers in the days immediately leading up to Christmas because they need to get rid of the products. The closer you get to December 25th, the better your savings become.

DON’T impulse buy. Shops rely on this mechanism all year around but especially now. Items placed beside the till are designed to get you to reach for them. If you don’t need it for someone, don’t buy it!

DO stick to your budget. Just because you need to someone something doesn’t mean you should stretch yourself. If you set a limit, stick to it. Don’t just splash your cash for the sake of getting something.

DON’T settle. You don’t want to spend more than planned but you also don’t want to end up with mediocre presents. If you have something specific in mind, look around for it. Use the motto ‘If I keep questioning my purchase, it’s not good enough’ to avoid buying for the sake of it.

DO make a list. Speaking of having things in mind for your friends and family, it never hurts to have a list. This will ensure that you remember what you thought of and also that you don’t leave town without everything.

DON’T be afraid to ask. Usually the weekend before Christmas is crazy but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get good customer service. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask the assistant and if you need advice on something, get it!

DO go in early. Everybody knows that the traffic and queues get worse as the day goes on so plan to get into town for the shops opening. That way it will be quieter and you never know, you might end up with all your presents bought before the day’s rush really begins.

DON’T panic. This is probably the most important rule of last-minute Christmas shopping. It is so easy to become flustered when you are trying to get the final bits and pieces but because you can’t really abandon it, take a timeout by sitting down for a bite to eat or a drink before continuing.

DO get an emergency present. While we’re all about sticking to budgets and not buying in excess, it doesn’t hurt to have an emergency present in case you receive something you weren’t expecting. But keep it small and get something that you like so if you don’t give it, you can use it yourself.

DON’T forget to have some fun! Christmas shopping should be a little stressful but also very enjoyable so keep smiling and just think of how good you’ll feel when you step in your front door, drop your shopping bags and sit on the sofa with everything bought.