Paid Post

10 Things All Expert Holiday Shoppers Know To Be True

Yep, it’s an art. Holiday shopping just got better — with the Discover it card, we’ll match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For new Discover it members only. Learn more at Discover.com/Match.

Discover Card
by Discover Card

Brand Publisher

1. Get the “acquaintance gifts” done first.

Thinkstock

Grab those gift cards, candles, and chocolates for people in your life you aren't as close with right off the bat. Then you'll have more time and energy to focus on everyone else!

2. Sleep is for the weak.

BuzzFeed

It's very simple: If you get up as early as humanly possible and arrive at the stores before they open, you WILL beat the lines. You can catch up on ZZZs in January.

3. Fuel up before you go.

youtube.com / Via ksh360.tumblr.com

Don't. Shop. Hungry. Unless you want to either melt down or succumb to greasy food-court food that will end up making you sluggish! Eat a substantial breakfast like an omelet or oatmeal to keep full and energized.

4. Allow one special treat for yourself.

Robert Sheie (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: 85546319@N04

Let's be real — you're going to stumble across a perfect pair of jeans, a sweet wok, or something else you just know you need to gift...to yours truly. Go for it, and then you'll be excited to refocus on everyone else!

5. Pick your company wisely.

Jess Mendes/PBnJESS / BuzzFeed

You have ZERO time to be slowed down by pokey window-shopping friends. If you decide to go with friends or family, make sure you choose the right like-minded company that won't delay you along the way.

6. Be strategic about your route.

Thinkstock

Knock off a chunk of your list at the big retailers you know will fill up fastest first, and then head to the smaller specialty shops that are more off the beaten path.

7. Sometimes experiences trump giant boxes.

IMCBerea College (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: imcberea

Don't force yourself to pick a material gift for everyone on your list. A spa gift certificate, a painting class, or a fancy dinner on you may be just the ticket.

8. Actually ask sales associates for help.

Thinkstock

When you know exactly what you want, wandering around looking for it on your own is a big fat W.O.T. (waste of time). And if you don't know what you want, they might be able to help you pick out the right gift for that special someone! Don't ignore them or go it alone.

9. Don’t forget to ask about free gift wrapping.

youtube.com / Via gifsboom.net

Professional gift wrapping > your gift wrapping. It would be a shame to leave with a bare gift if you could have it nicely done up without shelling out anything extra!

10. When you get stressed, just think about the end goal!

Cultura RM/Nick Daly / Getty Images
Thinkstock

Your family and friends are about to have their holidays MADE. 👌

Whether you're already an expert or could stand to up your game, holiday shopping just got better! With the Discover it card, we’ll match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year — for new Discover it members only. Learn more at Discover.com/Match.