Be Prepared with a Shopping Needs List
Guest post by Regina:
When going to “sales” by myself or on a shopping trip with friends, it feels so good to have a needs list—that is, a list of things I’ll be needing in the coming months:
- for myself and my life style, and
- as gifts for family and friends.
I like to keep this needs list both in my head and on paper (I jot down ideas and names at the end of the calendar that I carry in my purse). So here are some recommendations based on my (undisclosed number of) years of shopping experience.
A mental file system for loved ones. Get in the habit of being aware of the people for whom you need to buy birthday and holiday gifts every year. Clarity about how much you want to spend is helpful, and being focused on the person’s personality and essence completes your file system. Keep this file of your loved ones in the back of your mind, and let gift ideas trickle in as they make themselves known—as you browse catalogs or the Internet, and while you’re shopping.
A mental file for your life style. For yourself and your home you can keep in mind the outfits you’ll need for work or for the activities you participate in. Home needs and décor also can be in your mental file. Your awareness will probably broaden as you walk through stores and shopping areas.
Certain items will call to you, and your mind will respond with, “This is perfect for . . .” or “This will fit in with . . .” You might choose to remember this item for a future purchase, or (if you’re like me, and stores and merchandise blur) you might choose to buy it now and return it later if it doesn’t work out.
Shopping with a needs list in your mind (and a hard-copy for backup) can make shopping not just manageable, but fun. As you utilize your clarity, focus, and awareness . . . enjoy!
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