No one is immune to the Christmas cheer. There are a lot of things to be joyful about at Christmas, the trick is to not get stressed out and just enjoy the holiday. Gift giving can be made simple if broken down into easy chunks.

Step One: Who gets the gifts.

I know this is the part where I’d say “Everyone!” but let’s be realistic. No one with a part-time minimum wage job can afford to get more than about 15 people presents over $20.

So in order to keep costs down the recipient cap should reflect the paycheck. Set a limit. Make a list. Check it twice. Decide who gets top priority and then go shopping.

Step Two: Going Shopping.

Once the list is set, it’s best to do some reconnaissance. Find their wish lists. Ask their family. Do some digging. Pretend it’s a spy mission.

That’s what makes it fun. It’ll help distract from the ever dropping back account balance. Amazon has a lot of good potential presents, but don’t count out other specialty websites.

Etsy has a lot of handmade items. Other sites that specifically sell one type of products like sweaters should be taken into consideration.   

A lot of times, these other sites have better deals.

If the spy work turns up nothing, consider what kind of gift card they would like. When in doubt choose Amazon for gift cards, it could help with books later.

Step Three: Delivery.

Wrapping the presents is a step that I’ve always stressed about. My wrapping skills are amazing now because I was so stressed. I’m not going to say that I was so upset with my poor wrapping skills that I took a class, but… I did.

No one is going to care. Often times my friends hand me the present unwrapped. They just plop it into my hands and I’m always happy. I’m never thinking, “Man I would definitely like this present better if it was wrapped up to look like a cupcake,” I’m usually just thinking, “Sick, a T-shirt, I bet it’s so comfy.”

And If that doesn’t work, just slap it in a bag. Shop somewhere that puts merchandise in gift bags, like Sephora or White Barn.

Step four: Have fun.

I know this goes without saying, but keep the holiday light hearted. The people are the heart and soul of the season, not fuzzy socks and pajama pants.

Make someone happy, but also enjoy being around the people who care.