Save time and money ~Plan ahead for birthdays and special events ~ Time management tip 12

Last minute birthday shopping is usually more expensive and usually comes at the most inconvenient time.  Instead, plan ahead for birthdays, Christmas and any special events where you’ll need a card and a present.

Plan 2 months ahead

I use a system where I plan 2 months ahead of time.

At the beginning of each month, I will check for that current month and the month ahead.  Doing two months gives me some extra Buffer Time for the second month.

Here’s how it works.

At the beginning of March (or actually during the last week of February) I will check any birthdays, special occasions that I need a car or present for.  Hopefully by that stage I would already have everything bought for the coming month but if not I go out and buy everything I need for that month and I also check the month ahead and buy anything I need for that month.

Why 2 months?

It saves time.  However, the reason we recheck at the end of each month or right at the beginning of each month is because we may get events added such as an invite to a special birthday party, engagement party, Christening… Not everything can be planned 2 months in advance.

Shop with a list

Once you’ve checked your calendar for birthdays and special events, shop with a list.

• Birthday cards for….
• Presents for…
• Wedding card for…

Standby cards for those unexpected occasions.

Always have standby cards for those unexpected occasions.  I recommend you stock up on these cards one or twice a year and replace them as you go along.

Cards you might want to get are:

• Standard female birthday cards that would be suitable for any female friends.
• Standard male birthday cards that would be suitable for any male friends.
• Get well cards
• Sympathy cards
• Congratulations ~ You might want to get specific cards such as, congratulations, you’ve passed your driving test or one’s that can be uses for a mix of things.
• Thank you cards

You may want to add to this list.  If you’ve got your own tips please do share them in the comments below.

This time management tip tends to save you time and money.

Also, make sure you stock up on gift wrap, tags, and sellotape.

Get your cards online

A little while ago I had the privilege of trying out Send OutCards UK

I have to tell you, I was impressed.  I’d been given (thank you Nicky) a free card to send out to anyone I wanted.  I chose my lovely sister who had post-holiday blues ;( I found a wonderful card that said “You take the sunshine with you wherever you go.”  I knew I had to send this card.  It arrived 2 days later when I got a lovely phone call from my sister thanking me for such a lovely card.

You can check out Send Out Cards UK and get a free card here

I’ll definitely be using this fantastic service again.  I think I’ll probably use it mostly for things like Thank you cards, enjoy your new home…  And at the end of the day it’s yet another way to save time.

This blog post is part of a series.  To read the rest of my time-management tips, go to Time-Management

OVER TO YOU

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WENDY XX