Top Holiday Shopping Tips

Who's on Your Holiday Gift List?

The Visa® Card Shopping Index Indicates That 40% of Americans are Buying for 15 People or More This Season

Hustle and bustle fills the air as the holiday season approaches. According to the Visa Card Shopping Index, 40% of Americans are buying for 15 people or more this season, with nearly 20% placing an even greater importance on the holidays this year.

The Visa Card Shopping Index also found:

Bustling Budgets

Almost half (44%) of Americans are making a holiday budget, especially those with the longest shopping lists. Making a budget is the easy part - it's sticking to it that's difficult. In fact, half (50%) of Americans expect to exceed their budget. In an effort to give their budgets a break, 53% of consumers are "re-gifting", so keep your eyes out because that gift you give may come back to you!

Holiday Hits

People are changing their tune about what they're buying this year. Fifteen percent of consumers will be buying fewer high-ticket items, choosing to give books (12%), music (16%) and videos (9%) instead.

Who's on Your Holiday Gift List?

There's No Time Like the "Present"

Don't wait until the last minute to buy your gifts. Twenty-seven percent of consumers are year-round gift buyers - starting their holiday shopping more than two months in advance of the holidays and finishing within one week of the holidays. There's still the group of "purchasing procrastinators" - 36% percent of consumers will wait until the last minute to finish their shopping.

Spreading Office Cheer

The spirit of giving is in the air, even at work. Almost half (43%) of consumers purchase holiday gifts for their or their spouse's co-workers. Rather than buying gifts in an attempt to get ahead - only 4% of consumers buy a gift for their boss - with 24% buying gifts for co-workers simply out of generosity.

Will That be Cash or Credit?

The majority of holiday shoppers will be using a credit card to pay for some of their gifts. Over one-third (38%) of these shoppers have a credit card that offers a rewards program, with 41% more likely to use their rewards cards for purchases.

holidays are a time for families to be together

Home for the Holidays

Travel is a popular gift item for one-third of Americans.

Of these consumers, 33% have given a vacation to someone, 25% have given someone a ticket to come and see them and 23% have taken a trip to see someone. In addition to travel (29%), people also give homemade gifts (59%), volunteer their time (37%) and make charitable donations (27%).

Holiday shoppers are busy searching for the perfect gift, which is sometimes easier said than done.

With help from the founder of thetrendreport.com, Today Show contributor and First USA spokesperson, Judy Gordon, shoppers can find out what's hot on everyone's wish list this year as well as gain some shopping advice with the following top ten tips:

For Him

One word - cashmere - it's a classic! You'll make his day (and yours) whether it's a scarf or sweater, because he'll look great! Try accessorizing with a nice pair of shoes or leather coat. If you are watching your budget, opt for cashmere socks as you will have the look and feel of cashmere and it's still a classy gift.

For Her

Every woman loves jewelry but there are also a few other items on her wish list this year: Fringe is hot - whether on scarves, gloves or handbags - it's sure to update her wardrobe. Ruffled or lace blouses are great and will continue to be "in" this spring.

For Co-workers

It's all about the gadgets. You can't go wrong with office toys and gadgets. Quirky calendars or gift certificates (especially to a favorite coffee shop) are a big hit too. For the really special co-worker, anything in sterling silver, like collar stays, bookmarks or picture frames, will last forever and, for under $50, is a real steal.

Make a List and Check it Twice

Don't let your shopping list resemble Santa's list. Before you head to the stores, write down who you're buying for, gift ideas for each person and a price range to help you stay within your budget.

Take Note

Pay attention to the styles and interests of the people you're shopping for - what they like, where they shop, how they decorate, etc. This will give you some gift ideas and ease your shopping stress.

Shopping Shortcut

Beat the holiday traffic by purchasing gifts online. Some online vendors are even offering free shipping for large purchases. You can also save time by scoping out gift ideas online before heading to the mall.

Wrap it Up

Take advantage of extended holiday hours to avoid long lines and crowds by shopping during the early-morning or late-night hours. Also look for stores that offer free gift-wrapping, which will save you time - and remember to label your gifts!

Play it Safe

If you're having trouble finding the perfect gift, why not play it safe by purchasing gift certificates? They're a great way to ensure that you both get what you want.

Reward Yourself

Look for a credit card that offers rewards for purchases so that as you're buying gifts for others, you're also giving a gift to yourself. For example, the United Mileage Plus Visa card offers cardmembers one frequent flyer mile for each dollar they spend. In addition to rewards, one out of two (53%) people buy gifts for themselves when shopping for others.

One-Stop Shopping

Stay in one great department store and buy everything on your list. Consider getting a head start on next year's list and birthdays by stocking up on classics that are on sale.

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