Are you stressed buying Christmas gifts? Are you worried about spending more? An easy way to get rid of the feeling of being overwhelmed is to create a Master Gift List. This list will help you organize the entire process of who to buy gifts for, what gifts to buy, and how much to spend. So create the Master Gift List to make your holiday gift shopping this year and years to come that much more enjoyable.

Step 1 – Recipients of the gift. The easiest way to set up your list is to take four separate sheets of paper and label them; Family, friends, coworkers, and service people (hairdresser, child’s teacher, etc.). Go through your address book and list only the people you want or feel compelled to give a gift to. Once you have completed the lists, you may continue to use the paper copies or set up the lists on the computer at this time.

Step 2 – Create a budget. First figure out the total amount you can or want to spend on gifts this year. Then write next to each person’s name how much you want to spend on them. Add up the total dollar amount for all.

Step 3 – Review of the list. If the total amount in Step 2 is over your budget, it’s time to review your list. You can reduce the dollar amount of some or all people or remove some people from the lists.

Once you have reviewed the lists, add up the total for each. If the total is still over your budget, repeat Step 3 for any or all of your lists.

Step 4 – Gift Options. Now that you know the budget for each person, it’s time to create a list of gift options. Next to each name, write several gift ideas that you think that person would like and that are in the predetermined price range.

Step 5 – Gifts that need to be mailed or shipped. Make a note of the people you’ll need to mail or send a gift to. If you’re shopping for a large or difficult-to-package gift, consider shopping online or in stores where they’ll pack the item for you. Don’t forget to include packing and shipping costs in your estimate. Also, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to shop and mail gifts so they arrive in time for the holidays.

Step 6 – Shopping time. Take a copy of this master list with you to stores. Every time you finish a shopping trip take a few minutes to update the original list (paper or computer) and the copy. Be sure to cross out the names on the copy you bring to the store. The original at-home list will have all the details to help you stay organized and on budget.

Step 7 – Save the list for next year. After the holidays are over, you’ll want to briefly go over the list again. Make a note of any changes you’ve made to gift options or people added or removed from the list. Keep this list in a place where you can access it throughout the year. When you have an idea for a gift for someone, write it down next to their name. That will give you a head start for your list next year.

This master gift list will help make shopping fun again. You’ll be more organized and in control of gift shopping and your budget. No more feeling overwhelmed by what to buy or surprises when the bills arrive.