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Christmas is just two months away, and what better way to ignite excitement for the holidays than to start your gift preparations early to avoid the hassle.

Tips for Christmas shopping on a budget

Avoid last-minute preparation stress and long shopping queues by doing your Christmas shopping early.

Here are friendly reminders for an easy holiday shopping.

1. Make a list

First off, make a complete list of for who you'll be buying gifts, what you intend to buy, where you'll be shopping, and your estimated budget. Start with immediate family and close friends and add to your list from there.

2. Set a budget

Many people overspend on certain gifts while scrimping on others, so it's best to plan a budget and stick to it. Figure out the total amount of money you're willing to spend on presents and divide it up among each person on your list.

3. Pay in cash

It's easy to lose track of how much you're spending when you're using a credit card, but this really depends on your shopping discipline. If you think you can control, and swiping cards are more convenient for you, go for it. But paying in cash helps you follow your budget while swiping in cards might leave some purchases unnoticed. Stay away from post-holiday debts by using cash or a combination of cash and cards for purchases.

4. Choose your shopping buddy

When shopping for presents, go with a friend who's wise about money and won't tempt you to buy unnecessary items or splurge on anything. If you can handle all the decision-making on your own, try shopping solo to avoid distractions.

5. Don't forget to be generous

It's the season of giving, so if you want something for yourself, put it on hold for later or write it on a wish list. If you don't receive your dream gift, buy one for yourself after the holidays. Prioritize buying presents for others and giving happiness through gifts rather than receiving, you'll feel a lot better about yourself during the holidays.