Most of you are probably done with your shopping, and most of these strategies are probably well-known and no longer a secret--but I will write down my thoughts nonetheless:
1. Make a list,
2. Set a budget,
3. Pay with cash,
4. Use the latest tools to get the possible pricing, i.e., do your due-diligence,
5. Map out your route, get in and get out.
Call this a stretch but these tips do have a corollary Project Management principles:
1. Making a list is akin to having a project plan, and a WBS (work breakdown structure). Making a list helps one not to be dissuaded or side tracked by impulse purchases.
2. Setting a budget helps one to set a cap on how much one can spend, i.e., a project budget. This means the shopping spree is not an open checkbook deal. It will certainly help not getting depressed in January, not having to pay for the bills that come due in January (if one overspent using credit cards).
3. Paying with cash makes one feel the "pain" of the purchases. Business owner or sponsor, writing out the checks or payments to project vendors certainly keeps everyone in line to make sure project is within budget.
4. Using the latest tools such as RedLaser and pic2shop (allowing a consumer to scan the UPC code on a merchandise via an Iphone and comparison shop) are just one of the few apps that an informed consumer can use. There are a lot of tools (software such as MS Project or Earned Value) in the project management space. There are freeware as well that mimic MS Project.
5. Map out a route--there are apps that show mall maps, deals and coupons available for download on the Apple App store (am confident the Android store has the same or comparable apps as well) that can aid in mapping a shopper's route. This is actually an extension of #4, but the goal is to spend less time on the tasks and get home quicker, i.e., spend more quality time with family.
Which is what Thanksgiving holiday is about.