These Christmas shopping tips should get you in the mood for the present-buying spree as we head towards the big day.

First, you have to decide what you’re giving to who, then you have to battle with the crowds – and that's all before the wrapping marathon.

There is an easy way out. Follow our guide to making present shopping that much easier...

Write it down It always starts off OK, but Christmas shopping can get very confusing. It’s easy to lose track of which present was for grandma and which was meant for your husband’s cousin’s daughter. So instead of wandering aimlessly down a crowded Christmas Eve high street, write a list.

Get a personal shopper All the celebs have one so it’s time you got a personal shopper of your own. Next time your mum says she’s heading into town, ask her to pick up a few things for you. Or if a neighbour is hitting the shops, get her to grab something while she’s there.

Delegation is key.

Team up Those ‘buy one, get one free’ or ‘three for two’ deals are too good to resist, so why not share the cost with a friend?

Recycle and reuse Give unwanted gifts a new home, but don’t recycle your present to the person who gave it to you.

It’s best to avoid doing this with edible pressies, unless they have a very long sell-by date.

Keep calm and carry on Follow these tips for a calm shopping experience: Give yourself a break Take time out to have a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. You need the energy.

Hit the shops with a friend who loves a good laugh. When that shop assistant snaps at you, you’ll be able to see the funny side.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath; you’ll feel much better.

Just don’t do it on a busy high street or you might fall over.

Don’t be too ambitious.

Limit yourself to a two-hour trip and do as much as you can.

It’s Christmas, so hum a few carols and you’ll feel better.