Year three days before Diwali I was standing in a very crowded market holding the very last box of diyas while a stranger looked at it like it was the last piece of cake. I paid double. I remember thinking, never again.
If that sounds like you, hello, person who shops at the last minute. The good news is that Diwali is still two weeks away and Christmas and New Year come right after so there is time to do this the smart way. Lets make a plan.
Why buy in bulk all?
Honestly because festivals are costly and tiring enough already.
When you buy in bulk you usually pay less for each item you make one planned order of ten frantic trips and you get to relax while everyone else is still running around. Prices go up. Items disappear as the festival gets closer so buying early is better for your wallet and your mind.
The checklist
Take a cup of chai and a pen. Here is what I would write on the list.
Gifts and hampers. Start by writing down everyone you will be giving gifts to: family, friends, colleagues, clients. Yes that neighbor who sends you sweets every year and would notice if you didn’t do the same. Buying gifts in bulk keeps everything affordable. Dry fruit boxes and snack hampers are always a choice.
Sweets, snacks and dry fruits. People will come, without telling you and you will want something nice to serve. Dry fruits, namkeen, chocolates and packaged sweets all last a time so nothing is wasted if fewer people come than you expected.
Lights. Diyas, string lights, torans, rangoli colors, candles. This is one of the categories to disappear so don't wait. Order early. You get more choices and a home that is glowing before the neighbors homes are.
Pooja essentials. Incense, camphor, wicks, oil, flowers ( ones can be used again and again). These are the things you only remember at 9 pm the night before so write them down today.
Pantry staples. If you are cooking for a lot of people. Just want to avoid daily trips to the store buy oil, ghee, flour, sugar, rice, spices and drinks. Check your cupboards first. Nobody needs a packet of cardamom.
Wrapping. This one catches everyone by surprise. You finish buying thirty gifts. Realize you have nothing to wrap them in. Get gift bags, wrapping paper, ribbons, tags and boxes in the order.
Return. Small extras. If you are hosting a party small return gifts make guests happy when they leave. Stationery, small decor items, sweets or festive trinkets all work and buying in bulk makes them very cheap.
A little extra. Spare bulbs, batteries, tape, a couple of gifts for unexpected visitors. You will be glad you have them.
Some honest tips so you don't buy much
Write the list before you go shopping. It is the way to avoid buying things you don't need.
Set a budget. Stick to it. Buying in bulk is meant to save money not make you buy everything you see.
Check expiration dates. Great for packaged items risky for anything
Split orders with friends or neighbors. You get the price and no one ends up with forty packets of something. It's also more fun this way.
Order early. Deliveries get slower as the festival comes closer. A little planning now saves a lot of stress later.
One last thing
The best part of any festival was never the shopping. It is the laughter in the kitchen the lights turning on in the evening the family sitting on the sofa. If you get the things taken care of now you will actually have the energy to enjoy those moments instead of just getting through them.
So take care of your list place your order and give yourself a happy festive season.
Ready to start? Check out ANKXBULK for your items, at great prices and make this the easiest Diwali you have ever had.