Written By: Lauren Steeves

How to survive the Boxing Day madness and come out on top.

It takes bravery, smarts and the right attitude. Many attempt and fail, others are left behind, and some come out on top. What am I talking about?

Boxing Day shopping of course.

While we finally start to relax and rest during Christmas, Boxing Day comes along and is a slap-in-the-face reminder that you need to bring your A-game if you expect to survive. Holiday shoppers are hungry for sales and they hunt all day, and trust me when I say that they aren’t afraid to eat you alive.

So if you think you have what it takes to shop on Boxing Day, I applaud you. But before you set off into the shopping abyss, please consider the following tips. Because sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, well, the bear eats you.

1.    Shop online

If you can avoid the long lines, the crowds and the mad hunt for a parking spot, why wouldn’t you? Many retailers understand that people don’t necessarily want to change out of their pajamas to get their Boxing Day deals, so many of them offer the same in-store specials online. If you are looking to purchase easy-to-buy items like electronics or home décor, save yourself the hassle and just use your electronic shopping cart this year.

2.    Try on items in advance

If there are specific clothing items that you are hoping to snag on Boxing Day, be sure to try them on in advance. That way, you can easily narrow down what you want versus what you thought would look good but once you tried it on it didn’t look oversized, it just looked like you gained 10 pounds. Also, you can reduce your time spent in line because you won’t have to wait for a fitting room. Plus, many retailers close their change rooms on Boxing Day, and you don’t want to buy a tiny t-shirt that you can’t return.

3.    Dress in layers

Choosing the perfect outfit for Boxing Day shopping is crucial. You need to wear clothes that you can easily take on and off because after your sixth visit to the fitting rooms, you are no longer going to want to bother with those extra tight skinny jeans, or that button up top. Stick to a simple t-shirt and boyfriend jeans or leggings. That way you can be comfortable and sensible.

4.    It’s all in the shoes

I know your heeled booties make your outfit complete and are oh-so-cute, but when you are on your feet all day the last thing you need is aching feet. So it’s time to pull out your Nikes so you can get your shop on, without sacrificing your feet in the process.

5.    Pick up a coffee

Whether you like it or not, you have to understand that if you are going shopping on Boxing Day that it’s going to be an all-day affair. So now more than any other day you need your caffeine fix—after all, no one likes a bitch. Rather than wait until you get to your shopping destination to grab your coffee, why not pick it up beforehand? Not only will you save time, you’ll also get to treat yourself to the delicious brews from our local coffee shops, instead of basic Starbucks.

6.    Pack a snack

We’ve all been there. You’re in line at lululemon and you’re starving. There’s a dozen people ahead of you, one cashier and an annoying broad at the till who doesn’t understand why the store won’t process a return. All you can think is that if you don’t eat soon, you will eat her. Rather than enter the state of full on hanger, pack a little snack that will tide you over until you can have a full meal. This snack could be apple slices, a granola bar or a smoothie. Trust us, your stomach and company will thank you.

7.     More browsing, more problems.

Boxing Day is not the time to browse. You need to have the list of what you are buying locked down long before you step foot in a store. Do your research, look online first and then make a plan. This plan includes mapping out which stores you need to hit up, so you aren’t the aimless mall wanderer. On Boxing Day, we promise those who wander are indeed lost.

8.    Set your alarm and beat the crowds

The idea of waking up early is awful, but that’s what you need to do to avoid the crowds, picked over garments and the no-parking dilemma.  We heard rumours that the malls are set to open at 8 a.m. on Boxing Day. Plan to be the early bird so you can get in, get out and get on with your life.

So if you think you have it in you to shop on Boxing Day, you may want to follow our tips. That way you can get what you want, spend less time in line and maybe make it out in time for a cocktail, or four… We promise we don’t judge.