Heading out for Diwali shopping in Dubai? Some dos and don'ts

Diwali is the time to get ready in your most festive traditional outfits, light the diyas and indulge in authentic treats. But before the festivities start there is a huge shopping checklist that needs to be met! Are the traditional outfits in? What about the sweets you need to give to family and friends, are they all packed and ready? Are the gifts wrapped?
It is indeed a busy time across all households celebrating the festival of lights. A lot of time, effort, as well as money is spent on making sure everything is perfect for the occasion. With tonnes of exciting promotions, it is easy to be spoilt for choice. All over the UAE, retails stores as well as certain websites offer incredible offers making it the perfect time to shop not only for yourself but also for your loved ones. If you are someone who still has some last minute shopping left, here are some final tips to take into consideration before the celebrations begin:
Stick to a budget: Make a financial plan and stick to it and stay away from temptation. It is easy to lose sight due to the wonderful promotions all around, so be wary of splurging at the first sight of what seems like a good offer, and then regret not checking elsewhere before making the final purchase. 
Make a list: Having a list goes a long way in saving time as you would know exactly where to go, rather than getting lost in the maze of, for example, The Dubai Mall that has hundreds of shops. Do some research online in advance before heading to the mall. Make sure you go through it once again to see what items can be eliminated. Put a check on those items that are a priority.
Resist temptation: Before you make a purchase of what you believe is a bargain, compare prices, both online and in stores. Try not to take the bait and don't fall for freebies. Transform yourself into a bargain hunter and scout around to see where you can make the best buy. Also, invest your hard-earned money in quality purchases. And check if your credit card offers discounts and cashbacks for any of the items to get more bang for your buck. 
Sweet spot: Chocolates may have become increasingly trendy, but nothing can beat authentic Indian mithai. So stock up on kaju katli and barfis that come in luxurious boxes or decorative thalis that make for great gifts as well! After all, festivities are not complete without the art of gifting. 
Don't be impulsive: This is a common mistake shoppers tend to make. Meaningless shopping will only burn a hole in your pocket and could even put a damper on the celebrations. Try and stick to your original list as much as you can.
Always accessorise: Traditional outfits are incomplete without a dash of bling! Splurge on some must-have ethnic scarves, bags, jewellery or shoes, with your traditional outfits to get into the spirit.
deepa@khaleejtimes.com