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Enter a shopping mall and you’ll find Deepavali decorations already put up and lines of people purchasing things to prep for festivities. Yup, it’s that time of the year again!

We know shopping for Deepavali can get stressful, so we’ve compiled a list of tips for you to follow to make life easier for you.

#1 Make a list of things to buy

Trust us, you won’t be able to remember the things your mother asks you buy when you get to the shops. Make a list and save it on your mobile phone so you can easily refer to it.

#2 Start shopping at least a week early

If you’re not a fan of long queues and crowds, begin your Deepavali shopping earlier. There’ll be less people around and you’ll have more options. You’ll also be more well-prepared when the day comes!

#3 Buy items that you can use for a long time

Image via DP Ganaa

Make sure that the items you get are durable and can be used next time. For instance, you may want to get dry fruits as Deepavali snacks since they have longer shelf life, or you can skip buying accessories for yourself because you can still use the ones you have at home. This way, you won’t have to do another round of shopping next year and save on money!

#4 Compare prices

Before you shop, go online and compare the prices for the things you want to buy at different shops. Your wallet is going to thank you for it!

#5 Make sure you have a budget

We know it’s a once in a year splurge, but you’ve still got bills and other commitments to pay for. Before you start on your shopping, make sure that you cap a limit to your expenditure. This should be possible especially when you’ve done #4 and can estimate how much you’ll be spending.

#6 Carry a water bottle around while you shop

If you’re going to spend many hours going through shops and be surrounded by lots of people, then you’re going to need a lot of energy. Remember to keep yourself hydrated so you don’t fall sick!

#7 Check out Deepavali Carnivals

Image via DP Ganaa

Instead of wandering around in a shopping mall trying to search for items, a Deepavali Carnival is basically your one-stop place to get all your Deepavali necessities!

Make your way over to Shah Alam Deepavali Carnival 2018 from 31 October to 5 November at IDCC Convention Centre, where you’ll find everything you need, including booths selling food, clothing, accessories and decoration items!

If you’re in Perak (or states nearby), head on to Taiping Deepavali Carnival 2018 at Taiping Mall, Jalan Tupai, Taiping, Perak from 24 to 28 October at 10am until 10pm.

Have a great time shopping!