(ARA) - You're a smart holiday shopper - in fact, you planned your holiday gift budget months ago and have been putting money aside in a separate account ever since. In the midst of your savvy shopper planning, however, did you overlook the "hidden costs" associated with getting through the holidays?

What about the cost of Scotch tape, wrapping paper, gift boxes and mailing envelopes, not to mention gas and your time? Truly brilliant holiday shopping incorporates a budget with funds for hidden costs as well as gifts, and some smart shopping habits to ensure you get the best prices on the season's hottest gift items.

"There's so much more to smart holiday shopping than simply finding the lowest price for a gift," says Tina Wysk, co-founder of Metroplex Baby and Kids, a social group for mothers. Wysk offers some helpful hints on how to shop for everything you need for the holidays and stay within your budget.

* Use technology to keep tabs on holiday shopping deals. Many retailers now have Facebook pages and Twitter accounts where they post coupons and shopping deals. Sign up to "fan and follow" your favorite retailers to be sure you don't miss any great bargains.

* Cross "mailing packages" off your to-do list in less time by shipping from your local Staples, rather than standing in line at the post office.

* Look for one-stop shopping opportunities in stores that carry top gift items like a GPS, the latest laptop and leading software as well as the support supplies you need to make the holidays happen. Staples, for example, carries the big technology gifts that are always popular, like digital cameras and camcorders, but also has packing and wrapping supplies as well as stocking stuffers and even candy for less than $10.

* Look for Web sites that allow you to ship to a local store and pick up an item there. "When we travel for the holidays, I check to see if a retailer will ship from its Web site to a store near where I'm going," Wysk says. "That way, I don't have to tote the gift across country and there are no worries about breakage or a gift getting lost with the luggage." Staples.com allows you to ship to any store location.

* Stock up. Keep a reserve or wrapped gifts to take care of those last-minute needs or the unexpected gift that you need to reciprocate. It's smart holiday shopping to have an item or two that's appropriate for men, women, children and adults.

* If you're at a loss for what to buy someone, don't hesitate to get some help. Web sites like Staples.com can help you locate the perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for person on your list. In addition to an assortment of products and deals, you'll find plenty of gift ideas. From Cyber Monday (Nov. 30) to Christmas, one customer per day will win a $1,000 technology bundle, including an HP Laptop and HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One Printer. Visit www.Staples.com to learn more.

"Holiday shopping doesn't have to break the bank or be difficult, especially when you consolidate your shopping for gifts and the items you need to make the holidays happen," Wysk says.

Courtesy of ARAcontent