Ready or not, the holiday shopping season is here. According to the National Retail Foundation, the average holiday shopper will spend $800 on gifts and another $100 for themselves. Whether you want to spend more or less than the average shopper, you should have a holiday shopping plan.

The most important part of this plan is to have a budget. Here is how to set a realistic budget:

1. Start Backwards - Since the majority of purchases are made with credit cards, you have to ask yourself, how much can I spend and still be able to pay off in January and February. You don't want to still be paying for holiday gifts at Fourth of July.

2. Plan for 70% - Once you decide how much you would like or can afford to spend, assume you can only spend 70% of that amount. Make your gift list based on 70%. The 30% remainder is for the things you don't plan for, such as unexpected gifts, holiday decorations and treats as well as the after Christmas shopping.

3. Keep Track - There is no point in having a budget if you don't track your purchases and know where you stand. You should keep track of your purchases and adjust your spending as you go.
4. Don't Procrastinate - The best way to blow your budget is to wait until last minute. You should plan your budget and time together. The more time you leave for shopping and price comparisons, the more likely you are to stick to your budget.

Once you have developed your budget, you want your money to go the farthest. So here are some tips to help stretch your dollar.

1. Use Coupons - This time of year, there are many coupons available for both local stores as well as online stores. Visit ShoppingQueen.com for coupons for local stores and dealcoupon.com for coupons for online stores.

2. Credit Card Promotions - The credit card companies are fighting for your business, so take advantage of the numerous promotions they offer. For example if you spend $200 on your Discover card at Perimeter Mall, you get a free $20 Gift card or if you are traveling this season and stay at a Holiday Inn and pay with American Express you get a free Best Buy gift card.
3. Gift Card Promotions - If you are planning on giving gift cards as gifts, choose gift cards with bonuses. Buckhead Life Restaurant Group offers a 20% bonus and EastBay.com offers 10% off gift cards.

4. Think Outside the Box - Don't just think of items that can be bought in a store.
-Offer home made gifts such as cookies or other treats
-Give the gift of time when you give personal coupons good for babysitting, pet sitting or any other service you would like to give your time.
-Think of gifts that can keep giving such as an annual membership to the Georgia Aquarium or Botanical Gardens. If they are a big fans of Oprah or Martha Stewart, give gift magazine subscriptions. One good idea is the Chick-fil-A calendar. It is $5 calendar from Chick-fil-A that is filled with coupons that can be used all year round.

With all the holiday parties and festivities this time of year, you don't want to spend all your time running form store to store and shopping. With some planning, you can save time and get your shopping done with enough time left over to savor what the holidays are all about.

1. Gift List Substitutes - When making your gift list, make sure you include substitute choices in case you can't find your original item.

2. Price Match - Know stores' price matching policies. Many stores will match and sometimes beat a competitor's lower price. Don't run from store to store for the best price. Save time and ask a store manager to price match.

3. Be An Early Bird - Stores have extended hours during the holidays. Many open early and that is the best time to shop. The parking lot, store and check out lanes are the least crowded.

Last but certainly not least, don't forget about charity. You should make room in your budget, schedule or both to donate to charity. You can donate money as well as time. For example you can donate a toy to Toys for Tots or you can volunteer your time to help wrap donated gifts. Most organizations have a website where they list their donation and volunteer needs.

For more great shopping tips, savings, and coupons, visit the Shopping Queens's website at www.theshoppingqueen.com.