Here are five easy ways to save money and time on holiday shopping:

Start by Getting Organized
Smart shoppers begin with a list. This should include all the people you'll be buying gifts for during the holidays. Don't forget to include work colleagues, your boss, friends, clients you'd like to thank, your family, anyone who has an annual holiday party you always attend, friends or friends' kids who have birthdays at that time of year.

Don't worry if your list is long. The beauty of starting with a list is that you can always shorten it. But by seeing everyone together you can group them together and buy everyone in each group the same thing. Then you can look calmly for something that fits the bill, buy several items at once and check the group off your list.

Buy for Groups When Possible
Now that you're list is ready, group people by gift ideas or cost level. Say you have several work colleagues or clients that you need to send cards to. Buy a big box or assortment of cards instead of picking up individual higher-priced ones. Have a slew parties to attend and need to take along a little something? Go to the wine store once, ask the clerk to recommend an affordable bottle, and buy a case of it. Then ask if they can give you a break because you're buying in bulk.

Most important, once you decide how much to spend on someone, stick it. Resist the urge to pick up something that's a little out of your price range for one person on the list. As your generous nature takes over, you'll begin to make more exceptions and soon your costs will balloon.