Keep these extras on hand to ensure your holiday shopping list is complete

(ARA) - When you sit down to create your holiday list, you might want to add a couple of extra things to make your list complete. That way you don't need to make an emergency run to the store during the busy holiday season because your gift isn't quite ready.

So what are these extras that need to be on your list?

* Batteries - If you're shopping for electronics or children's toys, the gift is not complete unless you provide the needed batteries to get that toy up and running as soon as it's out of the wrapping paper. Consider giving rechargeable batteries and a charging station so your family member or friend won't have to continuously replace batteries.

* Wrapping paper and supplies - It's the worst-case scenario. You finish a full day of shopping in winter conditions with every single other person in town, lug all the gifts into your house, take off all your cold weather gear, go to the closet where you store the wrapping paper, and ... oh no, you have nothing for the holiday season. Just wedding, birthday and baby themed wrapping paper. Be sure to check your supplies, including tape, ribbons, bows, scissors and gift tags early on as you're creating your shopping list.

* Shipping materials - Will you ship gifts this season to any friends or family members? If so, take into consideration the size, shape and weight of the gifts you plan to purchase. Before you go shopping, add any necessary packing and shipping materials to your list. Or, plan to shop online, and have the gifts delivered directly to their final destination. You can find plenty of coupon codes for the gifts on your shopping list at CouponHeaven.com. This site lists discounts for many popular merchants, along with a current list of free shipping offers.

* Gift receipts - Even if you know your friend or loved one will absolutely adore the present, and that it will fit perfectly, be sure to enclose a gift receipt. Make a little note at the top of your list, so you don't forget as you're looking for the shortest checkout line and trying to remember everything; including using any printable coupons you downloaded from ShoppersResource.com.

Because the holiday season is so hectic, use these shopping tips to be better prepared before you hit the stores looking for deals. And if you stay organized, you might be able to get a little free time for yourself and actually celebrate the season.

Courtesy of ARAcontent