Stress-Free Shopping with Alison Brie: Insider Tips

The holiday season is full of joy, celebration, and togetherness—but let's be honest, it can also be overwhelming. From finding the right gifts to navigating crowded stores and tight schedules, holiday shopping often feels like a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With a solid strategy and some practical advice, you can make your holiday shopping stress-free and even enjoyable.

We’ve gathered some expert tips inspired by actress Alison Brie, who’s currently starring in Macy’s holiday campaign as a real-life gift guide. Her insights, paired with practical strategies, can help you sail through this year's holiday season with stress-free shopping.

The Holiday Shopping Struggle: Why It’s So Stressful

The holidays bring a flurry of activities, and shopping is often at the top of the list. But why is it so stressful? 

• Long Queues and Crowded Stores: Navigating packed aisles and waiting in long lines can test anyone’s patience.  
• Tight Schedules: Between work, family commitments, and festive events, there’s little time to shop.
• Budget Concerns: Holiday expenses can easily spiral out of control without proper planning.

This is why having a clear strategy is crucial. When you're prepared, shopping becomes less of a chore and more of a celebration.

Alison Brie’s Role as Macy’s Gift Guide

This year, Macy’s tapped into holiday nostalgia—and practicality—by partnering with Alison Brie for their holiday campaign. In the ads, Brie dons a festive red ensemble and takes customers on a stress-free shopping adventure at Macy's, with the help of her mentee, Matt Bush. 

For Brie, this collaboration resonates with her own holiday memories. Growing up in South Pasadena, she frequently shopped at Macy’s during the holiday season. "It tapped into some holiday nostalgia for me... It just made a lot of sense and felt very authentic,” she shared in an interview. 

Her role as Macy's Gift Guide is not just about selling products; it's about making gift-giving easier and more enjoyable, a sentiment that’s at the heart of Macy's campaign.

Tips for Stress-Free Shopping from Alison Brie

Here are Alison Brie's stress-free holiday shopping tips, paired with actionable advice to help you make the most of this season:

1. "Rely on Gift Guides for Smart Choices"

• Gift guides, whether online or in-store, save you time and simplify the decision-making process. With curated recommendations, you can quickly find items that suit every person on your list. Brie says, “Macy’s carries everything, so it’s nice to have a one-stop shop, rather than a niche gift guide.”
• Tip: Take advantage of Macy’s curated selections or browse their online gift guides for inspiration tailored to your needs.

2. "Choose a One-Stop-Shop Like Macy’s"

• Why trek from store to store when Macy’s offers options for everyone? From party attire to thoughtful gifts, everything you need is under one roof. Brie loves that she can shop for her mom, dad, sister, and nephews all in one go.  
• Tip: Make a list before you shop—this will help you stay focused and minimize the risk of overspending.

3. "Plan Ahead — or Be a Last-Minute Hero"

• Planning ahead is ideal, but if you're running out of time, don’t stress. Macy's makes last-minute shopping easier with its organized departments and wide variety of options. Brie admits, "For a last-minute gift giver, it’s great because you go there on a mission... and you just go from department to department being like, ‘Check, check, check.’”  
• Tip: Designate specific days for your shopping and stick to your schedule to avoid rushing.

4. "Include a Gift Receipt for Peace of Mind"

• A gift receipt adds a layer of thoughtfulness, giving recipients the freedom to exchange items they might not love. Brie explains, "They can quietly exchange it for something they like better, and I don’t even have to know."  
• Tip: Always ask for a gift receipt when purchasing to ensure a smooth exchange process for your recipients.

Sentimental Gifts: The Secret to Meaningful Giving

While convenience is key, nothing beats the thoughtfulness of a sentimental gift. Brie's favorite gifting moment was presenting her family with framed wedding photos in 2017. "It was really special because there were a bunch of pictures people hadn’t seen," she recalls.

Tip: Personalized gifts like custom photo frames, engraved accessories, or handmade items can add a heartfelt touch to your shopping list. These gifts not only celebrate memorable moments but also create new ones.

Bonus: Alison Brie’s 2024 Holiday Plans and Traditions

This year, Brie’s holidays are a little different. She’s swapping her traditional Thanksgiving potluck for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where she’ll also be cutting the ribbon. "I feel like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is like definition monoculture,” Brie says, reflecting on its iconic legacy.

This shift is a reminder that holidays are about creating joy and meaningful experiences, whether it’s a traditional dinner or watching the Snoopy balloon float by.

Practical Advice for Stress-Free Shopping This Season

Beyond Brie's tips, here are some additional strategies to make your holiday shopping smoother:

• Use Online and In-Store Options Strategically: Combine the convenience of online browsing with the immediacy of in-store shopping.  
• Keep a Detailed List: Write down who you’re shopping for, along with gift ideas and a budget. Tracking your spending prevents surprises later.
• Leverage Holiday Sales: Take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to stretch your budget further.

Start Your Stress-Free Shopping with Macy’s Gift Guide

The holidays don’t have to be stressful. With Alison Brie’s practical tips and Macy's curated gift options, you’re set for a season of joyful, stress-free shopping. Whether you’re planning ahead or making last-minute purchases, remember to stay focused, find meaningful gifts, and—most importantly—enjoy the process!

Looking for more shopping tips and holiday inspiration? Explore our other guides and take your gift-giving to the next level. Happy holidays!