Make a simple list?
Make an spreadsheet of the items?
Bring all the ads?
Use a PDA to keep track?

Last year, my target was CC and Staples. I printed out the list of sale items and highlighted the items I was getting. It wasn't too efficient, but it did the job. This year, I'll just make a simple list of the items I'll get instead of carrying pages of paper with me.

Well, I learned my lesson last year: the first thing you should do is CHECK HERE! Okay, actually maybe the second, after 1) setting a budget, and 2) getting everyone's Christmas List.
Here is what I do: After doing my Christmas Layaway (Darn Walmart for getting rid of layway after this season!), I compile the remainder of the items wanted from everyone's wish lists and put them into an excel file with average cost for each item (i.e. EZ Bake Oven $24.99). Once I start seeing on this board what may be available on Black Friday, I will note any items aready on the list, as well as add some to the list. On Turkey Day, when driving over to family I stop for a paper (and a Diet Coke!). After we have stuffed ourselves and are back home, I go through the ads, passing to hubby, who then passes to kid, so that we can all check out the ads--we each get a different colored Sharpie to make a dot/asterisk next to an item that we might like. After we have all looked over the ads, I take all of them and put them in a 3-ring or folder. If there are items that I will want to price match, I will put a post-it or something on that page. When I am done at the store, I remove the ad from the folder on the way to the next store. And to aid in bugeting (and returns later) I keep all the receipts. For items that I have purchased, I will go back to the Excel File and move the "item I want to buy" into the "purchased" item column with the actual price (with tax), so thta I can keep an eye on how much I have spent.

I make a list of all the items I want with their skus highlighted, & bring the involved store's ads, with what I want circled.

Then I make a few copies of the list [an extra for for my pocket, one for my purse & another for the car] because I always manage to lose a copy [or two ] while I'm out shopping. I also bring all of the flyers along in car. It gives me something to read while I'm waiting, and you never know if you may decide to pick up a few things not on the original list.

By the end of the trip, my car looks like traveling trash can of rumpled newspapers, flyers, notes, & empty coffee cups.






I think I may need to learn what organization means

That's my car on a regular basis!

On paper I'm making a list and checking it twice organizing items with most my wanted on top. Then I'll hit the websites and try to get the items in the few minutes they'll be available.