TET 2026 SHOPPING CHECKLIST

Lunar New Year is always the busiest time of the year, especially for young families and working professionals living in urban areas. Alongside year-end workloads, plans for family gatherings, gift-giving, shopping, and travel are often compressed into a short period, leaving many people feeling overwhelmed - both in terms of time and finances.

In reality, many households spend a considerable amount during Tet yet still feel unprepared, or only realize after the holiday that their budget has far exceeded expectations. The issue is rarely excessive luxury spending, but rather the absence of a clear shopping plan with well-defined priorities. A well-structured Tet shopping checklist helps families and working professionals prepare more thoroughly, manage time more effectively, and significantly reduce financial pressure during the year-end peak season.

1. Why Do Families and Working Professionals Need a Tet Shopping Checklist?

Unlike other consumer groups, working professionals often face tight schedules while Tet-related expenses span multiple categories. Without a checklist, shopping decisions are easily driven by emotions or last-minute needs, leading to duplicate purchases, missed essentials, or rushed spending right before Tet.

A checklist is more than a reminder of what to buy. It serves as a “roadmap” for the entire Tet preparation process. By seeing the full picture, consumers can prioritize more effectively, allocate time wisely, and avoid the sense of chaos that commonly arises in the days leading up to the holiday.

2. Household Essentials: The Foundation of Tet Shopping

The first and most fundamental category in any Tet shopping plan is household necessities. This is also the category most prone to overspending if not prepared early.

Food and daily essentials usually account for a significant portion of the Tet budget. Clearly identifying the number of holiday days, family members, and eating habits helps prevent over-purchasing, especially for fresh items. In recent years, many families have chosen to simplify Tet meals, focusing on quality and convenience rather than quantity.

Household items such as decorations, cleaning supplies, or items that need replacement should also be reviewed in advance. Purchasing these early not only helps control costs but also reduces the pressure of last-minute shopping during peak days.

Gifts and External Spending

Gift-giving is often the most stressful category for working professionals, as it is closely tied to family, social, and professional relationships. Without a clear plan, gift-related spending can easily exceed expectations.

A Tet shopping checklist should separate gift expenses into a distinct category for easier tracking and balance. Identifying recipients, appropriate budgets, and purchase timing early helps reduce psychological pressure and avoids rushed purchases at higher costs.

Tet 2026 gift trends are increasingly shifting toward practical items with long-term value rather than purely symbolic or decorative gifts. This approach not only optimizes spending but also aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable and thoughtful consumption.

Personal Shopping for Working Professionals During Tet

For working professionals, personal shopping often reflects the desire for renewal at the beginning of the year. Clothing, accessories, personal devices, and technology products are common items in this category.

However, this is also the category most influenced by promotions and trends. A checklist helps distinguish genuine needs from temporary wants. With a clear plan, promotions can be used strategically rather than triggering impulsive purchases.

Identifying necessary items in advance also helps avoid the habit of “buying for Tet’s sake,” where products are purchased but rarely used afterward, resulting in unnecessary waste.

3. Timing Your Purchases: A Key Factor in Cost Efficiency

A common mistake is concentrating all shopping in the days immediately before Tet. During this period, prices fluctuate more, options are limited, and time constraints often lead to hasty decisions.

With a clear checklist, families and working professionals can spread out their purchases. Items not dependent on timing—such as dry foods, household goods, or gifts—can be bought earlier. This approach reduces short-term financial strain and provides greater flexibility and control throughout the preparation process.

Using a Checklist to Manage Emotional Spending

The festive atmosphere, advertising, and year-end promotions can easily push spending beyond planned limits. A checklist acts as a stabilizing reference point, helping consumers reconnect with their original needs whenever they face a purchasing decision.

When all categories are clearly listed and tracked, the anxiety of “missing something” diminishes significantly. Instead, shoppers gain a sense of control, knowing exactly what has been prepared and what still needs attention.

Well-Organized Preparation for a Stress-Free Post-Tet Period

The greatest value of a Tet shopping checklist lies not only in pre-holiday preparation, but also in its positive impact after Tet. When spending is well managed, returning to daily routines and work becomes far smoother, without prolonged financial stress.

For families and working professionals, a well-organized Tet saves time and energy while fostering a positive mindset for the year ahead.

4. Flexible Financial Solutions for Tet 2026 Shopping

Beyond planning and expense control, many families and working professionals are also exploring flexible financial solutions to better manage peak-season spending.

When used responsibly, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options can help distribute cash flow more effectively, particularly for essential Tet purchases. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, consumers can align repayments with post-Tet income.

With BNPL solutions from MOVI, working professionals gain greater flexibility in Tet shopping while reducing immediate financial pressure and maintaining spending discipline. Most importantly, BNPL should be viewed as a cash flow management tool, combined with a clear checklist and plan, to ensure Tet 2026 becomes a smooth and sustainable start for the entire family.

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