How to Holiday Shop the Right Way
December is just around the corner and we've got one thing to say about that: Tis' the season to start holiday shopping!
If you want to have the best, least stressful shopping experience this year, scroll below for some helpful hints on how to strategize while making holiday purchases.
1. Make a List (and Check it Twice)
Before you do any shopping this year, make a list of who you're shopping for, and a general idea of their interests. You can clump people and their potential gift ideas by category (i.e. sports, fashion, books) so that when you head out to shop you know exactly which store and section of the mall to hit up for each individual. This is the definition of strategic shopping! Brilliant.
2. Set a Budget
If you leave the house without a set budget, chances are you'll end up spending a lot more money than you intended. Next to each friend and fam member on your gift list, write down the amount of money you're willing to spend on their gift. If you have a budget in mind, you'll be a lot more careful about where you're shopping and what to buy. Your wallet will thank you.
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3. Don't Wait Until the Last Minute and Don't Bank on Black Friday Sales
If you haven't noticed already, we're all about planning! Why stress yourself out with last minute holiday shopping when you can plan ahead now and score the best gifts? Set aside a day early in the month to get everyone on your lists presents all at once. Waiting until the last minute, or banking on Black Friday sales only to find everything is sold out, is a terrible feeling. Give yourself time to find the perfect gifts. ????
4. Compare Prices
Correct us if we're wrong, but isn't it the most awful feeling ever buying something, only to see it a few days later at another store for way less? Well, this year we vow that's not happening again. Simply download a price comparison app like RedLaser or ShopSavvy that allows you to scan and compare an item before you purchase it to make sure you're getting the best deal. Life. Saving.
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5. Always Opt for Gift Receipts
This should be a mandatory rule of holiday shopping. Always get gift receipts. Even if you think you've found the perfect gift for your bestie or mom, there's always the slight chance that they'd prefer something else or want to exchange it for a different size. Be a good shopper and request that receipt!
6. Don't Be Afraid to Shop Online
Shopping online is a beautiful, wonderful thing for multiple reasons. For one, it allows you to avoid the chaos and hassle of sledging through crowds of people at a mall, and secondly, you can do it from the comfort of your very own cozy bed. Pro tip: Download the totally rad new mobile shopping app called Operator which merges the convenience of online shopping with the personalized service of shopping in a store. You can browse tons of collections curated just for you by experts and even message those experts to get personalized recommendations! It's like having your own personal shopper.
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7. Take Advantage of Free Shipping Day
If you are one of those people who loves online shopping but happens to wait until the very last minute, why not take advantage of Free Shipping Day!? On December 16, more than 1000 retail stores offer free shipping on any online purchase and guarantee they will be have those items delivered by Christmas Eve. Be sure to check out which stores are participating this year HERE.
8. Just DIY It
If you just cannot with holiday shopping this year, we understand. Why not try making something? All you really have to purchase for a DIY gift is the crafts and supplies you'll need to make whatever you decide to create. We suggest making something cute and practical like DIY lip scrubs!
Stumped on what to get your friends this holiday season? How about one of THESE cute and cozy presents that will keep them warm as the weather gets cooler?