Yes, Christmas Shopping Has Begun. Here are My 8 Best Tips.
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Something wild happened over the weekend. Everything magically switched from orange and black to red and green at midnight on November 1st. Not only did the colors change, but the retail stores also started promoting Christmas sales and online stores dropping prices with Black Friday Early Deal Drops. And, people responded! The stores were packed this weekend – and it was only the first weekend of November. So, I am sharing my best Christmas shopping tips for those of you already getting busy tackling the list.
Get Your Kid’s Wish Lists Now.
If you haven’t realized it yet, the major retailers have already released their Christmas toys and sent out their Christmas wish books to households across America. In our home, we have already received a wish book from Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Go ahead and start talking to your kids about what they want for Christmas, so you aren’t running around at the last minute trying to find that sold-out toy.
Create a Budget.
Before you do any shopping, create a budget. I’m not telling you how much to spend – that is up to you! What I am telling you is that if you aren’t careful, you may wind up spending way too much on someone who won’t appreciate it or not having enough left over for that family member you forgot. It is just a good way to keep yourself in check.
Download Christmas List App.
Speaking of wish lists and budgets, download the free Christmas List app, and it will help you take care of both! It even allows you to keep track of which gifts need to be purchased, shipped, and wrapped. Plus, you can share your wish lists with family and friends who ask. It’s a huge Christmas-lifesaver!
Download Apps to Your Favorite Stores.
With mobile phones, you should never hit the checkout line before checking a store’s app for discounts and coupons. Stores like Target and Walmart have apps that offer special app-only discounts. And, apps like Amazon make it easy to do a little research in-store before you purchase (such as reading reviews and comparing prices).
Use ShopSavvy When You Shop.
Speaking of apps while shopping, you absolutely must take advantage of ShopSavvy if you aren’t already. There is no reason to spend more money on something than you have to in today’s competitive retail market. ShopSavvy is a price comparison app that allows you to scan a barcode and compare prices online and locally.
Watch for Price Drops with CamelCamelCamel.
Let’s say one of your kids has something on her wish list that is just a little over your budget. Sign up for camelcamelcamel to receive price drop notifications when that particular item drops to your requested price (or lower) on Amazon.
Avoid Shipping Costs.
Do your very best to avoid shipping. Many stores offer free shipping once you hit a certain amount, but you can also always get free shipping if you sign up to be an Amazon Prime Member (or just sign up for the trial when you are doing your Christmas shopping). Or, take advantage of Free Shipping Day on December 15, 2019, which is when thousands of online retailers offer free shipping just in time for Christmas.
Think Outside the (Present) Box.
Finally, don’t assume you have to give everyone a physical gift. I’ve found that gifts of experience are just as good – and often are better – than toys or gadgets. Order a magazine subscription for a loved one or get season passes to the aquarium for the whole family.
