Before I get started, I need you to repeat your new Holiday Shopping Mantra after me...
I WILL NOT PAY FULL PRICE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
The following tips will help you stick to that mantra.
1. Make A List. Probably the biggest holiday shopping mistake a person can make is going shopping without a solid plan. Going to the shops with a 'loose list' of people to shop for and only a vague idea of what you want to buy is dangerous on so many levels. From over buying to completely forgetting Aunt Thelma... Everyone's been naughty, just make the damn list already!
TIP: Make a list of anyone and everyone you may want/need to buy gifts for, then add your vague gift ideas. Maybe even go so far as to just come out and ask them what they want. Then use this as your master list. Stick to it, and when that person has been taken care of, write down what you got them, and cross them off the list. Organization is key.
2. THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU! I am so bad about shopping for myself during the holidays. So bad. As much I'm a huge fan of retail therapy, there are two major flaws with this:
1. My holiday shopping time and budget are limited.
2. The post-holiday clearance sales in January are WAY BETTER.
It's best to leave yourself out of the equation until after the holidays.
3. Leave the distractions at home. When possible, avoid taking your child(ren) with you. Even if this means trading all of your lunch breaks until January. Brown bag it and shop in peace. Kids only complicate the mission with their begging, meltdowns and diaper blowouts.
4. Price shop from home. There are way too many apps and websites available today to not to compare prices both online and in stores. Take Your Master List and price shop online before you step foot in an actual store. Write down where the best deal is, then check your list once finished for stores or websites that overlap. This can save you a bundle on shipping and time. Between the coupon apps and the compare-and-save apps, there is no reason to pay full price anymore in store or online.
Example: I needed a big ticket item from a big box hardware store. I went to their website, found what I wanted, then searched for a coupon code. I was able to save 20% at checkout with a coupon code I found on Ebates. What made the deal even sweeter was that I opted for an in-store pickup. This saved me time and money. DO THIS!!!
5. Regift it! Before you do any of the things on this list, grab a box and walk around your house filling it with crap you don't want anymore. Remember, your crap is another person's treasure. Somehow. Once you have filled the box, sit down and decide which friend/family member or what holiday party's Secret Santa you can
6. Coupon like a crazy person. Coupons are everywhere these days, don't buy without them! Don't just rely on coupon specific websites and apps, check the website for the store you are heading to. So many stores will scan the coupons off your phone. If you shop at Target and don't use the Cartwheel app... bad, bad, bad.
7. Don't discount the discount sites. Websites like Amazon, Groupon, Zulily, Overstock, Wayfarer... all will be fighting for attention this season, so capitalize on it! Most are even offering free shipping on the smallest orders. I have each bookmarked this time of year to check quickly for steals on things on my list.
TIP: GiftCardGranny is a totally legit site to get gift cards at super discounted prices. So before you buy a gift card in a store, check Gift Card Granny first.
8. Shop Secondhand. What does every parent have in common at 2 am on Christmas Eve/Hanukkah? They're putting together toys. So, if you are going to give your child a fully assembled toy anyway, why not just buy it secondhand, shine it up and slap a bow on it? Second-hand children's stores and higher end consignment shops have incredible deals on gently used items... so worth checking out!
9. Hit up Pinterest and get crafty. Make something for the person that has everything. Every year I knit hats and scarves for family and friends. They all look forward to them now; some even put in orders for specific colors.
10. Never Shop Online unless you get cash back! I'm OBSESSED with Ebates. The site not only gives you cash back on purchases, it enters the best coupon code for you. No shit. If you've never checked out eBates, YOU'RE MISSING OUT!!! I have made over $110 in cash back shopping. Some of the money has already been directly deposited in my PayPal account. Seriously, if you shop online, I cannot recommend enough signing up for Ebates. (Tip: download the browser buttons and all cash back offers and coupons are automatically offered when you start shopping on a website.)
How do you save big during the holidays? If you have any tips or tricks, please please please share them!!!!
