The holidays are a time for family, friends, and loved ones. But if you’re a person who loves a good bargain, you might want to get your shopping out of the way before the stores get too crowded. With Black Friday just around the corner, it would be wise to start stocking up now!
See: How To Buy On Amazon In Nigeria | Here Is Step by Step Guide
But where do you even begin? It’s not always easy to know what gifts people want or need. Not to mention all of this online shopping can be confusing and overwhelming! Don’t worry– we’ve got your back. Check out our list of helpful tips on how to make this holiday season less stressful and more fun:
Set a budget
Before you start browsing, it might be helpful to figure out how much you want to spend. A good way to do this is by thinking of your budget as a percentage of your income. Make sure you know what you can afford so that you don’t overspend on gifts.
But it’s not just about the money– think about your budget in terms of time as well. Don’t let holiday shopping take over your life! Set aside some time for yourself and put some thought into gifts that are meaningful rather than stuff that will just clutter up the house.
Now that you have a budget, let’s find some great deals:
Know how much time you have to shop
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s important to know your shopping time frame. If you can’t afford to buy gifts for everyone on your list at once, set a timeline and stick to it! When you know how much time you have before the event or some other deadline, it will be easier for you to plan ahead and not feel overwhelmed.
Planning ahead also lets you see if any of your items sell out before the event begins. This way, you’ll know what lasts and what doesn’t and can order accordingly.
Know what to buy for who
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the options online. If you’re not sure what to give someone you love, we’ve got just the thing for you: gifts they’ll actually want.
Here are some things that people love and would appreciate:
- A new pair of shoes
- A new gym membership
- A functional piece of clothing
- A nice meal out at a restaurant
- New earrings/bracelets/necklaces
Take a break!
Take a break from all of the shopping and enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend. It’s so easy to get caught up in wrapping paper and gift tags, but don’t forget about yourself and your loved ones!
So what should you do instead? If you’re looking for a little inspiration, check out our list of favorite things that can help put a smile on your face this holiday season:
1. Hot chocolate!
2. A cozy blanket!
3. A new book!
Remember the shipping deadlines
Shipping deadlines can be a real pain. You’ve got to plan ahead and make sure everything is under control, otherwise, you’ll end up paying for expensive shipping and it won’t even be delivered in time.
You should also consider what type of gift you want to buy. If you’re not sure whether your family or close friends will like the item, ask them first! If they don’t like it, then it’s just as easy to send them something else. Make sure that your gift arrives on time for everyone, and you’ll save yourself some headaches along the way!
Another way to avoid shipping problems is by buying online. This gives you the chance to shop around and compare prices at various stores. It’s much easier than going from store-to-store which can take hours and cost a lot of money!
U.S. Shipping Deadlines
If you’re not careful, holiday shopping can get expensive. The best way to avoid this is to check the U.S. shipping deadlines to make sure your item arrives on time for Christmas.
The deadline for most items is November 20th, but some are available until December 10th. This means that you should start getting your order in now so you don’t miss out! It’s also a good idea to shop online so you don’t have any busy Christmas Eve lines at the store–just buy what you need and wait for it to arrive by mail!
Canada Shipping Deadlines
There’s only one day left to order from Canada before the holiday shipping deadlines. If you want your gifts delivered, make sure you place an order by December 1st. Orders placed after this date will be processed January 14th or later!
With the increased popularity of online shopping, many stores have extended their holiday deadlines to include Black Friday and Cyber Monday. So if you’re still struggling with what to buy for your loved ones, don’t fret– the deadline is not until December 16th!
Get help from friends and family
Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed with the process of buying gifts for friends and family? It’s not always easy trying to figure out what they want or need.
But don’t worry– we’ve got your back! One way to help make the holiday season less stressful is to ask your friends and family for their input. Ask them about their preferences, interests, and hobbies. This will give you some insight into what they might like this year!
You can also get help from your significant other or spouse. They can be super helpful during this time– not just because they know what their significant other wants, but also because they spend a lot of time with them on a daily basis. So if there’s anything you really want to get for someone, ask the person closest to them first!
See: Best Budget Smartphone 2021 | Best Affordable Phones
Another option is asking store employees for assistance. These employees are usually very knowledgeable about the products that are on sale, so if you’re looking for something specific, talk to the store clerk before heading home without it!
These tips are great ways to find some unique gifts that will be sure to please this year’s recipient(s).
Communicate with your recipients before sending anything
Before you buy anything, it’s always a good idea to communicate with the person who will be receiving the gift. You don’t want to send them something they don’t want or need!
First, ask your recipient what their interests and needs are: what do they like to do on their free time? What do they read? What do they watch? How old are they? These questions will help you get a better idea of what kind of gift your recipient would appreciate.
Next, consider these thoughtful gifts that any person would love: books, movies, board games– these gifts can vary depending on the recipient and the occasion. If you’re not sure what your recipient wants, check out some relevant books or films on Amazon and find something that seems like it would be fun and enjoyable for them.
Tips for your shopping list
First, make sure you’re careful with your spending. It’s easy to go overboard on gifts during the holidays, but it’s more important that you stick to a budget.
Next, think about what people would like. If you’re shopping for someone who’s into fitness or games, some of these products are bound to be a hit!
Finally, don’t forget about the time of year– holidays are only around for a short time, so make sure you get what you want now!
Now that your holiday shopping is planned out and stress-free, you can enjoy the holidays with friends and loved ones without worrying about everything else!
Tips for Black Friday
1. Plan your Black Friday shopping list
You want to make sure you’re prepared for the big day. Create a list of what people in your life need and should be receiving, so you know what gifts to buy.
2. Shop early!
The earlier you get started, the more time you’ll have to shop and put items on layaway! If you wait until Black Friday morning, retailers will be sold out by the time doors open– so start early!
Tips for Cyber Monday
Find out what gift your loved one would like the most
Create a gift registry at your favorite online retailer. This is an easy way for people to see what you’re interested in and purchase it on your behalf. Or, send them a gift card.
- Take advantage of cyber-Monday deals
- Don’t wait until the last minute to shop
- The holidays are meant to be spent with family and friends; make sure you plan accordingly!
The benefits of online shopping
The internet has made it easier than ever for people to find the perfect gift. You can search through a million different websites and find just what you’re looking for without having to go out and shop.
See: 10 Places to Visit in the United States This Christmas Season
If you’re looking for the perfect idea, the internet can also provide some insight! A quick Google search or Facebook search could help you figure out what your loved ones cherish and love most.
Plus, there’s no need to worry about taking trips to crowded stores–online shopping is more convenient than ever! It takes less time to order online and get your gifts delivered straight to your door.
Another great benefit of online shopping is that it’s cheaper! You can save on shipping costs as well as gas. You don’t have to worry about finding parking, either–all you have to do is pull up on your phone and find a convenient location.
It may be tempting not to make an online purchase because of the crowds on Black Friday but if you want a stress-free holiday season, you’ll want to give it a try!
How to keep track of your budget
It’s not always easy to stay within your budget, especially when you’re shopping for thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts! But keeping track of your budget is so important.
If you want to avoid overspending on gifts or getting caught up in the frenzy, it’s wise to limit yourself– no matter how hard it may be. Making a list and sticking to it will help you stick to your budget and make sure that gift-giving doesn’t end up causing financial stress.
To keep track of your budget, start by writing down what you’ll spend on gifts before heading out. You could even create an Excel spreadsheet with column headers like “name,” “price range,” “item name,” etc., and make notes about who needs what item.
See: Facebook Marketplace – The Good and the Bad You Need To Know
Once you’ve decided who needs what items, shop around for the best deals. Whether it’s Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday sales, there are always great deals to be found; just make sure you’re able to fit them into your budget!
How to stay organized
First things first– stay organized. Create a list of people you want to buy for and start planning their gifts. If your budget is limited, make sure you keep the value of your gifts in mind.
Secondly, if you’re shopping online, make sure you use a reputable website. Look for deals on different websites like Amazon or Target, but be careful about buying from sites that seem too good to be true!
Thirdly, don’t forget to check your credit card balance before making any purchases. Check the terms and conditions of the website to see if there are any limits on what you can spend on each purchase or total amount per month.
Fourthly, don’t rush it! Take your time when picking out presents and remember to give yourself some breathing room. Give yourself at least two weeks after Thanksgiving Day so you have more time to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
What are some great gifts people might not want?
Whether you’re shopping for someone else or just buying for yourself, it’s important to know what people don’t want this holiday season.
People might not want the same gifts they’ve had in years past or items that are too similar to what they already own (i.e., the same movie on Dvd). If you find an item that people don’t seem to like, try something new!
Here are some of the most popular things people might not want this year:
- New kitchen appliances
- A new TV
- A new phone
- Clothing (excluding shoes)
- Electronics (surprise!)
Tips to Get the Best Deals
Start early: It’s always better to get that shopping done before the stores start getting packed.
Act strategically: If you’re not sure what your loved ones want, ask them. They’ll be happy to help you find the perfect gifts.
Do your homework: If you haven’t shopped around lately, use online store reviews and price alerts to make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible on all of your holiday purchases.
Be patient: Sometimes it takes a little longer than expected for packages to arrive, but don’t worry too much–it will be worth the wait!
Planning Ahead Can Be Huge
**Planning ahead can be huge.**
The thought of squeezing into a crowded mall or dodging elbows on Black Friday might sound like a nightmare, but it’s actually the best way to save money. If you start now, you’ll be able to avoid spending more than necessary and getting left with nothing for Christmas.
So how do you plan ahead? Well, your first step is to set some parameters for what kind of gifts you want– whether they’re for friends, family members, or both. Next, look at the store websites and see what items are available in your price range– this will help narrow down your choices quicker.
Then, use online resources like eBay or Amazon to find deals on what you need. Finally, don’t forget to ask friends and family if they would like anything in particular before they go out shopping!
Avoiding False Advertising
First off, let’s get the bad news out of the way. Not all deals are created equal! You probably already know that some retailers will try to fool you into thinking they’re offering a deal when they really aren’t. It’s important to watch for these types of deceptive marketing ploys and avoid them at all costs.
Be wary of brands that use phrases like “limited time only” or “only while supplies last.” These terms are often used to make you think you can’t visit their website or visit it frequently during this limited time period. But if the deal isn’t truly limited in any way, don’t be fooled by catchy phrases like these–it’s just another false advertisement!
Getting the Most Out of Your Budget
When it comes to holiday shopping, it’s important to stay organized. If you have a budget, make sure to stick to it. And if you decide to splurge on a gift for someone special, don’t be afraid to break the budget a little bit!
Don’t forget about your family and friends– sometimes the most meaningful gifts are those that are made with love and care.
No matter what you’re shopping for this season, make sure you do it in style by checking out our guide to holiday shopping style!
Sending Gifts Overseas: When and How
If you want to send gifts to friends and family overseas, there are a couple things to keep in mind. The first is that it may take up to $30 for shipping, so be sure your budget can accommodate this cost.
Another important point is that your package must be declared. If you’re sending something over $200 worth of goods, you’ll need to declare it on your customs form or through an online declaration program before shipping it out.
If you decide to ship a gift internationally, make sure the recipient has the correct packing materials if they don’t already have them. Check with their country’s postal service for specific information on how they should prepare their items when they receive them– some countries require extra padding, while others will not accept anything other than bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts.
There are also different standards for who pays when packages get damaged during transit– in the United States, whoever pays for the shipment is responsible for it. For shipments sent abroad, check with the country’s postal service if there’s a way you can pay ahead of time so they won’t be stuck paying for any damages after arrival. Finally, find out what restrictions or requirements exist in the destination country for imported goods so
Shipping Options for Your Gifts
If you’re shopping online, one of the first steps is to find the right shipping options. Unfortunately, some websites might charge extra for shipping your purchases. If you’re looking for a website that offers free shipping, check out Amazon or eBay!
You’ll have an easier time finding deals if you know what type of items are popular this year. For example, many people are looking to get a new yoga mat this year because it has become so trendy in recent years. This can be difficult without knowing what the hot items are!
Another option is to buy gifts that are guaranteed to arrive on time. You can often do this with cards just by looking at the guarantee date, which should be listed on the card’s packaging. It’s also important to consider if you want something personalized or not- just something else to keep in mind when buying gifts!
Lastly, make sure your gift will fit through any doorways before purchasing it. People don’t always have the luxury of walking around with their arms full of presents– sometimes they need to get them inside before someone sees them!
The Holiday Party Tips
Planning a holiday party can be a lot of work and even more stress. Here are some helpful tips to make the process easier:
- Start early: The earlier you start the planning process, the easier it will be for you and your guests. You can also prepare yourself mentally to avoid any last-minute crises.
- Be realistic: Don’t plan on hosting an extravagant event on a budget. It’s better to spend less time and money on food, decorations, and entertainment– than you ever would have had if you planned an over-the-top event.
- Consider your guest list: Keep in mind your guests’ interests when deciding what types of events to host during the holidays. For example, if someone is always asking for recommendations for books they should read, hold a book club event that they’ll enjoy!
The Office Secret Santa
Many office Secret Santa’s can turn into a disaster. With coworkers and friends alike, there’s always that one person who seems like they didn’t put in any effort and then you’ve got to come up with a gift for. If you’re looking for an easy way to avoid this type of scenario, try doing a Secret Santa with your company! It’ll be perfect for those people who don’t know what they want or need, as well as those who would rather not spend the time shopping.
If your company does have some rules about who can participate, make sure to check those first so you don’t have anyone left out. Don’t forget about the people outside of your company either! For example, you might want to include contractors on your Secret Santa list so they’re not left out.
Regardless of what type of Secret Santa you do, be sure to follow these helpful tips:
Buying for Kids
If you’re buying for kids, it’s important to consider their age and interests. For example, if your child is a new baby or a toddler, make sure to get them some toys that will last all year long.
A great toy to get your child this holiday season is an activity set . These sets come with everything they need to keep them engaged and playing for hours: puzzles, games, blocks, and more!
If you’re buying for a classroom of children, try getting them some art supplies or books. You can’t go wrong with art supplies when it comes to the holidays–they’ll be the perfect gift for any budding artist in your life!
For older kids who love sports, give them a gift card so they can buy what they really want. By giving your child a gift card for their favorite sports team or player, they’ll be able to find the perfect items at their favorite store.
Buying for Parents
Have you ever bought a gift for your parents? It can be stressful to know what they’d like, so it’s more likely that they’ll get something they are not necessarily interested in.
But don’t worry! This is one of the most common mistakes people make when buying gifts for their parents. If you’re unsure what your parents might like, it would be best to do some research. For example, if your dad is into hunting, ask him what sports equipment he currently has. Then you can find some more practical or functional gifts that he might appreciate instead of just buying something because “it’s on sale.”
You could also talk to your parents about their interests and hobbies. Maybe they love to cook but are always using the same few spices or sauces? You could get them some new spices or sauces as a gift!
Getting Ready for Black Friday
Want to get the best deals on your holiday shopping? It’s important to plan ahead. Before Black Friday hits, check out what stores are offering their best sales across the country. That way, you can plan your trip accordingly and avoid spending hours in line getting skunked!
If you’re new to the game, here are some tips on saving money at these popular shopping destinations:
- Shop online at one of the top retailers
- Make sure to use coupons wisely
- Bring a list– if you have one, that is. It’ll make it easier for you to know exactly what you need or want!
- Don’t forget about thrift stores! These stores offer great deals on quality goods. Plus, they might be more affordable than online retailers, depending on where you live!