Powered by Mom shares a few Christmas shopping tips with you!
I should really publish this article at the beginning of the new year because believe it or not that is when I often start my Christmas shopping. Oh I know some of you don’t want to hear about Christmas shopping yet but it’s coming soon people and if you want to avoid the crowds the majority of the time and get some great deals then you need to think early. However for you who shop at the last minute there’s even a few tips for you too!
Had to share our slightly goofy Christmas picture 🙂
As I said I’ve already started my Christmas shopping, in fact I’ve been doing it all year long. I make a list of who I know I need to buy gifts for Christmas, including business associates and I keep an eye out on sales and items that I think might be a good fit for someone on my list. If an item is on for a great sale then I snag it and put it away for the holidays. Obviously this can’t apply to food items but you’d be amazed at how many gifts you can get at better prices when you’re not tied to just getting it during the holiday season.
I hate waiting until the last minute in fact one year my husband (boyfriend at the time) and I were actually shopping on Christmas Eve, it was nuts! After that crazy experience I was determined never to be Christmas shopping that late again. I’m happy to say I never have done it that late again and in fact I’m usually done by late November or early December at the absolute latest. Now shipping off the parcels that’s another story 🙂
I scope out websites that sell any specific items I’m looking for and to give me ideas for those hard to buy for people like my mother-in-law! I like Amazon of course as it’s good for a huge variety of products, price comparison and for you last minute shoppers quick shipping!
Here are is a summary of the tips I’ve mentioned so far and some other tips for Christmas shopping to help make it easier for you and hopefully save you some dollars.
- Shop early, I mean early like all year long, summer at the latest. There are great deals ALL YEAR LONG!
- Make a list of who you need to buy gifts for and brainstorm some general ideas of gifts for them
- Bookmark websites where you like to shop to watch out for sales
- Check out dollar stores for stocking stuffers, they don’t need to be expensive but people still enjoy getting them and it’s fun!
- Browse online and do search for discounts and coupons for specific products or stores you’re hoping to shop at
- Some stores you can buy the same item in multiples cheaper, check it out and see if you need multiples or go in on it for a friend. For example I’ve bought things for my daughter, 2 nieces and my cousin’s 2 girls they are all within 2 years of each other so multiples has worked great for toys and even clothing for them
- Check out online deal sites
- Check out flyers for local stores before all the crazy holiday shopping
- For the brave go to Black Friday sales – this is not for me I don’t like crowds but I know many people have scored during this time
- Check out Cyber Monday sales – more my speed, done from the comfort of my home
This post was not sponsored by anyone, I just want to save you all the hassle of shopping in busy malls 🙂
Sarah Matos says
I try to shop during what I feel is the less crowded/popular times. Seems to work for me. Great tips.
terri bollin says
I hate shopping but I will try these great tips and maybe it won’t be so bad
rochelle haynes says
Great tips
Pamela Robinson says
Great shopping tips. I wish I had more room in my home to store year round shopping gifts.
lisa says
When you shop, leave the kids at home, if possible. To me shopping is a chore. Especially in cold weather. I usually just pick up gift cards.
Debbie Welchert says
I haven’t started shopping yet but these tips will help and will help even more for next year. I’m going to try and make lists for presents for next year and keep an eye out for sales instead of waiting for last minute shopping. Thanks for the tips.
maria says
These are great tips. I am usually an early shopper but this year I will need these tips
denise low says
Thanks for the tip. I try to shop all year. We have a limited income so we have to try to get good deals all year long
cyndi f says
Man you are so right You can find such good deals all year long then of course i wait til right now and have very little money and like a dumb dumb have to scramble I use to shop all year, now i havn’t been. ugg when will i learn. Thank you for the tips.
Debbie says
I always shop all year long. After Christmas sales especially as grandkids birthdays in Jan, Feb and Mar
loucheryl says
LOVE the photo! My tip is if you are out shopping and see what you are looking for, BUY IT! Don’t wait because it may be gone when you go back and want to buy it.
Ashley C says
Absolutely love this! The tips are great. I somewhat do buy gifts throughout the year so I don’t have to struggle to buy gifts during the holiday season. Those that I have to wait for, I will buy online during black friday time… I never go into the stores, though.
Michele Ash says
I really enjoyed reading your Christmas Shopping Tips and the Picture of your family all dressed up for Christmas! I try every single year to go out the day after Christmas and see what kind of gifts I can get for the next Christmas or for Birthdays, Anniversaries throughout the year. I generally am done shopping by now as well, however, I really don’t have anything this year! I’m so afraid that I’m going to let the kids down this year! We had such a terrible 2014 with sickness, hospitalizations, surgeries, major surgery, doctors, specialists, etc. etc. Both my husband and I are disabled due to a horrific auto accident where we were struck from behind by a hit and run drunk driver (we are on a fixed income) My husband was working a part-time job to help with the groceries and other things. Since he has been ill and had major surgery, he has not been working! With that extra money not coming in and all the bills now magically appearing, money is just too tight! Everytime I mention Christmas and who I need to get something for, he just says we have time yet. He’ll be saying it up and including Christmas Eve at this point! I’ve been entering online contests like crazy trying to win Christmas Gifts! I’m up until like around 3am every single day just trying to keep up! He yells because I’m up late and nothing wonderful has happened yet. However, I’m just hopeful I guess (either that or just plain dumb). Anyway, Thanks so much for the tips, like I said I try to do whatever I can when something is on sale throughout the year, however, this one was a complete bust! Thanks again, Michele
Shannon says
Thank you for sharing all of these great shopping tips.
lana simanovicki says
i love these tips
Maryanne says
I’d have to say that shopping the sales all year has helped tremendously.
Ruth Griffeth says
Great ideas, I will keep them in mind. I do most of my Christmas shopping online now!
amy says
Thank you for the great tips, I can use them!
Jerrica Evans says
I usually don’t start my Christmas shopping until late in the year. I always plan to do it throughout the year but it never ends up that way.
Anne Marie Carter says
I agree with your philosophy of “shopping early” and often. I also purchase things when I see them if I know someone in my family that would like that item. I save the things that I purchase all year, just waiting for Christmas.
Sue Hull says
I start my shopping in July. I try to win giveaways of stuff I can give as gifts. I’ve got my niece,sister and some of my daughters done. My granddaughter is only 6 months old so she’s easy to shop for. My sister sells Avon so that helps me too. Thank you for all the great tips 🙂
amy says
Thank you for the fantastic tips. I need all the help I can get!
Mary Hoffman says
GREAT TIPS! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SHARE THEM!
Sue Harp says
I had to chuckle when I read your comment about shopping on Christmas Eve, since I’ve been there and done that!! I agree that it’s best to get it done early, and now I do try to pick things up all year round. The only problem with this is when I give a gift that, for whatever reason, needs to be exchanged or returned and it’s either past the return date or is no longer available for exchange. But for the most part, it is best to plan early and get it done. It gives me more time to enjoy the fun parts of the Holidays, like baking, watching Christmas movies and just spending time with family. Thanks for all the tips, it really helps when heading out to do some power shopping!!
April M says
It sucks cause we always wait until the last minute and rush around trying to find stuff. This year I’ve been picking stuff up online here and there. Thanks
Melissa George says
thanks for such amazing Tips and i always chckout cyber monday deals which have some amazing offers always.
Tina M says
Thanks for the info
Jasmine P says
Thanks for the great tips!
paula v says
These are great tips. I’m such a procrastinator; I wish I could shop all year long and get it done.
Jeanine says
small drug stores have black friday deals without the crowds. they’re great places for wrap, ribbon, and such!!
Tracy H says
Thanks for the info and the helpful shopping tips!!
MB says
Great tips! I like to shop online during Black Friday and Cyber Monday like you mentioned.
Stacey Roberson says
I definitely agree with shopping early. I don’t like waiting until the last minute and then the deals are gone. I look for deals year-round for Christmas gifts.
Jennifer Heintz says
Enjoyed reading your tips for holiday shopping. For the procrastinators (like myself), mailing directly from the retailer to the recipient works well. Why double mail? I agree that shopping throughout the year would be much better.
sandy weinstein says
good tips but i love the deals for black friday, but it is so much that i get tired of it…fast, what happened to just celebrating the holidays and become such a crazy mess. i like now that you can at least get the black friday deals ahead o time, however, you have to pick and choose b/c cant get them all.
Denise Osborn says
Love the shopping tips. Be careful when going out to your car. Be aware of surroundings
Karen says
I always shop all year long. I do surveys to earn Amazon credit, so when something drops in price, I can scoop it up while it’s in stock. Otherwise, Amazon price gouges right before the holidays. I try to avoid paying their overpriced costs in November and December!
Lisa Coomer Queen says
These are great tips. I like the Cyber Monday shopping also!
lei says
totally agree with these tips 🙂
Penni says
Thanks for the great tips! I already follow the one about shopping early – and all year long!
Deborah D says
These are great tips. I start shopping for Christmas right after Christmas.
Katharine Cookman says
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE LAST MIN SHOPPER FOR SOME REASON THAT IS HOW ITS ALWAYS BEEN I JUST CANT HELP IT NO MATTER WHAT I TRY TO DO I CAN NEVER SHOP BEFORE THE LAST MIN.
Jennifer G. says
Thank you for the tips! Dollar store and Cyber Monday are my favorites! Nothing like a great deal!
Diana Corlett says
Would make a big difference to the stress levels around Christmas! Great tips!.
Kimberly Flickinger says
These are some great tips for holiday shopping. I usually wait until after Black Friday to do my shopping.
Tina Bornheimer says
I wish I could shop early, but I am on social security disability and it’s not always an option for me, but great tips!
Gale McCarron says
Great tips to keep in mind to make things easier and to keep it in order. I swear by my lists and would be lost without them. Thanks for your advice!
constance ralph says
I alway hit the clearance rack and dollar tree for stocking stuffers or if i get lucky something great.
Lisa Garland says
These are some great ideas! I actually start after Christmas when they have some big sales. Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body have a great semi annual sale after Christmas. Also, shop clearance at Target all year long.
Michelle G. says
Cyber Monday is the ONLY way I shop!! I’m not the typical girl that loves shopping, I despise shopping actually & if it wasn’t for my daughter not a single person would get Christmas gifts!!
shaorn Bartlett says
Love to shop Black Friday always have a plan.
Erwin Arnold says
My tip is to get all your shopping done early
Jennifer Hiles says
I like the idea of Cyber Monday. I’m not a big crowd person either. I’ve been to Walmart on Christmas Eve, it’s insane. Never seen anything like it. I need to remember to bookmark the sites I want to shop at.
Carla Ploegstra says
I always say that I am going to start early and then i never do and regret it as i scramble in November and December. Ugh
TrippyCusp93 says
These are excellent shopping tips for the holidays! I always shop at Amazon for the children’s toys and I generally do my purchases early. This year, I’m making Christmas candy for all of the adults, so I’ll be keeping my eye on Kroger’s specials and deals. Thanks for sharing!
Saundra M says
These are great tips. I am on a fixed income and I shop for Christmas all year whenever I see a great deal. I always try to be done by Thanksgiving and only have 1 more to buy.
Jeanine says
I am physically unable to do any amount of holiday shopping such as would be in a mall-type setting so I shop before Thanksgiving and then do all of my remaining shopping online or in local shops. Thanks for the great hints!
Ellora Bybee says
Great ideas, I do some of them already and the rest I will be doing this year and the next
robyn donnelly says
The tips are great ideas and very helpful, thanks. Anything that helps save time or energy is always appreciated.
Sarah L says
I shop year-round too. Great sales after Christmas. Love dollar stores for kid stuff.
denise low says
Thank you for the tips. I shop online as much as possible.
Lisa Schweizer says
Thanks so much for sharing all the great tips. I never shop Black Friday either, too many fights and I hate crowds!
lisa says
I used to dread the holiday season because the stores were so crowded. Things have changed so much with the internet.
Jennifer Gleaton says
Thank you for the great tips and ideas! I’m with you on not liking crowds. Drives me nuts with all the chaos! Yes when my sisters and I were younger, we had a ball going out on Black Friday. Now days I enjoy sitting in the comfort of my home ordering on line! Thanks again!
Denise Smith says
I dont do black friday usually that is the day we put our christmas tree up i do online shopping alot
Penny Delgado says
Thanks for sharing great tip on shopping for the holidays. I will sure use this tip next year on start looking out for those marked down items on my list and start shopping early 🙂
Joann says
I hate shopping in December. I try to be done by early december. I start after September though since my sons birthday is in September most of what I get early in the year go to his birthday gifts, but I’ve done the black friday shopping and the christmas eve shopping once. Never again. I didn’t think it was worth the wait or stress of it. I shop mostly online for my husband and father and my kids I hit discount stores, freecycle in my area and second stuff.
Alejandra Carrillo says
I also dont do black friday but I think I will do cyber minday this year! Already thinking of gifts. (:
Dorothy Teel says
Great ideas and one of the biggest that I must always follow is to use a list and it helps me if I go for one grandchild at a time and I love the dollar stores for stocking stuffers, go early and don’t wait until Christmas Eve..LOL
Carla S says
Thanks for the tips. I like cyber monday better than black friday.
Maria Iemma says
Thank you so much for the tips. It is such a stressful time of the year when you have a large family to shop for.
Lulu says
Thanks for the helpful tips! I usually shop for Christmas gifts starting from November, I guess I need to start earlier)
Cindy B says
Thanks for the tips! I agree about shopping all year. When I see something I know a certain person would love I buy it right then. I keep a box in my closet and store everything together so I don’t forget about what I’ve already purchased!
norma chabrouillaud says
Thanks powered by mom for Christmas shopping tips. I am planning on using a few. Thanks again.
Nena Sinclair says
These are great tips! I tend to procrastinate and I have to stop that!
Heather Barker says
Thanks for the great gift buying tips!
Leslie ross says
Thanks for the great info, great shopping tips too
Cheryl Rogers says
I love all your shopping tips, I try to start earlier and earlier every year! I have 5 kids to buy for so that keeps me on my toes to stretch my budget every chance I get!
Karen U says
Cyber Monday is the way to go!
Shannon R. says
I agree after Christmas is actually a really good time to start Christmas shopping for the following year if you want to get really good deals
Cher Garman says
These are very informative tips! I like the fact you mentioned Cyber Monday; I think I’ll stay home this year on Black Friday and try my luck online! Thank you!
JANE RITZ says
I love your tips and will use some of them I like to spread out my shopping when Ican.
lisa says
I never shop during the holiday season. I shop whenever I see sales. You have some good shopping tips.