The flurry of the holiday shopping season kicks off in earnest Friday, with the National Retail Federation anticipating 135.8 million Americans planning to shop online and off during Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Sunday, and Cyber Monday. But while chasing the absolute lowest price might help fuel the adrenaline junkie, it can be an exhausting time drain for people who would rather spend time with loved ones. Here, we break down ways to get the best deals without all the stress.
Let the deals come to you. Once you’ve made your holiday shopping list, sign up for email newsletters, download apps and set social media alerts for your favorite retailers. Also check the price adjustment policies of your intended outlets. Many stores will provide a refund on full-priced items if they are discounted within a certain period. Macy’s, for instance, allows a price adjustment within 14 days if the original item is purchased without a coupon. Brooks Brothers allows 10 days. Save those receipts; many stores print their price adjustment policy next to their refund policy on the back, as well as on their websites, but be sure to read the fine print.
Max out credit card rewards. American Express, Discover, Chase and many other credit cards (and even some debit cards) offer online marketplaces with discounts and promotions for leading retailers. Be sure to take advantage of any discounts your credit card company may offer with retail partners. These are usually found by logging into your credit card company’s website and looking for an online marketplace. Shop through the marketplace for extra perks, such as flash sales, hidden discounts or even holiday packages at a steal. Or earn bonus points when you shop for everyday things, and redeem those points for things you’ll want to give away or keep for yourself.
Give, get and give back. Museum stores, national park bookshops, charity drives and nonprofit organizations are all great places to buy unusual gifts that people won’t be able to get anywhere else, and the gifts also serve a greater purpose. The proceeds of all purchases at such places, like the Smithsonian Institute or National Parks Foundation, directly support educational programs, art exhibits, natural resources and community programs. Many offer membership, which allows for free or discounted entry, discounts at the store and special events throughout the year.
Get free shipping, bonus items or other goodies. Before making any purchases, check online promotions at a website like RetailMeNot, which aggregates coupons and deals from leading retailers. Buying cosmetics or skin care for yourself? Use a site like Clinique-bonus.com to track which brands and stores are running a gift with purchase promotion. Travel-sized beauty items make great stocking stuffers or grab-bag gifts. Put a few together in a small pouch or tie with ribbon, and you’ve got a last-minute goodie to give.
Skip Black Friday. If you’re an impulse shopper, heading to the nearest mall on Black Friday may not be for you. Consider the gas and time spent circling the parking lot for a space, the money and calories wasted in the food court and the too-good-to-be-true sales on items you don’t want or need. Instead, skip Black Friday entirely and head to the woods, as outdoor retailer REI is encouraging its customers to do by closing all its stores on the day after Thanksgiving. Jerry Stritzke, president and CEO of REI, said in a news release: “Black Friday is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the essential truth that life is richer, more connected and complete when you choose to spend it outside. We’re closing our doors, paying our employees to get out there, and inviting America to OptOutside with us because we love great gear, but we are even more passionate about the experiences it unlocks.”
Never fear: There will be plenty of opportunities to get deals between Small Business Saturday and New Year’s Eve. “To make it even easier on holiday shoppers this year, we expect retailers will offer exclusive savings each day of the big weekend, including Thanksgiving and Black Friday-only deals and even extended Cyber Monday promotions throughout the week that follows,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said in a news release. “But this weekend isn’t the end-all-be-all; it’s important to remember, there will be several important weekends to keep an eye on before we wrap up the holiday season.”
Get crafty. Visit Pinterest to get do-it-yourself suggestions for quick, easy and inexpensive homemade gift wrap, tags, cards, decorations or ornaments, some of which you can even make using items around the house. Enlist the kids before Thanksgiving dinner to keep them occupied. Brown shipping paper with twine, white poster sheets with stamps and even leftover scraps of store-bought paper can all be used to create stylish wrapping.
Regift without shame. The practice of regifting has become so common that it’s the “new normal,” with more than half of Americans admitting to the practice, and only 11 percent saying they’ve been caught, according to a survey of 4,200 adults released in November by electronics retailer hhgregg. Getting a gift from someone under age 30? The odds are higher that it’s on its second time around. Sixty percent of millennials have admitted to regifting, according to the survey. Don’t want to be sneaky? Own up to it, with a simple note: “I received this, and it’s not quite my color/size/flavor/thing, but I thought it would look great on you.” Or help those who are less fortunate by donating unwanted gifts.
More from U.S. News
9 Ways to Save When Holiday Shopping With Credit Cards
10 Creative Ways to Cut Costs This Winter
12 Shopping Tricks to Keep You Under Budget
7 Ways to Save Time, Money and Stress This Holiday Season originally appeared on usnews.com
