You’ve waited until the last minute to buy your gifts this year. Now what? Just because Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us doesn’t mean you have to miss out on some great savings, too. Check out the list of tips below to save when time is down to the wire.
Refine Your List
Create a narrowed down list of whom you have left to buy for, what you’re getting for them and what you plan to spend on each person. Your shopping list will serve as your most valuable shopping tool when it comes to saving money. If you know you’re buying a pair of shoes for your mother, plan out just what you want to spend, like $50.
By setting a budget with your list, you can monitor your overall spending, especially as last-minute deals may be harder to find the closer you get to the holidays. To stay organized, try using the Gift Log Calculator from PracticalMoneySkills.com to match prices with products.
Set a Time Limit
Time is running low and you’ve got to get your shopping finished. Pick out a time limit to purchase each item. Once you begin shopping, you can set a reminder on your phone to pick up specific items. If you’re shopping with time restraints, you’ll be less likely to make impulse buys. When shopping online, allow yourself to only research items for up to twenty minutes. This is plenty of time to find, locate and identify the best deal on a particular product on the web.
Shop Online
Shopping online is fast, easy and allows you to comparison shop all at once. While you may have a favorite retailer who sells the items you want, you may be able to find the same gifts at less cost at other retailers that are offering deals, special incentives, free shipping or coupon codes. Make sure you are taking time to research each gift before making the move to buy. Also, be sure to double check your list to ensure you are getting everything from that online store that you need. If you can’t find free shipping, stores will sometimes offer free shipping over a certain dollar amount.
Ordering online also allows you to shop from the comfort of your own home. At home, you may find you are better able to resist the urge to buy point of purchase sale items, eat out at restaurants or make other impulse shopping decisions.
Use Coupon Codes
If you’re shopping online, coupon codes are by far the best way to stack your savings. Take advantage of customer loyalty points, cash back and any coupons you can find. Look for codes that offer a certain percentage off with free shipping to save even more.
Gift Cards
While most commonly used as last-minute gifts, gift cards can also be one of the best ways to save money on your purchases. Sites like Raise.com and Cardpool.com offer gift cards that are discounted as much as 20 percent for many merchants. If you buy a gift card to make your purchase, you can combine your savings with an in-store or online coupon code. Quickly, you could see savings an anywhere from twenty-five to forty percent off your original total.
Get Personal
Gifts that are personalized with meaningful photos or text are typically cherished by the recipient, however they can take a long time to create and ship. Instead of personalizing with a name or photo, think about “personal” on a personality level. You can get the athlete in your life a yoga mat with a gift certificate for a yoga membership, or get someone a subscription to their favorite magazine or a wine club. Subscription gifts are truly gifts that keep on giving and will serve to remind your special somebody just how much you care.
Know somebody that is in constant need of a car wash? Put items like Armor All wipes, sponges, and soap in a basket. You can also do the same for the girl (or guy) who could use a spa day. Pamper them with a basket full of soaps, scrubs and bubble bath, all items that are sure to keep them relaxed throughout the year.
Stock Up On Other Discounted Items
During holiday sales, you’ll often find good deals on off-season merchandise, such as Thanksgiving merchandise and tools. Stock up on these items while they are on sale. However, if you are in need of holiday decorations or extra winter clothing, your best bet is to wait until after December 25. In the days before Christmas and for weeks afterwards, merchants will start offering Christmas-centric products and winter gear at deeply discounted prices in order to push these products out the door and make way for spring merchandise.
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Last Minute Holiday Shopping Tips originally appeared on usnews.com
