I do a lot of shopping, and whether shopping online, or on a tight budget, I have some great tips to make getting through the holiday shopping season a little easier. This is a pretty easy post since I do most of these things! 😉
One of my FAVE websites is Retail Me Not. You search by retailer/website and can find any coupon codes that exist out in the cyber world. I have saved tons of money this way! Some sites even let you use more than one coupon code at a time.
Dollar stores have some great inexpensive wrapping supplies. They offer wrapping paper, bows, rippons, gift bags, and tissue paper. Sometimes I have found tissue paper printed with patterns or designs, and was able to use that as wrapping paper for smaller gifts. Another great idea is to take plain white or brown craft paper, and paint it with designs, stencils, or stamps made from sponge. You can also use it plain, and dress the packages up with some fun ribbons.
Check out off-price retailers.
Stores like TJMAXX, Marshalls, and Ross often have brand name products for crazy, inexpensive prices! They carry designer perfumes, beauty/makeup items, home goods, purses, wallets, etc. You can also find great gifts like candles, jewelry boxes, stationary, and much more. It’s usually hit or miss in these types of stores, but I have scored some major goodies for great prices.
Make sure to check the store’s websites, newspaper ads, or for printable in-store offers before shopping.
Department stores often run ads in the newspaper, and offer coupons in their Sunday circulars. You can also do a search online for printable coupons for the stores you are planning on going to, and go directly to their website to see if they offer coupons you can print off their site. Check a few stores you know you will hit on your shopping excursion and you may save some bucks!
Price check online, shop around, and ask about price-matching
If you are looking for something specific (especially when it comes to appliances and electronics), check several stores online before you head out, to see who has the best deal. It’s a pain to buy something, and then see it cheaper the next day. It might be a good idea to call ahead, and make sure it is the same price in-store as it is online. If not, ask if they are willing to match the in-store price to the price they are advertising online, or print out the page online, and bring it to the store with you – maybe a manager would offer to match the price. (This can work with competitors as well – print/bring the ad with the lower price, and see if another retailer would be willing to match it).
I hope you found these tips helpful! Remember, these aren’t just holiday tips! Keep them in mind for birthdays and other occasions, and also when just shopping for products for yourself!
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