Is it that time of year again? Yikes, it is. I don’t know about you, but this time of year always sneaks up on me. One minute I am enjoying fall and the next thing I know, it’s time to start my holiday shopping. If you know me then you know that I am a sucker for a good deal. I am the girl you come to when you are trying to find an item on your list but don’t want to spend a fortune! I want to share with you all my best shopping tips and tricks so you can get the most bang for your buck while being a savvy shopper this year.

Pregame! Shop!

Pregame? Are you crazy what does that even mean? It means that you need to start planning. To be a smart shopper and stay within your budget you need to make a budget first. Start by making a list of every single person you plan to buy a gift for this holiday season. Next to their name, put a dollar amount (so you know with all of the people you shop for just how much you will need to be save). Truthfully, I start saving up for holidays presents in about August, so I don’t feel the new year credit debt from the holidays.

Next, make a category of possible gift ideas. I like to add and idea of what I really want to get them (sort of like the big-ticket item or wow item). I also leave myself plenty of space to add in other ideas as they come to me.

Here is a gift list example:

 I like to leave a little bit of space next to the dollar amount in each category so that I can cross out the amount and put what I have left in another color so I can be sure not to go over my budget while I shop!

Make a Junk Email Address

I like to create a junk email address that I can use on shopping sites. Most of the time retailers will give you some sort of percentage off for adding your email to their subscription or give you free shipping. Either way, that is money going back into your pocket for the items you were already going to purchase.

Check Out the Store App

Stores love using new technology. There is pretty much an app that you can download directly to your phone for all major stores. Even smaller shops will have this. Downloading the app for the first time might also give you a chance to earn a small percentage off of your first-time purchase using the app. Again, stores want you to use their products and can reward you big time. Usually, retailers will even create a reward system for shopping, so this is another bonus way of earning a little bit extra!

Compare Store Prices

Now you have your shopping list together and are ready to start shopping. Do your research ahead of time! Typically, stores will send out their virtual sale fliers 2 days before Black Friday. Take the time to compare 2 or 3 stores for the items you are interested in. Have that new gaming console in mind? Find the stores that have them. Does it come with a free game or maybe a gift card to the store so you can grab another gift for someone else?

Also, look to see if these stores will price match. This is so important! If the store you are hoping to purchase the item from runs out before you can snag it, chances are the next store will offer you a similar deal (if not the exact same one) to get your business. It pays to take an hour or two and make a game plan. Especially with COVID this year, you can be sure that the stores will be doing really big virtual events and offering the best deals we’ve ever seen to encourage shoppers.  

Don’t Be Afraid of that Old Newspaper

Have an extra minute to spare? Grab yourself a newspaper on Thanksgiving or the day before. This is where stores will do all of their print advertisements. This is a quick and easy way to compare the best doorbuster deals right next to each other. Sometimes stores will include coupons in there as well. Clothing department stores will probably have a printed coupon for 20% off your entire purchase and they also love to do free gifts with purchases because who doesn’t love a free gift?

Going out on Black Friday? Do this!

One thing I always do if I actually go out on Black Friday (before I enter the store) is look up the store’s website on my phone while I am waiting to shop. Usually, there is a coupon on the front page of the website that will offer more savings on your entire purchase. A lot of the craft stores will do 40% off of one item. Take a screenshot in case your phone freezes while in the store. This way, you have the coupon ready to go and can give yourself an idea of how much you are able to spend so you don’t go over your budget!

Bookmark Product Pages Ahead of Time

If you know you are going for one of the really popular big-ticket items like a new gaming console or TV, bookmark the webpage ahead of time. Sometimes stores will offer a limited quantity online and you have to act quickly on the deal so you don’t miss it. Take the time to hit the little star in the top right-hand corner of your web browser when you see the item you want to purchase. That way, when the website opens for deals, you can get there easily without having to fidget with navigating through the website.

I hope this helps you save big this holiday season and you are able to enjoy your shopping. I would love to know what other tips you use to be a savvy shopper! Make sure to follow us on Facebook to never miss a blog!