Photo: Getty
Between travel, family obligations and finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list, the holidays are stressful. But shopping for presents doesn’t have to be a taxing chore. We complied the top hacks for making gift-giving a breeze.
Understand Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday
Serious holiday shoppers should take time to compare and contrast these promotional days, then plan accordingly. Here’s everything you need to know:
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Join RetailMeNot
RetailMeNotis a one-stop source for coupons valid at retailers likeBest Buy,TargetandWalgreens. You can sign up now to get them delivered straight to your inbox, filter through options like clothing, beauty, electronics and more to find deals (or cash-back offers) that align with your shopping list for stress-free savings this holiday season and – to make it easiest of all – downloadGenie, the site’s browser extension, which automatically will scour any retail site you’re shopping and list all the available offers you can apply.
Take Notes Throughout the Year
Use Google Shopping
Get One-Day Shipping at Target or Walmart
Yes, it’s true. Walmart offers free next-day shipping on orders over $35, while in some markets, Target offerssame-day deliveryfor everything from toys and kitchen and dining, to bedding and beauty supplies through their app. (In other markets,you can choose in-store pickupand either grab it right from the customer service counter, or even have it delivered to you in the parking lot while you wait in your car.)
Stock Up on Go-To Holiday Gifts
When you see universal crowd pleasers (like candles, gift cards, blankets, socks, etc.) on sale, purchase them in bulk. Then combine a few to create a curated set, perfect for last-minute gift exchanges or holiday parties!
Organize Receipts
No matter how confident you are in your gift-giving skills, you should always keep receipts. Store them neatly in a drawer until it’s time for holiday parties, where you’ll be totally prepared for the awkward moment when a family member tries on the brand new sweater you got them and it’s two sizes too small.
Take Advantage of Free Shipping Day on Dec. 14
Okay, so you didn’t get the Cyber Monday memo. Fear not! For 24-hours only on Saturday, Dec. 14, big and small online retailers — nearly 1,000 in total! — offer free shipping. And while we don’t necessarily suggest waiting this late in the game to stock up on holiday gifts, wedounderstand that it’s sometimes unavoidable. To help you out, retailers who participate in Free Shipping Day guarantee delivery on or before Christmas Eve. Mark your calendars, then visitfreeshippingday.comto learn more.
source: people.com
