Is anyone else feeling like the holidays arrived faster than ever this year? With busy schedules and so much to do, making the most out of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is essential for getting all your holiday shopping done. Nothing is more fun than finding the perfect gift, especially when there are so many amazing deals out there – but knowing where to look and having a strategy will help ensure you get everything on your list and for the right price. From gifts for the kiddos to something for that special someone, here’s a look of shopping strategies to make the most of Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales.
5 Shopping Strategies to Make the Most of Holiday Sales
Make a list. No matter if you plan to do all your shopping from the couch curled up in your pj’s or if you’re putting on the walking shoes and hitting the brick-and-mortar shops, having a list is essential. Include everyone you’ll be shopping for in order of priority so that you can easily keep track of what you’ve purchased and what’s left to buy.
Brainstorm ideas. After you make your list, try to jot down a few gift ideas for each person. That will help guide the process and give you a bit of direction. Rather than standing in the middle of a shop, feeling completely overwhelmed, coming up with a few ideas ahead of time will help you narrow down and find the perfect gift.
Outline and stick to a budget. This is essential so that you don’t absolutely break the bank and get tempted by spontaneous purchases just because of a sale. Think about your total budget for holiday shopping and then break that down per person. Write down the per person limit for each individual on your list – and keep track of what you spend along the way. Budgeting your holiday shopping will help you feel good about your purchases and won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed by what you spent.
Do your research. Once you have a list and some gift ideas in mind, start researching those products, where to buy them and what the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales will include. An informed shopper is the best shopper – knowing exactly where, when and how to get the best deal for the items you want to purchase. Keep a list of where to shop and look first when it comes to actually making the purchases. If you’re headed into the store, bring a copy of the ad(s) where you saw the sale or the deal – and be sure to read the fine print!
Have fun! Buying holiday gifts for friends and family should bring you loads of joy – so enjoy it – even if you are facing crowds and lines. There’s nothing better than getting into the spirit of the season – so get out there and have a blast!
Be sure to check SHOP.com for holiday deals, too! Get some shopping done from the comfort of your couch with Cashback. Will you be doing your Black Friday shopping from home or are you headed out to the shops?
