11 Christmas Shopping Tips to Take the Stress Out of Holiday Gift-Giving
Perfect for you, whether you're planning to shop online or in-store.
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Just because this year's holiday season is different than most doesn't mean you have to forgo your tried-and-true traditions entirely. Take holiday shopping, for example: Crammed aisles and mile-long lines are definitely worth skipping this year, but that just means you can shop online in the comfort of your own home (in your pajamas with a glass of wine in hand, no less). But if you're feeling a little Grinch-y about missing out on all the mall trips, Santa visits, and excitement surrounding the most wonderful time of the year, you're not alone.
Sixty-one percent of shoppers say they plan to cut back on in-store shopping this holiday season due to health concerns, according to a new study by Accenture. Major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Target, are leaning into the unknown, kicking off their holiday sales as early as mid-October. Since there's more than enough stress to go around, we've rounded up the best Christmas shopping tips to take the stress out of gift-giving this year. Covering everything from budgeting to Black Friday deals, these helpful hacks will make finding the perfect Christmas gifts a lot easier on you (and your wallet), whether you're shopping online or in-store. That makes them a gift for you, don't ya think?
Consider Curbside Pickup
Get the best of both worlds — online and in-store shopping — by buying gifts online and picking them up curbside. This click-and-pickup option is available at many major retailers such as Best Buy, Kohl's, Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Walmart. Just look for some variation of an "in-store pickup" option while checking out online.
Go Online
Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon are leaning into the holiday season earlier than ever, which means deals will start well before Black Friday. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and pick up major appliances, electronics, and buzzed-about toys in October and early November to avoid potential shipping delays.
Factor in Shipping and Delivery Times
Since many people will be relying on online shopping to cross items off their loved ones' Christmas lists, make sure you take into account that there may be unexpected shipping delays when you place your order. That means, it's best to order gifts as soon as you think of them, rather than waiting until the last minute. But if a gift doesn't arrive in time, just print out a picture to stick in their card to let them know that it's in transit.
Let the Pros Help You Pick
The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute examined hundreds of toys for safety, quality, and educational benefits. Then, let a bunch of kids (some of their own, too!) cast their votes to find the best toys that 2020 has to offer. For even more options, look at Amazon and Walmart's top toy picks to find something for every munchkin on your list.
Make a List (and Check It Twice!)
There’s a reason Santa makes such a detailed list every year — it makes holiday shopping run so much more smoothly. Instead of trying to keep it straight in the ol' noggin, keep your gifts — already-made purchases as well as great ideas — in Santa's Bag, an app that allows you to organize your shopping and spending by gift recipient. Don't worry, as it's password protected so the kids can't snoop while you're not looking.
Map Out Your Shopping Beforehand
Since you want to limit your holiday shopping trips, make a map of the stores you plan to visit. "Map out what stores you plan to visit, what you plan on purchasing at each store, and in what order you plan to stop at each location," recommends Kevin Gallegos, Senior Vice President of Client Enrollment for Freedom Debt Relief. It’ll definitely save you some time (and sanity) to spend a few minutes strategizing before you head out.
Snoop on Social Media for Ideas
We've all been there: You need the perfect present, but just keep coming up dry. A 2019 survey conducted by McKinsey & Company found that not knowing what to buy was the number one worry for shoppers entering the holiday season. A quick peek at your loved one’s social media profile can offer some easy inspiration — just turn to Instagram or Facebook and take a look at (ahem, stalk) their recent likes and posts for ideas.
Spend Money, Get Money Back
Yes, you can get money back without any extra effort by letting technology do the work for you. Just install browser extensions, like Honey and RetailMeNot Genie, before you start shopping online. Both extensions automatically apply applicable coupons at checkout without any extra work on your part.
Give Back With Your Gift
If you're shopping for an especially hard-to-buy-for person, consider donating to a charity in their name instead. "A click of a few buttons online can make a huge difference and no money is spent on a material gift they may not even use," says Kara Tatelbaum, author of Lazy Girl Pilates: Morning. "Spend money thoughtfully, pay it backward, forward, and all around."
Support Small Businesses in Your Area
Supporting small businesses is always a must in our eyes, but this year it's more important than ever before. Try "shopping small” on November 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Not only does it give your local economy a boost, but you're more likely to find unique gifts for your loved ones. Click here to see stores and restaurants participating near you.
Keep Staples on Hand
Everyone loves a personalized gift but when your well of creativity runs dry, turn to essentials. "Become an efficient gift buyer by getting quality staples, and buying them in multiples for various people and occasions," suggests Suzanne Wexler, author of the book How To Swing Like a Southern Belle, Even if You’re Frozen in the North. She likes gifting a silver picture frame for aunts and in-laws, a cashmere sweater for that special guy in your life, and nice silk PJs for mom.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
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