Yesterday, we talked about getting all of your packages shipped out. If you are feeling behind, you may want to consider having everything shipped directly to your home or those out of town people that you need to get gifts to.
And here is where I want your participation. Tell me your favorite places to shop online (and why) or one of your favorite online shopping stratagies, and one of you will win a $10 Amazon Gift Card. A winner will be drawn December 20th.
I want your best, tips, ideas, your favorite “fishing holes” (the places you would normally never share,) so we can all be faster, cheaper, better this year.
Here’s mine (and no, I don’t expect everyone to go along a spiritual line…) Last year my kids went in together and bought me a goat from World Vision last year. They bought the gift online, then to represent the goat under our Christmas tree, my clever girls, Amanda and Kimberly, folded a towel into a goat by getting the instructions online (in fact, here’s a video on how to fold towels into a goat… Who knew.) What a GREAT last minute gift – helping someone in a developing country by providing a goat.
I of course also love Amazon and how, in case you forgot to get your father-in-law a gift, (who me? Never…) you can pop on there and send him a gift card that will arrive in his inbox on Christmas morning (as if you’d planned it that way all along…)
OK – your turn.
I’m not too creative, but every year I include a gift of books for each of my boys. This year I went to Christianbook.com to get some great deals on books (with a couple videos thrown in!) Their shipping costs aren’t bad either. For my Christmas list, I asked for a donation to be given to either Family Talk (with Dr. Dobson) or MOPS, since I never need anything!
I wonder how I ever lived without Amazon Prime. As others have said, I thought it was ridiculous to spend the money, but now I consider it one of the essentials of life. (If you’re a student, first year is free and second year is half price, so check that out!). I hate shopping, traffic, mobs… And I have a really bad hip. I make it through on store and I’m done for the day. Maybe the week… With Amazon Prime, I shop from the comfort of my recliner. Save money. Save time. Save gas. Save the spirit of Christmas! And their returns are the best in the business. So easy, so if you flub, no problem. And even better, check to see if your recipient has a wish list. If not, tell them to make one. Then you can really shop with assurance.
I love Amazon! Even if you don’t buy something there, you can look up the reviews on that item to see if it is what you want. I also open a new window and look up coupon codes for the website I am on to get an additional discount.
I use an (add on) on my mac called invisible hand that highlights the best price.
Always google what you are looking for and add sale or discounted at the end.
A lot of stores are giving free shipping right now so it is so convienient and you don’t have to worry about parking or too many crowds at the mall.
Gift cards are also a great choice! I take all my extra change and use the coinstar machine at the grocery store. There is no fee to exchange your change for a gift card. You can choose the amount, and it is nice to have a gift you can use anytime! Great stocking stuffers.
Hi,
I have had a slipper tradition every year and I love Zappos because of the free shipping and no hassle returns. This year I placed my order and much to my dismay I got the wrong size. I called to exchange and the gal at customer service told me about their sister company 6pm.com. Same stuff CHEAPER!!!! She facilitated my return and I placed my new order and had my new slippers in 2 days and saved $10 bucks!! Love it!!! 6pm.com is my new favorite website and awesome customer service!! Yea!!!
Amazon, Toys R Us, Kohls, REI, so many
I like photo gifts for grandparents & this year made books at Snapfish (buy 1 get 2 free!) and they are beautiful! I also bought stuff online at Toys R Us & shipped to store so that I saved on shipping, felt like I was shopping locally & didn’t have to wait in line 🙂
I love Amazon Prime! I thought it was ridiculous to spend the money to sign up for it at first, but we have saved so much money in shipping that I can’t imagine why I ever hesitated. And it’s free 2-day shipping, so it was a big help with last minute gifts last year. Hoping not to have to do that this year, but I’m not done yet.
I love amazon too, lots of great deals on there. Another great place us eBay and craigslist, just make sure you are very particular and read the fine print!