Christmas lights are being switched on; Christmas trees are already being decorated; in some cities it’s even snowed and shops and supermarkets are already advertising Christmas specials. Safe to say, it’s almost time for festive shopping, that is, if you haven’t started already.
Shopping centers around the holidays can get pretty hectic, although they do look beautiful. And if you come from a big family or have a big circle of friends you need to buy gifts for, you should get a jump start on your Christmas list asap, before Christmas Eve finds you strolling from shop to shop in search for something remotely decent because everything’s been, of course, shopped.
Evidently, you always have two choices: you can either shop online or in store. If you hit the online market this season, which is especially recommended if you’re planning to buy 2 to 3 days ahead of the holidays, there’s a good chance you’ll find great discounts for jewelry and technology, two of the things that sell best on Christmas.
It’s true that the longer you wait the bigger the changes of scoring an amazing price for a great gift, but on the other hand, you also run the risk of running out of options because the selection of gifts drops consistently each passing day.
Tip: Even if you’re not doing your Christmas shopping online, make sure you check retailers’ websites for deals and such before you head out. You’ll save time and you’ll know exactly where to shop to also save money. Don’t forget their mobile apps either because they’ll give you insights into what’s available and what deals they’ll be putting out soon.
The earlier the better, except when it’s not
You know how some people start Christmas shopping early, very early, post-summer holiday early or October-early? This is usually fine when you are just buying stocking fillers like new tooth brushes, key finders and silly stuff.
Of course, any time you get a good deal is fine to take some things off your Christmas list. Toys, for example, go on sale often and there are parents who shop as early as August for Christmas presents if they find a good deal.
Others just do a one-time shopping in early or mid December and they still manage to cover a dozen adults, twice as many kids, the kids’ teacher, their co-workers, and perhaps in some cases even the postman. And they find they did ok price-wise and deals concerning. Good for them!
But here’s the thing. Unless you’re extremely sure that you are buying the right gift, shopping so ahead of time can completely make a mess of things. If you have kids or a picky husband/wife, experienced shoppers suggest you wait until the week before Christmas to buy presents. You don’t have to hit the mall on the 25th. December 22 to December 24 is perfectly fine.
Then again, a present is still a sign of love or at least a token of appreciation, and if you have money saved specifically for Christmas shopping, consider after-Christmas sale and January to cover for next year. And whatever you do, never buy the expensive gifts first. Psychologists say you lose perspective shopping the expensive stuff before the inexpensive and that could lead to bad choices.