These are the do’s and don’ts to follow for successful last-minute holiday shopping.
- Do: Create a physical list. Why try to remember everything you need to buy when you can write it all down and feel accomplished when you get to cross names off your list? A list also helps ensure you don’t forget anyone or anything you need to shop for.
- Do: Understand price return policies. They vary from store to store, so make sure you know the return policies at each retailer and hang on to those receipts.
- Don’t: Overspend. If you feel stressed about getting all the gifts you need or an item on your list is sold out, you may feel like you need to buy something expensive to make up for it. But you don’t. Stick to your budget to avoid the overspending trap and take a break from shopping when you need to evaluate whether you should make a purchase or not.
- Do: Buy gift cards. You can give them to the folks you couldn’t get the present you wanted to get because it’s sold out. And everyone can use grocery stores, gas stations or Visa gift cards.
- Do: Use caution when shopping online. Make sure you’re shopping from trusted retailers and not third-party sites offering unrealistic discounts. And watch those shipping dates to make sure the gifts will arrive in time.
- Do: Follow retailers on social media. You may find deals and savings there that can help with your last-minute shopping.
- Don’t: Forget about after Christmas sales. That’s when you’ll find everything from clothing to decorations on sale at deep discounts and if you want to get ahead for the holidays next year, you can start your shopping then.
Source: GoBankingRates