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A couple of weeks ago, my daughter and I were in a store checking out and we overheard a conversation happening behind us at another register. There was a lady purchasing holiday-themed wrapping paper and the employee commented about how she was starting her holiday shopping early. I looked at her basket, noticed all the rolls of wrapping paper, and immediately thought to myself that this lady has it all together. You know those types, right? The ones that make me look like such the slacker. And then she went on to say that … she had already done ALL HER SHOPPING. All. The. Shopping!
Y’all. I can’t even. Is that even possible? I mean, what kind of life allows you to get all your shopping done by the first week of November? Definitely not mine. I’m just now making my list for those I need to buy for. I can’t imagine already having everything purchased and wrapped with more than a month left to spare.
Goodness! Wouldn’t that be nice though?
While I love the idea of being able to be completely done this early, I know that with my life and schedule it just isn’t possible. But it’s definitely something I want to work towards in years to come.
How nice would it be just to enjoy the season without hopping from store to store looking for the perfect gifts?
As we are gearing up for the busy shopping season, I wanted to share how to make holiday shopping easier. From the prep you can do at home to making your smartphone work for you, holiday shopping this year doesn’t have to be hard.
How to Make Holiday Shopping Easier
- Be like Santa. Make a list and check it twice. Don’t dare try to brave the stores without a clear idea of what you need to be on the hunt for. When you’re making your list, include the persons name, their interests, and any gift ideas you’ve thought about prior to shopping. This will make your time in the store more enjoyable.
- Set a reasonable budget and stick to it. Know how much you have to spend before doing your shopping. And be reasonable with the amount you budget for. Remember, it’s not about the dollar amount spent on the gift. Be thoughtful in what you’re buying and it’s almost a guarantee they’ll love it.
- Scour the sales ads and sign up for newsletters from retailers. During the holiday season, I sign up for retailer newsletters because I need to be aware of each and every sale that’s advertised. Because I have a budget to stick to (see bullet point two) I need to make my money stretch as far as I can. Once the holiday season is over, it’s easy to unsubscribe from the newsletters until next year.
- Use coupons and promo codes. If there’s money to save, make sure you are taking full advantage of it. There’s really no reason to pay full price if you don’t have to. Use free apps and websites like RetailMeNot and Ibotta to save where you can!
- Let your bank work for you. If you’re not using a bank that allows you to do your banking from your computer or handheld devices, it’s time to jump ship and find one that does. Don’t waste precious time standing in line at the bank. Do your banking online and not only will you save time, you’ll save money on gas, too.
I have been a Chase customer since the day I opened my first account at 16 years old. I’ve never banked anywhere else because 1) I’ve never had a reason to leave and 2) Chase’s digital banking technology makes banking easier than ever!
Pretty much any banking I need to get done can be done using my iPhone. Chase allows me to save both time and money by banking securely and conveniently from virtually anywhere. I can bank on-the-go by checking my account statements, receiving balance alerts that I’ve set up in my account, and even deposit checks with just a few taps. Chase’s digital banking technology works for me when and where I need it.
My favorite feature of Chase’s digital banking technology is Chase QuickDeposiSMt. Since I’m mostly paid in checks, it would be a huge time suck and waste of money to drive to the bank each and every time I needed to deposit a check. By using the Chase Mobile® App, I’m able to deposit checks with my iPhone anytime, anywhere! With a few taps, I can deposit my checks without ever leaving the comfort of my home.
And that makes me happy, y’all! Especially now that the cold weather is here! I can stay inside with my comfy jammies, wrapped in my big, fluffy blanket, and watch Hallmark movies with my mug of hot chocolate.
And if you need any other tips for how to make holiday shopping easier, I’d definitely have to recommend shopping online. That’s what I’m doing right now!
Visit Chase.com/wayyoubank to learn how you can save time by banking securely and conveniently from virtually anywhere.
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Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I am actually all done with my Christmas shopping already. I make it my goal to be done by 11/01 🙂
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
These are great tips. Holiday shopping has to be done either way, so easier is better in my book.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
We do a chart like this, but all in google drive so I can access and update it anytime, and so can my husband. We’re up to the minute! (and I’m about half done, myself)
Heather lawrence says
I will admit that I have started our shopping but we are in no way “done”. We are taking the kids to disney world so really that’s the big “gift”. What I do have done I have already wrapped and it’s hiding in the closet. Its easier to start early…then I don’t have to worry about over spending!
Liz Mays says
I’m going to have to try out these tips this year. I’ll have to figure out a reasonable budget for sure! I need to keep an eye on all the sales and discounts too.
Shell says
These are great tips! I haven’t even started my holiday shopping yet.
Michele says
All my friends kids are grown as are my nieces and nephew–Shopping has become really easy these days–GIFT CARDS-preferably like Visa or MC where they can shop where they want to!!!!
Marcie W. says
I am not a fan of holiday shopping so I always welcome anything that eases the struggle. I also love being a Chase customer, especially when it comes time to deposit checks I receive. Their mobile app makes it easy!
Jeanine says
I’ve got one person done so far as far as Christmas shopping goes so this comes at a great time. My oldest is all I have done, the rest… not even a single thing. I need to get on it!
Pam says
I love good mobile banking. The Quick Deposit feature sounds really handy!
Ann BAcciaglia says
I usually do my shopping the week before Christmas. I like the fun of shopping right before the holiday. It makes me feel festive.
Catherine S says
These are great tips. I have not even started shopping yet, I am so behind schedule this year.
Michelle F. says
I haven’t started my holiday shopping yet. I usually do it early but was too busy this year.
JanetGoingCrazy says
My shopping list is so small that I don’t usually use a list or chart, but if I do, I use a list on my phone. I can’t wait to get started shopping!
Felicia says
These are all great tips. I really need to get on our Christmas shopping.
Melissa says
I really should start on my list! I love being able to bank right n my phone – so easy!
Ellen ThatChicMom says
I have not even started and feel so overwhelmed. Thanks for the tips!
Donna says
These are all great tips! I need to get going with my holiday shopping!
Andrea @ Honestly Andrea says
Thank you for the great tips! I am definitely a last minute shopper and need all the help I can get. I love banks that have online banking options. I don’t know what I would do without that convenience.
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
I love this! My MIL gave me a little binder from Hallmark years ago to track gifts. I found it great not only for the current year but to double check gifts we’ve given in the past to not duplicate! Keeping it on the computer year to year helps too.
Jennifer says
well I’m THAT person, lol. We’re already done with our holiday shopping. Which I would have known about this because it would have made my life a little easier for sure.
Alicia says
This is a great way to get shopping done easier for everyone! We finished our holiday shopping last night.
Jennifer H says
I love online banking (and shopping too). It makes it a whole lot easier for busy parents to get everything accomplished on their time.
Theresa says
I have been doing all online banking and shopping this year. It really does make holiday shopping so much easier!
Christie says
You’re totally right, I don’t have time to stand in line at the bank this season1 I love these holiday shopping tips, definitely checking my list twice
Chasing Joy says
I’m glad I can check my accounts from my phone. It makes it easy to transfer money if needed while out shopping.
Shell Feis says
My goal for this week is to get my list made! I have no idea what I’m buying for anyone yet and there’s only a month to go!
Erica (@Erica's Recipes) says
Girlll, I am the worst on Christmas shopping. thank God for amazon prime. Maybe I’ll turn over a new leaf and get it done early this year!
Tonya says
I do much of my shopping online now, but sometimes it is necessary to venture out and at Christmas it can get so hectic. I do most of my banking online and it is a time saver.
Brenda Brown says
great tips! I am 100 % done with my shopping!
Nicole Escat says
The first two points is the most crucial for me. I need first to make a list then set a budget and KEEP it. I don’t want to add unnecessary costs because of impulse. Haha
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
I think I am almost done shopping but Santa still needs to figure things out! 😉 My parents bank with Chase and they really love it. The QuickDeposit sounds fantastic!
Shannon Gurnee says
I love it when banks make it easy to access information in our home! This sounds like a great app!
Ashley says
I have the hardest time sticking to a budget. My grandma is notorious for having all of her shopping done by Black Friday.