Start Your Holiday Shopping Early, but Don’t Buy Anything Yet.
As the holiday season approaches, I know the pressure to start shopping early and get it out of the way is starting to mount. After all, stores are already launching their seasonal counters and promotions. However, deciding too quickly (and waiting until the last minute) could end up costing you more in the long run. The key is to strike the right balance between planning ahead and waiting for the best deals.
Plan ahead, but don’t buy too early.
It’s smart to make a holiday shopping list and research gift ideas ahead of time. This will give you time to carefully consider what to give to everyone on your list. You can also keep an eye out for sales and discounts in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
However, resist the urge to buy things as soon as you see them. One of my favorite tips is to physically write down the things you want to buy before you buy them. As we get closer to the big day, prices on many popular holiday gifts tend to drop. If you buy too early, you may miss out on better deals later.
Sites like CamelCamelCamel and Honey are popular options for tracking online sales prices. What’s more, here are the best websites and extensions that Lifehacker’s Daniel Oropeza uses to check price history and track prices so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.
Know when to buy
So when is the best time to shop? Generally speaking, the golden mean is Black Friday and Cyber Monday . During this period, retailers offer big discounts and great deals to kick off the holiday shopping season. In the weeks after Black Friday, you may see prices rise briefly again before falling even lower around Christmas, but by this point you’ve added a lot of stress to your plate.
Take advantage of price comparisons
To get the best deal, please use the retailers’ price matching policy. Many stores will match or even beat competitors’ prices if you show them a lower price. Just be sure to read the fine print, as there are often exceptions and limitations.
Don’t forget about delivery time
The last consideration is delivery time. If you wait too long for your order, you risk the product arriving late. Give yourself plenty of time, especially for online orders, to ensure your gifts arrive on time. Consider adding special online shopping appointments to your calendar a few weeks before the holiday gift-giving deadline.
By planning ahead for your holiday shopping but holding off on shopping until prices drop, you can maximize your savings and avoid overspending . With a little time, you can cross everyone off your list without breaking your budget.
For more, keep an eye on our favorite Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here .