SHARK BITES - Is it Ever Too Soon for Christmas Shopping?
Personally, my answer is no! Simply, because there are diehard shoppers out in the world, who like to catch great deals specifically for the Christmas season. Are you one?
It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas: …Ever Since Last Christmas! 
Let’s be real. Many of us find extraordinary deals right after the Christmas season ends. Significant mark-downs take place all the time on wrapping paper, ornaments, holiday storage bins, trees, and toys…toys…toys! Getting started for the next year, while the New Year hasn’t even come in, is not uncommon. You’d be surprised at the number of folks, who take advantage of the drastic discounts, starting with the day after Christmas.
Jingle Sales: A penny saved is a penny earned for that piggy bank of yours!
With the economy the way it is— it’s always a good idea to save when and where one can. So… go for it! Great deals and great finds never last for long. Get in where you can fit in, and save…save…save! Those pennies saved add up quickly to flip into more savings!
Holiday! Sale-a-brate!: No, it’s not Madonna singing, but the Clearance Department instead! ♪♫♪♫
I find it easy to take advantage of online sites like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kmart etc., which offer clearance sales all year long. There is always something to be found when looking to buy items for loved ones/pets. Sometimes, there is so much to choose from, that you don’t know where to begin. However, that’s a good dilemma. Being affiliated with a rewards program offering points/discounts to further your purchasing experience is very beneficial. Last week, I discussed Kmart’s Shop Your Way Rewards® Program (SYWR). This is a GREAT company to get that extra bang for your buck! Just a reminder though, some exclusions apply with clearance items and points. So, always read their small print! Other stores like, JC Penney and Macy’s offer rewards like $10 off of $25 coupons/codes. Kohl’s offers Kohl’s Cash. It just depends where you want to shop, what you are looking for, and what is best for your finances. Having those ‘extra bucks’, stretches the wallet a long way!
If you are a person who takes surveys to gain money or Amazon codes, this is a great way to stack your chips, so to speak. Before you know it, you have banked a good stash to start saving on that Christmas list/big ticketed items like TV’s, cameras, game consoles and accessories. Electronics are always a big hit for Christmas! It makes the person receiving the gift extremely happy. In addition, the spender’s pockets aren’t hit so hard. All-in-all… it’s kind of a sweet deal don’t you think??!!
To Gift Someone or To Gift Yourself: Dilemma???
Shopping online is fun. But, sometimes, just being out and about can bring some amazing finds to your Christmas stash. I love finding things that I wouldn’t normally think about, or look for. However, some deals are just too good to pass up. I’m always bound to attach someone to a purchase, or donate. Or, sometimes I gift myself. Even the ‘big spender’ likes to feel special too. Sometimes we just have to treat ourselves. Don’t you agree?
Oh… Happy Day: Everyday
Shopping is fun, but also addictive. If it fits in your schedule, and you can afford saving money… then why not do so??!! If you enter contest and sweeps daily, adding shopping to the list to save you money is a good way in catching that ‘deal of the day’, flash sale etc.
Get the Family Involved: They Mean Business
We all know commercials can be a blessing or a curse when the little ones are involved. The blessing is we get to find out what they like/want (which is usually everything). However, the curse is that every time the commercial airs… we hear…“mommy mommy mommy… “I WANT THAT!!!” Or, daddy daddy daddy… “CAN YOU BUY ME THAT??!!” Let’s face it… we cannot hide from it! Kids can be relentless.
Tweens and teens, seem to always want the latest gadget or gift cards. They will have a list to you so fast, it will make your head spin. Unfortunately, they will text it to you though.
Now, let’s not forget the other big kid in the house… Hubby. Yes, he has a man cave that just needs one more of ‘this or that’. Am I right? And, of course, he hints to you all the time too how he needs those extra golf clubs or giant flat screen TV. If the shoe is on the other foot mommy, are you hinting for that nice diamond you saw on sale? *wink*
Make a List and Check It Twice:
Basically, have some sort of idea what you’ll be looking to shop for. Again, a great deal/find sometimes come in surprises. So, be on the lookout in your emails, mailbox, social media accounts/pages, web-surfing, and random store shopping. Keep your list with you or nearby, so you can cross off the things you purchase. Once you start seeing the list get smaller and your savings get bigger, you’ll be doing the shopping ‘happy dance’. (I know you have one!) You will never know what you can find throughout the year for your Christmas stash, unless you look. I guarantee YOU WILL FIND SOMETHING GREAT! Have fun!
Sharky wants to know:
When do YOU think is a great time to start shopping for Christmas?
Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?
Are you stacking Amazon gift codes to use at a later time, or are you spending as fast as you save?
Will you be donating to an Angel Tree recipient or elsewhere?
Remember to always take a “bite” out of your wallet when shopping, and leave your online shopping experience as a ‘Savvy Sharky” winner!
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
This is a post from FreebieShark.