Picture this: it’s the year 2019. When the clock strikes 12 on October 31st, it seems as though everywhere you look, pumpkins and spooky decorations are immediately transformed into snowmen and brightly wrapped presents. Malls are transformed, Spirit Halloweens disappear, and radio stations seem to be blasting Christmas music like there’s no tomorrow. The theme everywhere switches from fall fun to winter wonderland. Normally, this signifies the start of the seemingly panicked and rushed holiday shopping season, where everyone scrambles to find just the right presents for their family and friends. Malls are usually packed and everyone seems to be fighting for parking spots in store parking lots. This year, however, might be a little different.
Who would have thought that in the year 2020, the holiday shopping season would be primarily online? No one would have guessed that most malls would likely be closed or subjected to capacity levels due to a global pandemic! Yet, here we are. Now more than ever, it seems as though we are relying heavily on online shopping. Here are some tips to keep your holiday shopping stress-free in the online realm this year if you’re starting soon, like me!
1. Shop local when you can.
It’s no surprise to anyone that local small businesses have been hit hard due to the pandemic and the numerous lockdowns we have had. This holiday season, see if your favorite local mom and pop shop has a website you can order presents from. Most local shops have products of excellent quality that are usually more unique and handmade as opposed to the retail giants we are all familiar with! Look to local restaurants, clothing stores, and nail or hair salons for some interesting present ideas.
2. Some Black Friday deals start earlier this year!
Because of the global pandemic, some stores are taking it upon themselves this year to run longer Black Friday sales, no longer limiting them to the day after Thanksgiving. For example, Walmart is running typical Black Friday deals all throughout the month of November. Be on the lookout for interesting and affordable sales so you can save yourself some money instead of spending hundreds of dollars on gifts! Especially if you are a broke college student like myself.
3. Read the fine print.
Ordering a present well in advance? Make sure you read the fine print, such as the terms and conditions, when ordering from any online store. You can get an idea of the shipping details, return policies, etc. that can come in handy! That way, you won’t get stuck with a present someone didn’t need or want that you cannot return!
4. Order from reliable websites.
Make sure the site you are ordering from is reliable! Check to see if it is a reputable site that hasn’t had issues before. You wouldn’t want your credit card number getting stolen or your order never showing up. Normally this isn’t an issue with big name stores and companies, but you can never be too safe. Make sure the site doesn’t ask you for too much personal information. When in doubt, check it out.
5. Check the reviews.
Have an idea for a present but not 100% sure? Read the reviews of the product or service! That way, you can get a good feel of the quality, if it is a likable product, etc. before you actually order it. Most people tend to leave honest and helpful reviews, both good and bad, so read up before you decide to make your purchase.