Every year, right before the holidays, you hear people talk about Black Friday. Black Friday is on the day after Thanksgiving where retail stores will open late at night to start off the Christmas shopping season. Shoppers race to be the first in line for those supposedly best deals of the year. Any day in the mall between Thanksgiving and the end of the year involves hundreds of rude people, no close parking, and sales that aren’t really that great.
There are many other places to buy that will help you shop for everyone on your list without dealing with the crazy mall crowd.
Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday is known as the most unproductive day at the office. To do Cyber Monday the right way, make sure to research which websites have the best deals and sign up for coupons to be sent to your email. Then when that day rolls around, with just a few clicks, you will have your purchases ready to ship to you.
Etsy
Etsy is a website that allows users to buy and sell handmade items. This allows you to find many unique items that others don’t think to buy. The sellers on Etsy’s will work very closely with you on customized orders and make sure that you have your items before your given date.
Groupon
Groupon is a website that is great for someone who ‘has everything already’. Groupon gives deals at restaurants, beauty & spa companies, health & fitness places, things to do, getaways, and many more. This way the person you are buying for can go out and do something instead of collect more and more gifts they many never use or already have.
Buy Local
Buying local can be very easy to do if you know where to go. Check out local farmer’s markets and locally owned boutiques and shops. This can help avoid higher taxes, it is healthier for you, and it supports opportunities and jobs in your area.
Outlets
If you feel like you’re missing out on the mall craze, there is always outlet shopping. Shopping at outlets can be a hassle, but it can be a lot better than setting foot in the mall. Outlets are great because they can have unique gifts that are not sold at every retail store. They also have deals on almost everything in the stores.
Gift Cards
You can’t go wrong with getting someone a gift card. Yes, it’s not exactly something big to unwrap but a gift card is nice for the weeks after the holidays. Whether it is a place to get a bite to eat, to get a spa treatment, or to get that gift you never received, someone will always enjoy and use a gift card.
So gather your coupons, check the deals, and get busy shopping far away from the mall this holiday season.
