Preparing for Holiday Shopping: When and Where To Start for the Best Deals

The holiday season is almost here, bringing the excitement of gift-giving, festive celebrations, and, of course, holiday shopping.

For many people, this time of year feels both exciting and overwhelming. However, with a little bit of planning, you can make your holiday shopping experience go from a stressful scramble into a smooth and easy task.

Getting a head start on your holiday shopping helps you avoid the last-minute rush, score the best deals, find unique gifts, and enjoy the process rather than just survive it.

This blog will help you figure out the best time to start shopping for the holidays and where to find the best deals. Whether you're a pro at bargain hunting or new to planning ahead, we'll give you tips and strategies to make holiday shopping easy and fun.

When To Start Holiday Shopping

Starting your holiday shopping early makes all the difference. Here's a breakdown of when to start and the key dates to help you secure the best deals to make the most of the holiday season.

Early Planning (September to November)

Starting your holiday shopping in September or November has several advantages. By beginning early, you avoid the chaos and stress of last-minute shopping, and you get access to a wider selection of items before they sell out. This is particularly important for popular or high-demand products, which tend to sell out fast as the holidays approach.

Early planning also allows you to spread out your spending, which makes budgeting easier and prevents the financial strain that often comes with the holiday season.

Key Dates for Best Deals

Prime Day (July)

While it's technically outside the holiday season, Amazon's Prime Day in July is huge for deals. You can find discounts on various products, from electronics to home goods. Prime Day is an excellent time to score early savings if you're looking for big-ticket items or unique gifts.

Early Black Friday Deals (November)

Black Friday used to be known for its massive one-day sales and doorbuster deals, now stretches beyond just one day. Many retailers begin offering "early Black Friday" sales weeks ahead.

These early sales often include substantial discounts and special promotions, allowing you to get a head start on your shopping while avoiding the crazy crowds and long lines typically associated with Black Friday.

Cyber Monday (Early December)

Cyber Monday, the Monday following Thanksgiving, focuses on online shopping and offers many discounts on tech, fashion, and more. It's the perfect time to find deals on products that may not have been available or discounted during Black Friday. It's the perfect time to wrap up your shopping list and grab any final deals, all from the comfort of your home.

Creating a Shopping Timeline

To keep your holiday shopping organized and stress-free, consider setting up a timeline:

• September: Make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for and begin researching potential presents. Look out for any early sales or special promotions.
• October: Begin purchasing items for your list, focusing on gifts likely to sell out quickly. This is also the time to start watching major retailers for early Black Friday deals.
• November: Take advantage of early Black Friday and pre-holiday sales to finish up your shopping. Use this month to make any necessary returns or exchanges.
• Early December: Focus on Cyber Monday deals and make sure you place online orders early enough to arrive before the holidays. This is also the time to address any last-minute shopping needs and check off the final items on your list.

Creating and following a timeline similar to this one will allow you to relax and enjoy the season without the stress of last-minute shopping. Plan ahead and stay organized and you'll make the most of holiday deals and avoid unnecessary stress.

Where To Find the Best Deals

Getting the best holiday deals means knowing where to look. From major online stores to local shops, here's a guide on where to find top deals and unique gifts.

Major Retailers

Amazon

Thanks to its large selection and competitive prices, Amazon is a top choice for holiday shopping. Watch for Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday deals. To make the most of Amazon's sales:

• Watch for Lightning Deals: These are time-limited deals that give you significant discounts on various products.
• Use Amazon's Price Tracking Tools: Tools like CamelCamelCamel help you monitor price trends and determine if you're getting a good deal.

Walmart

Walmart is renowned for its aggressive pricing and wide variety of products. During the holiday season, Walmart often rolls out substantial discounts and promotions across many categories. Key tips for finding the best deals at Walmart include:

• Early Access: Take advantage of Walmart's early Black Friday deals to get a head start on your shopping.
• Price Match Guarantee: Walmart offers a price match policy that helps make sure you get the lowest price available.

Target

Target's holiday promotions are a favorite among shoppers looking for a blend of style and savings. Target frequently offers discounts on toys, electronics, and home goods. To maximize your savings:

• Check the Weekly Ads: Target's weekly ads highlight current promotions and clearance items.
• Use the Target Circle App: The Target app provides access to exclusive deals, personalized offers, and a rewards program that'll help you save even more.

Specialty Stores

Electronics Stores

Electronic stores like Best Buy are known for tech deals, with great prices on gadgets and appliances during the holidays. To find the best electronics deals:

• Look for Black Friday and Holiday Promotions: Best Buy often has special discounts on electronics during these periods.
• Consider Open-Box Items: Open-box items, which are usually in excellent condition, come with significant discounts.

Clothing and Accessories Stores

If you're shopping for fashion, Macy's and Nordstrom have seasonal sales and clearance events that lead to big savings. Tips for finding deals on clothing and accessories include:

• Sign Up for Store Newsletters: Stay informed about upcoming sales and exclusive offers.
• Check for Coupon Codes: Many retailers offer online promo codes that can be used to add extra savings on top of sales.

Online Marketplaces

Etsy

Etsy is the perfect place to find unique, handcrafted gifts that stand out from mass-produced items. During the holiday season, many sellers offer special promotions. To make the most of Etsy:

• Explore Holiday Sales: Many Etsy shops run holiday sales or offer discount codes.
• Check Shipping Times: Make sure items will arrive in time for the holidays, as shipping times can vary with handmade items.

eBay

eBay is another excellent platform for finding both new and refurbished items at discounted prices. To get the best deals on eBay:

• Look for Auctions: Participating in auctions can sometimes lead to significant savings.
• Check Seller Ratings: Make sure you're buying from reputable sellers to avoid issues with your purchases.

Gifts Not Available in Your Area? Ship U.S. Items to You

If you're eyeing a perfect gift that isn't available locally, don't let geographical limitations hold you back. Shipito helps you shop U.S. retailers even if they don't ship to your country directly and the best part is you can sign up for a free account and get started right now.

Using Shipito's services opens up a world of gift possibilities, from exclusive American brands to hard-to-find items. Getting started is easy, simply sign up for an account, shop on your favorite sites, and ship!

Final Thoughts

As the holidays approach, a little planning and smart shopping can make holiday shopping more fun and less stressful. Start early to avoid last-minute panic and to get the best deals. Make sure to use coupons, join store loyalty programs, and compare prices to get the best deals.