How to Optimize and Save on Your Online Holiday Shopping

Tis’ the season for holiday shopping, and as we’ve mentioned before, this year is going to be all about shopping online for the perfect gifts and decor. Don’t let online shopping scare you, though. You’ll still be able to snag the best savings and hottest deals. Check out some of our tips and strategies that will stretch your dollar further this holiday season. 

Shop for Gifts on Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday has been going on for years – it’s virtual Black Friday! This year, Cyber Monday is on Monday, November 30, just after Black Friday. 2020 is likely to see the biggest Cyber Monday sales and events ever, so mark it down on your calendar and start looking at your favorite online retailers for information on their doorbusters and plans for the holiday. 

Remember, we’re still in a pandemic, so you may be considering skipping Black Friday as far as shopping in-person goes. Many retailers are pivoting entirely to host online sales for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or both. Do your research, check out the hottest stores, and make your savings plans ahead of time. A record-breaking online turnout means you should plan ahead so you can be the first to make those virtual doorbuster purchases. 

Compare Retailer Prices

When you aren’t preparing and planning to shop during the biggest savings event of the year, take the time to compare prices on other purchases you’ll make for the holidays. 

Take a few extra minutes and look at multiple online retailers for the same item. Looking for a new Christmas tree? Don’t settle for the first one you find. Look at other e-commerce options on the websites of various big-box retailers to see if you can save a few dollars. 

Another great way to compare prices is to use apps and browser extensions like Honey or Popcart. These types of apps compare prices for you and help you find the best deal and lowest price in minutes. 

Watch for Other Seasonal Deals and Sales

Big retailers aren’t just boasting savings on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Almost every major retailer, both in-store and online, hosts regular and weekly sales on the most popular holiday goods. 

Check out the online ‘Weekly Deals’ page on the store’s website each week to see what’s on sale that week. If you need more holiday decor, many stores will have specials on these items very frequently over the next two months. 

Stores are also likely to have these types of short, weekly sales on toys, home goods, and electronics, too. If you miss out on the chance to get the perfect gift on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, watch for these sales to see if you can still score a deal. 

Use Coupons!

I mention this a lot, but I promise you that coupons aren’t obsolete or outdated! Subscribe to the weekly newsletter or mailing list of your favorite retailers and you’ll get exclusive coupons all the time. 

Also, don’t forget about manufacturers’ coupons; they’re your friend. If you go to the manufacturer’s website, sometimes you can find these coupons here. Want to get sent a few extra coupons? Email the manufacturer’s customer service team to leave some positive feedback. More often than not, something as simple as this can land several awesome manufacturers’ coupons in your inbox. 

You can also go online and search for coupons or deals on sites like Groupon to save even more on your favorite items.