Who’s ready for holiday shopping?
Honestly – not me. There. I said it.
I normally LOVE holiday shopping. Black Friday? Bring it. But this year, something about a crazy schedule combined with such a short time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is stressing me out. Plus, this year (having moved to Rhode Island over the summer) we have to travel about 11 hours to get home for the holidays this year. We just won’t have room for all those huge presents! (And we’ll definitely be taking advantage of MasterCard’s partnership with Fuel Rewards Network, to save some money at the pumps.)
So I’m taking things light this year… Here are my tips for mastering the holiday season!!
1. Online all the way: Did you know that 90% of retailors offered free shipping during the 2012 holiday season? This is the time to take advantage. Not only does online shopping make it easy to compare and get the best price, but with free shippinrg the saving really add up! Another bonus: When you’re traveling for the holidays (like we always do) you can just ship gifts to your destination! NO worries about packing them for the trip!
2. Plan: Make a list of everyone you need to buy for and set a budget. When you purchase a gift, write it down so you stay on budget and remember everyone. (Don’t forget all those gifts you picked up through the year and hid in the back of your closet!)
3. Buy in bulk: Pick up gift cards in bulk at your local Sam’s, BJ’s or Costco. You can get deals like 3 $10 gift cards for $27. Its not a huge savings, but every little bit helps!
4. Cash in those points: Every December, we cash in our MasterCard points to buy gift cards to do our holiday shopping and to give as gifts! Its a great way to get the most out of your holiday budget!
5. Embrace the gift card: Maybe I’m odd, but I enjoy giving gift cards. Its probably because that is what I enjoy getting! (What’s more fun than shopping, right? I love getting gift cards and then cleaning up at all those after Christmas sales!!) And when I give someone a gift card, I know they will getting something they love! Mastercard gift cards are the perfect gift – they’re accepted everywhere MasterCard debit cards are so you know they’ll get EXACTLY what they wanted!
Speaking of gift cards…
WIN IT!
One lucky All Things Chic reader will win a$50.00 MasterCard Prepaid Gift Card!
disclosure: this is a sponsored campaign.
About Melissa