My Top Tips For On-Line Holiday Shopping!

How many people do you have to do Christmas Shopping for this year?  Five, Ten, Twenty?  I used to think I had a “small” family; then a very big realization!  As I’ve grown older, my idea of family, who I want to show I love to at Christmas time, has evolved.  I don’t just shop for my immediate family, I add in Teachers, Coaches, Crossing Guards, and Piano Teachers.  There are best friends, good neighbours, the Angel Tree, and an anonymous gift or two for the nursing home my Grandmother used to live in.  The list grows longer, the time to get it done gets tighter, the potential to overspend becomes very real!  How do I manage it all?  How do I come up with unique ideas for all and get it done on time without breaking the bank?  I make a plan and stick to it. Here’s my fool proof plan and top tips for safe on-line shopping this Holiday Season:

Step 1: Make a list! A list of who you have to buy gifts for and the perfect gift for each person.  Then take care as much of your shopping as possible on-line.  There’s never any standing in line when your shop via your computer!

Step 2: Know your budget and stick to it.

Step 3:  If you find myself distracted by great “sales” or gimmicks, look away!  This is not the time to be buying yourself another fabulous bag or pair of boots. A recent TD survey found that while online shopping may have its conveniences, there can also be the impulse to splurge and overspend.  Over one-third (37 per cent) of those surveyed who do most of their holiday shopping online are more likely to say they spend more than they would in store.

Step 4: Shop! With these 7 tips!

*Shop Canadian when you can. Some of the reasons I like to shop Canadian sites.  They are more likely to offer free shipping and returns.  You avoid the hassle of the possibility of brokerage fee and of course the nasty exchange rate.

*Watch for shipping times! Make sure your item can make it to you before Christmas.

*Avoid Shipping Fees:  Since you have lots of shopping to do, be aware that many stores will offer free shipping if you purchase a certain amount.

*Reward Programs: Time to sign up!  Many of your favourite on-line retailers offer reward programs.  Sign up and you may earn money back on your purchases.

*Comparison Shop:  Don’t just click buy now on that first item you see.  Looking for a beautiful plaid scarf?  Did you check Banana Republic, Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, and The Bay to name a few?  All offer on-line shopping and some will have fabulous sales and incentives!

*Safety:  Be sure the site you are using is secure.  For example a security seal indicates that the site will protect you from the likes of identity theft, credit card fraud, and spam.

*Coupon Code Search:  Before you make that final purchase, do a quick search on google for a coupon code for that store.  You will be surprised how often you can find a 10% or 15% off discount!

TD Bank provides us with these additonal tips for savvy shoppers:

*Make a plan and track each purchase to help manage temptation. That way, there should be no surprises when you see your credit card bill at the end of the month.

* Redeeming your credit card loyalty points for your holiday gifts is one way you can help stay within your budget, while making buying gifts easier and giving yourself more time to spend with your loved ones this holiday season. The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite* credit card offers redemption flexibility for not only travel but also name brand merchandise and gift cards.

Once your shopping is done, kick back with a big old chocolate chip cookie and a glass of milk, you just pulled of Santa’s job in record time without ever leaving the house and if you stuck to your plan, you did it all on budget, on time and maybe even without getting out of your pyjamas! Happy Holidays indeed!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however as always all thoughts and opinions are my own.