The holidays are quickly approaching – only 44 days until Christmas! – and I’ve vowed this year to be more organized. I am usually loathe to shop on Black Friday because of the typical craziness associated with it, but I have to admit – there are tons of deals to be had and it’s only smart to take advantage of them to save some hard-earned money!My problem is that I usually get busy doing other things and Black Friday passes me by. I think that, subconsciously, I don’t want to deal with the aggressive shoppers, long line-ups and an early-morning wake up. (I mean, who does?) But, this year will be different because I’ve got a plan… and it involves something called Mauve Friday from Save.ca. It’s the kinder, gentler, easier-on-your-sanity shopping day! If you want to get more organized, and save money to boot, take a peek at my plan and see if any of the strategies could work for you…
- Set a budget. Nobody wants to experience buyer’s remorse – or the January credit card bill that accompanies it – so plan out your budget before you go shopping and stick to it. I like using an app on my smartphone to track gifts for each person. My picks: Christmas Gift List for Android; Santa’s Bag for iPhone.
- Research the deals before you go. Search digital flyers on trusted sites like Save.ca (a personal fav of mine!) from the comfort of your home so you know what’s out there and where you can find the products and deals you want. If you thought that save.ca is all about groceries, look again – they’ve got the best deals from all kinds of stores.
- Make a list. It seems obvious, but sometimes we overlook this step. If you make a list and stick to it, you will avoid impulse purchases.
- Be savvy. To ensure you have the right item for the right price, compare the digital flyers while shopping. I like the fact that I can do all of my comparing in one place with Save.ca’s new mobile app for iPhone. There’s no switching between screens and searching for items in my phone’s web browser. This can be a lifesaver for those of you who don’t like to sift through paper flyers. And, for those who do, it’s the perfect shopping companion.
- Dress comfortably. If you’re going to shop at a bricks-and-mortar store/mall, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. And, if you’re lucky enough to get a parking spot relatively close to the shopping entrance, do yourself a favour and leave your coat in the car…all the more room for shopping bags!
- Shop online. If you’re like me, you probably like the idea of going to the mall (it’s so festive, with the holiday music, decorations and the big tree…) and but the reality isn’t always as idyllic. Save a bit of sanity and try online shopping. On November 29, Save.ca will have compiled great deals and discounts for Canadians in one spot.
You don’t have to go crazy trying to get the best deals this holiday season. Simply grab a cup of hot chocolate, a comfy seat in front of your computer, and enjoy finding the best products at the best prices!
Disclosure: I received compensation for this review, however all opinions, as always, are honest and my own.
Great tips, I have not heard of Mauve Friday. I can not believe Nov. is almost 1/2 way gone. I wanted to be done more by now in preperation for Christmas.
Love these tips as i am always looking for a good deal especially at christmas time!
Great tips! I find I am shopping online more this year, finding the selection better and gifts that I would never find in the stores. I have been finding some good deals too so that is a bonus! (Judy Cowan)
have to say online shopping is best for me , Im the one who gets into a store and if its too crowded I have to leave , Planning ahead is a big thing !!
Thank you I've never heard of Mauve Friday I am starting to panic about Christmas approaching and I do prefer to shop online!
great tips just actually starting to shop for things online and Im enjoying it.
shopping online is so much easier for me! we only have one car so shopping online is definitely more convient
I agree Black Friday is just so crazy , I don't want to be stuck in those crowds . Shopping online is much easier
Some good tips. I don't like crowds so I like online better!
I hate crowds too – though sometimes you just can't avoid them so the tip about save.ca is a great one. Thanks for the advice!
It's so important to check/research the deals before you go! I love how easy save.ca makes this! The first time I took my hubby with me I had to stop him from buying things that weren't on sale because he assumed it was all a good price! Red tags don't necessarily mean you're getting a good price!
Those are great tips
Your tips are great, I always make a list and the last few years I have stuck to my budget. Hubs is an impulse shopper so most times I have to leave him home…lol. I have never heard of Mauve Friday.