Holiday Shopping on a Budget

IMG_2709This afternoon, I holiday shopped at Sears Canada (on Sears.ca), without leaving my couch, and scored something for everyone in my house — for less than $150.

I challenged myself to shop for my family (husband and three kids) with a $150 budget.  Since I’m a huge fan of shopping virtual stores, that’s what I did – and I got it all from Sears Canada, with money to spare, as well as a few extra things for me (since I’m doing all the work here…haha).

Angie’s Tips to Scoring Savings $$$ Online:

(1) Have a plan.

Online stores can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure what you’re looking for.  From the drop-down and horizontal menus to the search button and filters, many people find it too confusing to bother.  I recommend knowing what you’re looking for in order to get the best deal. For example, my toddler wants a train set (which he circled in the Sears Wishbook) but I wanted to wait for a good sale.  So, I simply search for “toy train” and wait to see those glorious red numbers appear.  Today, I saved 40% on it and bought a brand we’re already familiar with.

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(2) Keep a check-list

Just like the man in red himself, even the best minds need a gentle reminder of what people want/need.  As the year progresses and I field frustrations with appliances, toys and so on, I make note of things that would make people happier.  My hubby’s need for his daily, morning espresso just got a lot easier.

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(3) Take advantage of seasonal promotional codes.

Tis the time of year to shop and stores know it.  The earlier you start checking items off your list, the more likely you are to get a better price.  You can even be so brave as to Google “Sears Promo codes” to see what’s available on the days you’re online shopping.  We saved $20 off my order of over $100 simply by using GIFT20 (which was their promo code at the time), which brings me to my next tip…

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(4) Subscribe to store emails.

I know a lot of people break out in a sweat thinking about giving stores/cashiers/websites their email, but if you’re often shopping online, this is the best way to maximize savings.  All you need to do is open your email and follow the direct link provided by stores to take advantage of their date-specific sales (as I did today). And, don’t fret, when one expires, a new and different one is likely around the corner. It often feels like playing budget roullette.

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(5) Place your order early!

When it comes to popular holidays, it’s always best to shop early to get the best selection and the best prices.  There’s nothing like trying to track down your kid’s must-have toy in the final weeks only to find it sold out everywhere.  It’s in these moments that parents tend to pay a premium.

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Visit sears.ca/holiday for great gift ideas and sales.

 

Note: this post is sponsored in part, but remains my honest opinion and experience.

 

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