The holiday season is here and so are the sales!
Trust me, we all love a good Black Friday deal & the excitement of getting the perfect gift. That being said, let it be known that you’re not always saving money when buying to the sale; it’s a marketing tactic a tale as old as time.
That’s not to say there are pretty rockin’ deals out there this time of year and not to shy away from a little price hunting if there’s something specific, you’re looking for.
Whether you’re shopping for clothes to curate your dream wardrobe or looking for gifts for the family, there are a few things you can do differently this year to elevate your shopping experience and find something really unique. These tactics can be used year-round but most beneficial during the holiday season when everywhere you look there’s something that catches your eye.
3 Ways to Elevate Your Shopping Habits
1. Go in with a list.
#1 rule is and always will be a list. Listen, sis- I used to be like you and think I could fake it ‘til I made it without a list (psst- I’m a list lover now). A list will never fail you; it’ll keep you focused and disciplined. If you’re looking to add to your wardrobe, create a list of clothing & accessories gaps to keep an eye out for. If you’re buying gifts, track all the people you’re buying for and set a budget. That way you can easily monitor who and what you’re getting, rather than aimlessly buying.
2. Think practicality and purpose.
While you make your way through the list of things to get, make the focus a balance of practicality and purpose. Obviously, you want to make this a fun experience but also worth your while. Assess each item for its functionality and to what purpose it will serve; is this a short or long-term investment? Don’t be afraid to turn down a sale if it doesn’t meet your needs; odds are there will be something better that comes along.
Big sales often elicit a fear of missing out for consumers, leading them to believe they’ll never get a deal this good and cause them to act impulsively. Don’t let this be you; have confident in your shopping ability to be mindful of balancing wants and needs.
3. Support a small business.
Whenever possible, support a small and/or local business in your area. This is the easiest (and most fun way, in my opinion) to snag unique finds that are exactly what you’re looking for, without you even knowing it. Local markets & pop-up shops are largely growing in popularity and welcome vendors of various businesses to bring you the ultimate experience. Goes to show, there’s going to be something there for everyone. This is also the best way to avoid giving the same gift as someone else & help you switch up your gift giving, as well!
Pro Tip: Gift Experiences Instead of Things
Not sure what to get someone? You don’t always need to wrap the biggest box to give the best gift; although it is funny when people wrap a box inside a box. This year, for anyone you’re struggling to buy for, give them an experience instead of a thing. Know a good local restaurant they love? Get them a dinner for two. Do your parents need to relax? Book a staycation for a night via a local Airbnb. Get creative with what they like to do & go from there.
Remember: be rich in memories, not things.