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Tricks to Christmas Shopping Without Breaking your Spirit (or Bank)

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Suffolk chapter.

With the Holidays coming up rapidly, shoppers have been frantically trying to finish getting all their gifts ready. Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday have concluded, you may find it difficult to find those gifts at a great price. Here are some tricks to getting the perfect gift without breaking your bank.

 

1. Know what you plan to buy.

Whether you are shopping online or in-store, having an idea of what you want to buy for your friends and family will make it easier to search for the right cost. This can allow you to look in a few different stores, online sites, and other retailers. While this may take a little bit more effort, it ensures that you get the product in the most cost-effective fashion. 

 

Image Credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=christmas+shopping&sxsrf=ACYBGNQRnSqDaDKBm7lUHhiHT3wEZmKxtQ:1575740940419&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjSwou4jKTmAhXpY98KHQd-BBQQ_AUoAnoECBAQBA&biw=1440&bih=789#imgrc=8TVUEJhzBY452M:

 

2. Amazon and Etsy are your friends! 

Two great sites to shop on are Amazon and Etsy. Both have a wide range of products that are perfect for gifts and will ship quickly and efficiently. I personally use Etsy constantly for personalized gifts, it often means more to the person on the receiving end, and provides a gift that I can be proud of. There is a lot of handmade jewelry available for customization on Etsy, and all at an extremely affordable price. 

 

Image Credit: https://www.google.com/search?biw=1440&bih=789&tbm=isch&sxsrf=ACYBGNSedzUKAVk22xujyMOOOgnvRd8kCA%3A1575740981198&sa=1&ei=NebrXYzNC6yQggeN65mIAg&q=etsy&oq=etsy&gs_l=img.3..0j0i67l3j0l6.865.2335..2611…1.0..0.223.596.5j0j1……0….1..gws-wiz-img…….35i39j0i131j0i30.oelRrnPVciQ&ved=0ahUKEwjMu8TLjKTmAhUsiOAKHY11BiEQ4dUDCAc&uact=5#imgrc=a2ThmhgncsDhGM:

 

 

3. Download the Chrome Extension Honey 

Honey is an extension available on google chrome. This extension will search for coupons on any site you can shop on, and will apply the one with the most available savings. I have been able to get free shipping on orders because of this, and even have saved up to $20 on a purchase. It’s great for saving on gifts, but it is also nice to use to make sure that you are always getting the best deal on whatever you buy. 

 

Image Credit: https://www.google.com/search?biw=1440&bih=789&tbm=isch&sxsrf=ACYBGNT2Z80Q52MmBa7NtJSXMcKpq_HzvQ%3A1575741088158&sa=1&ei=oObrXcmiCc2KggfCyLiADA&q=honey+chrome+extension+logo&oq=honey+logo+chrome+&gs_l=img.3.0.0i8i30.2445.3369..4456…0.0..0.111.841.10j1……0….1..gws-wiz-img…….35i39j0i67j0j0i8i10i30.7LFrXOt0WCM#imgdii=8Xq82JLIc2StDM:&imgrc=UWCHIqvctcDJXM:

 

4. It is better to get one meaningful gift rather than a bunch of smaller ones

Holiday gifts have a reputation to be massive in numbers, the person getting the most gifts appearing superior or more important. However, I have learned that what the quality of the gift is far more important than how many gifts you get. I’d rather get one gift with a massive meaning than to get a bunch of candy or little trinkets that I will never use. Make sure to test your brain and work on getting something important. This will also help you save money because you will be getting something more worthy of what you spend. 

 

Image Credit: https://www.google.com/search?biw=1440&bih=789&tbm=isch&sxsrf=ACYBGNRTKoZfEKzduhFKwkS4FrVtum5mlA%3A1575741093941&sa=1&ei=pebrXYmCOfKc_Qba07PQBQ&q=christmas+shopping&oq=christmas+&gs_l=img.3.0.35i39j0i131i67j0i67l2j0i131i67j0i67l2j0i131i67j0i67l2.39923.40985..41688…2.0..0.106.850.10j1……0….1..gws-wiz-img…….0.0Lj4NIa36j4#imgrc=JlNGfaNFKDPqWM:

 

5. Enjoy the process!

Many people dread the idea of Holiday shopping, but going into it with a negative attitude makes it even harder. Try to enjoy shopping for the people you care about. If you get excited about each gift it will make waiting in those long lines easier, and will make you even more excited to give them.

Carina Fresa is a current Senior honors student at Suffolk University. Originally from Connecticut, she has truly found a home in Boston. She is the multi-media coordinator for Rampage Show Choir, as well as a participant in Her Campus and the Union of Designers, Operators and Technicians. Carina loves music, film, reading and writing. She also enjoys dedicating time to helping animals, and worked at her local cat shelter back in CT.
Julia Demopoulos is a senior at Suffolk University majoring in print/web journalism and minoring in public relations. She is originally from Dracut, MA but currently resides in East Boston. In addition to being a Campus Correspondent for Her Campus Suffolk, Julia is also the Vice President for Program Council, Suffolk's programming board on campus. She is also an active member of Suffolk's Journey Leadership Program. Julia works in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a Trustee Ambassador (tour guide), and was an Orientation leader for Summer 2019.