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Holiday Hustle: Where To Start Shopping To Get Ahead Of The Christmas Rush

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

Christmas is undoubtedly filled with its fair share of excitement and stress. While the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies and familiar sounds of holiday tunes fill the air, the pressure of the year’s busiest shopping season can often overtake the merriment.

Christmas is an expensive time, and it can be hard to keep track of which stores have the best deals on your holiday essentials. Luckily, I’ve rounded up some of the most popular and budget-friendly Christmas collections for this holiday shopping season.

American Eagle

If you missed out on the viral Snoopy Fall Plush PJ Set, this is your chance at redemption!

American Eagle released not just one but four holiday-themed plush pyjama sets. Charlie Brown and the crew are back for another Christmas collection, with loungewear for both women and men. From Grinch graphic tees to gift ideas for everyone on your Christmas list, American Eagle is your one-stop shop for festive apparel.

Old Navy

Matching family, friends and couple pyjamas are a staple for many individuals during the Christmas season. Old Navy’s Jingle Jam Shop is the perfect place to stock up on all your loungewear essentials.

The store offers over a dozen design options, all of which are available in every size and style you can imagine. I suggest acting fast, as Old Navy often has sales around this time of the year for their holiday collection.

Shoppers Drug Mart

From advent calendars to perfume gift sets, Shoppers Drug Mart has a wide variety of beauty essentials and gift sets.

One popular collection is Quo Beauty Holiday, Quo’s specialty Christmas cosmetic line. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Shoppers Drug Mart also offers gift guides, stocking stuffers and greeting cards in their general holiday collection.

Sephora

Every year, Sephora drops its collection of holiday gift sets. If you’re looking for mascara, lip kits or eye shadow palettes, you’re in the right place!

This year, Charlotte Tilbury has also released an extensive collection of holiday mini sets — a perfect gift for your bestie or a small treat for yourself.  Don’t miss out on these limited edition collections, including the “Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Duo” and the “Pillow Talk Beautifying Lip & Cheek Secrets.”

michaels

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: three festive throw pillows, two candy cane candles and a tabletop Christmas tree

Luckily, Michaels has everything for your decorative and crafty holiday needs in their Christmas collection. From wall art to doormats, Michaels has a wide variety of decor collections to fit every festive aesthetic. 

homeSense & marshalls

HomeSense and Marshalls will keep you on your toes this holiday season, as you never know what will be released in these stores!

I suggest checking with your local store to see which days they receive shipment, as those will be your best bet at getting the most popular holiday items! From buttery soft blankets to brightly coloured nutcrackers, these two stores have cost-effective items for every holiday guru.

Check out this video from Diana K Designs to get some inspiration for your holiday decor needs!

Bath & Body works

Every year, Bath & Body Works seems to outdo itself with eye-catching product designs and decor items.

This year’s holiday preview shows the return of many seasonal favourites, including “Frosted Cranberry” and “Marshmallow Fireside.” Bath & Body Works has also released a slew of new scents, including “Winter Pear Forest” and “Raspberry Thumbprint.”

I, for one, cannot wait to light my favourite, never-ending “Sweater Weather” candle to kick off the holiday season!

indigo

This year, Indigo has a wide variety of stock within its Christmas collection. If you’re looking for tableware, ornaments, your favourite Christmas reads, or gift guides for all ages, Indigo has you covered.

It’s truly more than a bookstore, with almost anything you need for your holiday celebrations conveniently located in one place. Some current Heather’s Picks include Barbra Streisand’s novel My Name is Barbra, in-store and online on Nov. 7, 2023, and The Defector by Chris Hadfield, available now. 

Pro tip: Sign up for emails at any store you’re interested in buying from. This way, you’ll never miss out on a sale for those items you’ve been dying to get!

Nicole Soroka

Toronto MU '26

Hey, I'm Nicole Soroka, a third-year journalism student at Toronto Metropolitan University. I'm an entertainment journalist who loves to interview creative individuals, review movies and discuss the latest entertainment news! If you can't already tell, I'm a huge movie buff and when I'm not at the movie theatre, you'll probably find me re-watching one of my favourite early 2000's T.V. shows (nothing will ever compare to The O.C.)! You can find me on Instagram @nicolesoroka04 or on X @nicole__soroka