Stress-Free Holiday Gift Shopping Online
The holiday season is the busiest time of year for online stores and carriers. Shopping with a plan helps you stay on budget and get every gift where it needs to be.
Make one list
Write down everyone you are buying for, a gift idea for each and a price limit. Keep it on your phone so you can check it as you shop.
Watch the calendar
- Order early in December for standard shipping.
- Check each store’s holiday shipping cutoff dates.
- Use express or next-day shipping only when you need it.
- Allow extra time for packages going to rural addresses.
Send gifts straight to the recipient
Ship directly to family and friends who live far away to save a trip to the post office. Add a gift note if the store offers one.
Have a last-minute backup
eGift cards arrive by email within minutes, which makes them a good choice when time runs out. Check any purchase fees before you buy.
Keep receipts
Save order confirmations and ask about gift receipts so returns and exchanges are easy after the holidays.
