I think it’s safe to say the holiday season is officially underway. Thanksgiving is tomorrow, yet I’ve been hearing Christmas carols for nearly a week and my inbox is being bombarded with shopping deals galore. The real madness begins right after we’ve ingested way too many calories and are still in a food coma. Of course I’m talking about the annual shopping frenzy, otherwise known as Black Friday.
Several years ago I decided to opt-out of the holiday craziness. Even though I consider myself a prolific shopper and excellent bargain hunter, Black Friday is the one day of the year I refuse to shop or even think about entering the parking structure of any mall. To me it screams more hype than actual savings. And why risk life and limb when you can get great deals right now and through the next month.
Simplify Gift Shopping
Before you begin your holiday shopping establish a game plan and budget. It’s way too easy to overspend, not to mention incredibly depressing to open the credit card bills in January and realize you can’t afford what you’ve already spent. Next, make a list of everyone you need to buy a gift for and include what item/s you think you might purchase for each person and how much you want to spend on each person.
If you are brave enough to venture out on Black Friday, remember, a lot of the same deals (or in some cases, even better ones) are also offered online. There is something very appealing about having my morning coffee while shopping in my jammies and getting the laundry done at the same time. I call it organized multi-tasking!
Online Deals & Steals
The Gap has a huge promotion running from now through Black Friday, offering up to 60% off the entire store, (online & in the store). I snagged this cute little sweater for just under $8 using discounts and a GapCard rewards certificate. J Crew, Madewell, and BodenUSA are all offering 25% off and some free shipping. ShopBop currently has the “Big Event” sale with savings up to 35% off (use code bigevent12).
These sales are a great opportunity to check lots of gifts off your list and maybe treat yourself too. Pretty much every brick and mortar store has a website and is offering holiday discounts, free shipping and returns.
Here are more online shopping suggestions:
Nordstrom now offers free shipping and returns and of course offers high-quality merchandise. Amazon.com is running Black Friday deals and has gift options in every possible category. Gift cards are also a great choice; and they’ll never be returned!
The Container Store has terrific stocking stuffers and is currently offering a $15 gift card if you spend $100. You can also shop online and pick up your items in the store. Your order will be packed and ready for you when you go to pick it up.
If you are looking for something unique, try shopping at etsy.com. You’ll find thousands of hand-crafted items in every possible category. It’s a great way to support local businesses and entrepreneurs.
For fun jewelry check out Charm and Chain. Shop by December 14th and enjoy 25% off with the code CC25OFF.
Sample Sales
If you like sample sales, sign-up to receive weekly emails from Bargains L.A. They have the inside scoop on all sample sales, liquidations, etc. in the L.A. area. And here’s a sample sale scoop from me. 360 Sweater just added an extra day to their semi-annual sample sale in Santa Monica. Go there anytime from 9am-4pm on Monday for some great deals on cashmere sweaters and scarves.
Lastly, the perfect gift…
Perhaps you’d like to give the gift of organization to someone (could even be you) this year. I am offering a special discount with the purchase of a Details etc. gift certificate: “four hours of organizing for the price of three hours”. That is quite a deal. Please send me an email at cindy@details-etc.com for more information. This deal will be offered through December 24th.
Good luck and happy, organized shopping!!
