With worldwide operational issues there have been serious inventory problems putting a damper on this season’s sale shopping – but, despite that, it’s not too late to snag a bargain! We turned to smart shopping expert, Trae Bodge, to get all the secrets to snagging holiday bargains… even this late in the game.
Sales that are late in the season
“I would look for deals on Green Monday (Dec. 13), Free Shipping Day (Dec. 14), and Super Saturday (Dec. 18). Historically, winter apparel, toys, holiday-themed merchandise, and gift sets are discounted in December and will be especially so on those days. I will say that if someone on your list is asking for something specific, especially in toys or tech, you should get it sooner rather than later because of the supply chain issues and shipping delays we’ve been hearing about.”
Things to focus on
“If you have specific gifts in mind you might still be able to find them, but be very mindful of the shipping time that online retailers are providing. For example, don’t assume that just because it’s Amazon Prime that you’ll receive it in two days. I would also suggest that if you can go to a store to purchase something, that’s better than shipping it at this point. Curbside pickup is a good option, too. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, it might makes sense to opt for a gift card or digital gift.”
Gift cards…yay or nay?
“For 13 years running, gift cards have been the #1 or #2 most requested gift, according to the National Retail Federation. If you’re looking for a gift that feels more personal than a regular gift card, consider a personalized gift card from GiftCardGranny. Their Build-a-Card service allows you to upload a photo and add a message to a Visa or Mastercard. The card ships within 1-2 days!”
How to gift spending money
“Give a GiftYa, which is like the Venmo of gifting. You can personalize the GiftYa with a photo, video, or different colors and designs, then designate their favorite store – big or small! – and the GiftYa arrives on their phone via text. They pair GiftYa with their credit or debit card and go shopping! They can even switch retailers or opt for a Visa gift card if they’d prefer to shop elsewhere.”
Favorite subscription boxes
“I do love them, but not all of them. I recently tested many boxes for a Today Show segment and have several favorites, including Curdbox, which is an unbelievably delicious selection of cheese and condiments. I also really like the Novica Undiscovered Artisan Boxes, which are boxes with handmade goods from different areas of the world. Then there’s Raising the Bar, which are creative cocktail/mocktail kits – fun for keeping things interesting when you’re making drinks at home.”
Experiencial gifts
“Experiences can be tricky because everyone has a different level of comfort about in-person activities. Thankfully, there are fun digital experiences you can gift, like access to a foreign language platform or fitness app. Also, Uncommon Goods has some very cool online classes ($20 and up) that would make great gifts.”
