• Home
  • Travel
  • About Stephanie
  • Work With Me

How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

My Top Tips For On-Line Holiday Shopping!

in Lifestyle on 11/20/15

ShoppingBagsdreamstime_thumb

How many people do you have to do Christmas Shopping for this year?  Five, Ten, Twenty?  I used to think I had a “small” family; then a very big realization!  As I’ve grown older, my idea of family, who I want to show I love to at Christmas time, has evolved.  I don’t just shop for my immediate family, I add in Teachers, Coaches, Crossing Guards, and Piano Teachers.  There are best friends, good neighbours, the Angel Tree, and an anonymous gift or two for the nursing home my Grandmother used to live in.  The list grows longer, the time to get it done gets tighter, the potential to overspend becomes very real!  How do I manage it all?  How do I come up with unique ideas for all and get it done on time without breaking the bank?  I make a plan and stick to it. Here’s my fool proof plan and top tips for safe on-line shopping this Holiday Season:

Step 1: Make a list! A list of who you have to buy gifts for and the perfect gift for each person.  Then take care as much of your shopping as possible on-line.  There’s never any standing in line when your shop via your computer!

Step 2: Know your budget and stick to it.

Step 3:  If you find myself distracted by great “sales” or gimmicks, look away!  This is not the time to be buying yourself another fabulous bag or pair of boots. A recent TD survey found that while online shopping may have its conveniences, there can also be the impulse to splurge and overspend.  Over one-third (37 per cent) of those surveyed who do most of their holiday shopping online are more likely to say they spend more than they would in store.

Step 4: Shop! With these 7 tips!

*Shop Canadian when you can. Some of the reasons I like to shop Canadian sites.  They are more likely to offer free shipping and returns.  You avoid the hassle of the possibility of brokerage fee and of course the nasty exchange rate.

*Watch for shipping times! Make sure your item can make it to you before Christmas.

*Avoid Shipping Fees:  Since you have lots of shopping to do, be aware that many stores will offer free shipping if you purchase a certain amount.

*Reward Programs: Time to sign up!  Many of your favourite on-line retailers offer reward programs.  Sign up and you may earn money back on your purchases.

*Comparison Shop:  Don’t just click buy now on that first item you see.  Looking for a beautiful plaid scarf?  Did you check Banana Republic, Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, and The Bay to name a few?  All offer on-line shopping and some will have fabulous sales and incentives!

*Safety:  Be sure the site you are using is secure.  For example a security seal indicates that the site will protect you from the likes of identity theft, credit card fraud, and spam.

*Coupon Code Search:  Before you make that final purchase, do a quick search on google for a coupon code for that store.  You will be surprised how often you can find a 10% or 15% off discount!

Screen Shot 2015-11-16 at 1.46.16 PM

TD Bank provides us with these additonal tips for savvy shoppers:

*Make a plan and track each purchase to help manage temptation. That way, there should be no surprises when you see your credit card bill at the end of the month.

* Redeeming your credit card loyalty points for your holiday gifts is one way you can help stay within your budget, while making buying gifts easier and giving yourself more time to spend with your loved ones this holiday season. The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite* credit card offers redemption flexibility for not only travel but also name brand merchandise and gift cards.

Once your shopping is done, kick back with a big old chocolate chip cookie and a glass of milk, you just pulled of Santa’s job in record time without ever leaving the house and if you stuck to your plan, you did it all on budget, on time and maybe even without getting out of your pyjamas! Happy Holidays indeed!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however as always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

  • « Wild Florida!
    Find The Perfect Gifts At Walmart ~ Giveaway »

    Comments

    1. kathy downey says

      March 2, 2017 at 12:33 pm

      Coupon code searches are the very best,oh how i love a good deal !!

    2. Debbie White Beattie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:02 pm

      I love your tips especially using your points because that’s what I do.

    3. Melinda Jana says

      May 20, 2016 at 10:25 am

      online shopping….what would we do without you during those hectic seasons? 🙂

    4. Corinna says

      December 15, 2015 at 11:32 am

      Your coupon code search time just saved me 20%!! Thank you!

    5. Melinda L. says

      December 7, 2015 at 10:24 am

      Great tips. I’m gonna use this for Boxing Day sales 😉

    « Older Comments
    Travel addict, sun seeker, coffee drinker, fashion lover, picture taker. This is a peek behind the closed and competitive doors of the suburbs. A place to come to learn about the best places to travel with your kids in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and beyond! stephanie@sassymodernmom.com
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Search This Site

    Guest Blogging For ETCanada & Skinny Cow

    At the GRAMMYs !
    Stephanie Holmes

    sassymodernmom

    Canadian Blogger. Traveler. Influencer. Picture Taker. Family Travel Expert.
    ❤️London ON
    ☀️Always planning my next vacation!

    My forever valentine 💘 My forever valentine 💘
    Drinking margaritas, soaking up the sun and watchi Drinking margaritas, soaking up the sun and watching the whales from our loungers! Paradise found. It’s right here at The Beach Club in @quiviraloscabos 
.
#quiviraloscabos #loscabos #quivira #quivirabeachclub #qlifecabo
    Saying goodbye to 2024 with a grateful heart. Can Saying goodbye to 2024 with a grateful heart. 
Can’t wait for all the adventures coming our way in 2025! Wishing you all a happy healthy New Year 🎉
    One of our best adventures of 2024. This trip to t One of our best adventures of 2024. This trip to the Grand Canyon was truly unforgettable. 
.
.
#roadtrip #arizona #grandcanyon #postcardsfromtheworld #letsgoeverywhere
    Woo hoo - another amazing HomeExchange! This week Woo hoo - another amazing HomeExchange! 
This week we felt all kinds of spoiled in our cozy accommodations in gorgeous Scottsdale. We hiked local trails, snuck in a little golf, drove with the top down, ate all the food, and enjoyed a sweet sunset in our own backyard. All because #Homeexchange provided us with a unique - almost free- way to stay in Arizona and see all the things! 

We had such an amazing time we’re already planning our next adventure! 
Want to plan an escape like this?
Follow the link in my bio to find out how you can plan your first or next Home Exchange.

https://spn.so/49qawpmk

@homeexchangecom #homeexchangepartner 
#homeexchangecom #homeexchange #HomeExchangePartner #LetsGoEverywhere #adventure #budgetfriendly #travel #luxurytravel
    About last night….. . #auroraborealis #londonont About last night…..
.
#auroraborealis #londonontario #ldnont
    It’s true. For the past 3 years we’ve been usi It’s true. For the past 3 years we’ve been using @homeexchangecom to take some epic vacations! 

Lake Como ✅
Cabo ✅
Scottsdale Arizona - on deck! 

If you’re ready for a new adventure sign up now through the affiliate link in my bio and you will automatically receive 250 points!!! ❤️
It’s easy, I promise. 

❤️Umm and if you have a cottage, a condo or second home, why are you not on Home Exchange?? Oh the places you can go! 

💕Drop a comment telling me your dream destination! 

#homeexchangepartner #homeexchange #travelhacks #letsgosomewhere #traveltips #familytravel
    This week my Hubby and I celebrate our 28th weddin This week my Hubby and I celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary. Yup TWENTY EIGHT. How are we celebrating? Between work and family obligations it’s been tricky to make time for us. My solution… book a trip! 

For this adventure we’re once again turning to @homeexchangecom com One or my favourite ways to plan an epic vacation and see the world. 

In the past we’ve stayed in both Lake Como and Los Cabos.  Sigh, they were glorious trips!

Why try a HomeExchange?
HomeExchange offers a whole new experience to stay in real, authentic homes, and live like a local. HomeExchange allows you to stay in areas you never could with a traditional hotel experience. 
 Intrigued? Follow my link and see how easy it is to get started.

https://spn.so/49qawpmk
(Link also in profile)
PS I’m now searching for my next great trip? Which places are on your travel bucket list?

#HomeExchangePartner #MyHomeExchange #familytravel #beautifulplaces #familyadventures #canadiantravel #letsgoeverywhere #travelbucketlist
    Missing those Paris views…. thankful for the mem Missing those Paris views….
thankful for the memories ❤️
.
.
#Paris #tb #girlstrip #ParisFrance #parisfrance🇫🇷 #beautifuldestinations #postcardsfromtheworld
    Out of office …. . . #summervibes #boshkunglake Out of office ….
.
.
#summervibes #boshkunglake #canarvon
    Load More... Follow on Instagram

    Facebook

    Categories

    Blog Archive

    Copyright © 2009-2025 · Life in the Suburbs by KrizzyDesigns

    Copyright © 2025 · Glam Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in