Are you still working on finishing up your Christmas shopping? I'm currently sitting on the couch looking over my list of what's been purchased and what can still be gotten that will fit within the budget we've set. We've been very fortunate this year with our kids' wish list containing very simple and heartfelt desires: to be with family, be with friends, visit our previous home town, package of gum, first loose tooth...... But, it really leaves me in a spot trying to get them gifts they will like and enjoy when they give me nothing to go on! And while I would love to take everyone back to Missouri for a visit, time and money won't allow it.
This year will be different, too, because we live so much farther away from family. Our travel accommodations will be different. which means our packing will have to be different. In other words - I have no space for packing presents!
Since all these other things have been or will be different, my shopping has been different, too. I want to enjoy this time of year and not fret.
So, I've done all my shopping online.
Yep. ALL OF IT.
Here are some of my little secrets for keeping my stress to a minimum and my budget on track this Christmas.
Amazon Prime has been a wonderful tool for our family. There is a yearly fee, but with the amount we order through the year, it more than makes the fee worth it. (IF you don't order a lot or won't take advantage of the other services, I don't recommend it.)
Not only have I gotten free shipping on all our orders, but I've also gotten some great deals! Even better has been the ability to ship gifts for extended family right to their home (or to the grandparents place) so I don't have to worry about packing them for our trip.
Prime also made things really simple for giving gift ideas for my kids to the grandparents. Simply create a wish list and then you can share it via email. Made everything so easy!
If you are wondering if it would be good for you - there's a
30 day free trial. You can give it a go and see if it would be worth the investment. Other things we take advantage of through Prime are the videos, books, audiobooks, music, pantry and lightening deal early access.
Here's a glance at the order schedule if you want to guarantee delivery for Christmas through
Amazon Prime.
This is a new thing for me to be doing this holiday. I confess, I hadn't payed much attention to this site previously. Thought it would be too complicated with too many hoops to jump through. I was surprised, though! Really, REALLY simple!
There's a convenient button to put on your browser window.
And a pop-up notice of possible cash back offers when you land on an eligible site.
I've only used
Ebates for 3 purchases, but I already have a balance of cash back!!
I have found a few great deals here. What I like most about
Groupon.com is being able to find some pretty unique items for special people in our lives. Items and gifts can be found either by looking in a specific location for local stores or by getting coupons to use online. Last year we gifted an outdoor heater. This year we've found a beautiful wall decoration. (And I have a window open on my computer to see if I can find one more gift.)
Sign up is free and easy, too!
Okay......
Those have been the most helpful sites in my Christmas shopping this year. I would love to hear what you've been doing this year to help keep your shopping fun and as stress free as possible. Comment below or comment on our Facebook page.
Remember to look for our Tips & Tricks Link Party starting up at 8 pm tonight!
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