2008 Woodie Awards
Start Shopping Like A Pro
Tricks to Save Time and Money During The Holiday Season
Alicia Feghhi
Issue date: 12/9/04 Section: Feature
Santa told me that Montclair State University's students were extra good this year. As an early holiday present, here is a holiday shopper's survival guide. It will fully equip you to enjoy the season to the fullest.
1. Stay healthy. On the night before the holiday, would you rather dream of sugar plums dancing in your head while sleeping soundly under the covers or feel sick? To avoid the sniffles, wash your hands.
Think about all the shopping you will do. You will open doors from store to store, grab a shopping card used by many people, select gifts that have fingerprints all over the box, pay for your purchases with dirty money (do not let the shiny George Washington fool you), and exit the store. Another way to avoid the common cold or flu is to keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes.
2. Thrifty Spending. Now that you are a healthy holiday shopper, you can shop until your legs fall off. But don't fall for the hype of gift giving just yet. If you don't want those last-shopped for loved ones to receive loose change or coal because you ran out of money or ideas, create a shopping list. Set up a price range you want to spend and the type of gift you want to buy for someone.
3. Online Shopping. Research online before purchasing and compare prices, whether you are shopping in stores or on the Internet. When shopping online, order at least two weeks before Christmas. Otherwise, you will have to pay extra shipping charges, and sometimes-costly overnight fees.
4. Shop Early. Not only will you have more time to browse, but you'll feel less pressure to buy last-minute gifts. Even though last-minute shopping offers bargains, you may end up buying anything that is on sale because you feel rushed. Inside your shopping bag may be poorly thought-out gifts because the better items were sold out weeks ago.
5. Avoid Crowds. Monday's shoppers are inspired by Sunday ads, and Thursdays and Fridays can be hectic. Don't even enter the mall on weekends. You may actually get a chance to sit on Santa's lap Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
1. Stay healthy. On the night before the holiday, would you rather dream of sugar plums dancing in your head while sleeping soundly under the covers or feel sick? To avoid the sniffles, wash your hands.
Think about all the shopping you will do. You will open doors from store to store, grab a shopping card used by many people, select gifts that have fingerprints all over the box, pay for your purchases with dirty money (do not let the shiny George Washington fool you), and exit the store. Another way to avoid the common cold or flu is to keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes.
2. Thrifty Spending. Now that you are a healthy holiday shopper, you can shop until your legs fall off. But don't fall for the hype of gift giving just yet. If you don't want those last-shopped for loved ones to receive loose change or coal because you ran out of money or ideas, create a shopping list. Set up a price range you want to spend and the type of gift you want to buy for someone.
3. Online Shopping. Research online before purchasing and compare prices, whether you are shopping in stores or on the Internet. When shopping online, order at least two weeks before Christmas. Otherwise, you will have to pay extra shipping charges, and sometimes-costly overnight fees.
4. Shop Early. Not only will you have more time to browse, but you'll feel less pressure to buy last-minute gifts. Even though last-minute shopping offers bargains, you may end up buying anything that is on sale because you feel rushed. Inside your shopping bag may be poorly thought-out gifts because the better items were sold out weeks ago.
5. Avoid Crowds. Monday's shoppers are inspired by Sunday ads, and Thursdays and Fridays can be hectic. Don't even enter the mall on weekends. You may actually get a chance to sit on Santa's lap Tuesdays and Wednesdays.