Fortunately, even though I've been stuck at home, I've gotten a lot of Christmas shopping done online this year. Thanks to coupon codes and rewards memberships, I haven't paid for shipping even once, so it's as if I bought in store!
Since I've been enjoying so many savings, I thought I'd share my favorites with you!
1. Christmas cards
Every year I make photo cards to send out. In the past I've used snapfish.com, and just by signing up my inbox is filled with coupons, often up to 60% off of holiday cards. I never pay full price on this site. This year I'm using Tiny Prints, which is a bit more trendy. I've also gotten several coupons emailed to me. To get free shipping just use the code FS2013 at Checkout. Another tip: design your card then wait a few days. To encourage you to finish the purchase, they will email you a coupon!
*Also for lazy people like me, you can add all of your family address to the address book tool and they will mail the cards for you! No more licking stamps or envelopes!
2. Electronics
I became a Rewards Member at Staples and Best Buy, but have had the most luck at the former. In the past month I've received coupons in my inbox for $25 off a $100 purchase, $5 off a $30 purchase, 25% off any item, and $100 off a new laptop/computer that uses Windows 8! Plus, as a Staples rewards member I get free shipping on any purchase over $30! (If an item is less than that you can always ship it to your local store for free- they will email you when you can pick it up at the Customer Service desk). And in case I haven't gushed enough about Staples.com, the online chat person was so helpful when my coupon didn't work initially! For these typically larger purchases, it really pays to have a rewards membership (and they 're typically free to join, so why not?!).
3. Books
This is a pretty common gift we give. Not only do we like to read, but many of our family members do too! After comparing prices at major bookstore chains and at Amazon.com, I discovered that it was cheaper to use Amazon. Just be sure to plan all of your purchases at once so you don't end up racking up shipping bills. Because of my checkout total, I received free standard shipping!
4. Go custom- it's more affordable than you think.
For really personalized gifts, check out etsy.com. I was surprised at how affordable and unique some of these gifts were. I can't say what I ended up buying in case my family checks this, but some of the ideas I liked the most were portraits and silhouettes, custom ornaments, family name plaques, and tea towels or cutting boards with family recipes on them (they'll even print it in Grandma's handwriting!), ranging from $15-$40. It is also nice to be helping out small businesses. Their holiday gift guide is a great place to start looking!
5. Go postal.
The USPS flat rate shipping is really amazing. It's so much cheaper than other shipping options, and if it fits its all ships for a standard rate. I made a point to plan early so I can ship gifts together, since my family will be gathering in three main locations. I've not been good at this in the past, so I'm super excited to be on time this year!
Happy Shopping to all!
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