As you get started on your #holiday shopping, the New York Times’ Wirecutter says, remember that not all sales are created equal. List prices may be inflated to make store discounts look bigger, and you’ll likely need to comparison-shop to save real dollars on any merchandise that’s in demand. If you see a sale price on something you want, compare that price across multiple sellers with a simple internet search. To get the lowest prices, use online price-tracking tools and/or subscribe to alerts from your favorite retailers to hear about flash sales and member specials — but don’t be shy about unsubscribing if you don’t want those messages #cluttering your feeds. #HolidayTips
Tag: holiday giving
Black Friday Arrived Early This Year
Facing ongoing supply-chain issues worried about consumer spending, the nation’s retailers have put #holiday promotions into overdrive, announcing early Black Friday deals before most kids even had a chance to sort their #Halloween candy. Though #Christmas “creep” seems to kick off the season sooner every year, consumers concerned about the high cost of gift-giving and inflation’s effect on their pocketbooks would do well to start their shopping now — and remember that the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org offer lots of great #deals on lightly used #clothing and household goods. #HolidayShoppingTips
Make or Thrift Last-Minute Gifts
What’s more #sustainable than a #gift you make yourself? Food items are ideal — your homemade cookies and candies will be consumed without creating lots of #clutter or landfill waste. If you have a knack for sewing, woodworking or another craft, use it (quickly) to create a one-of-a-kind gift. You can also find lightly used household items (glassware, tchotchkes, gifts, games, etc.) to give at the #secondhand stores supplied by ClothingDonations.org. You’ll be helping #veterans and shopping local — while checking those last-minute gifts off your list. #SustainableShopping #LastMinuteGifts
Give Subscriptions to Keep on Giving
If you’re stuck for a #gift idea and want to give something the recipient will enjoy all year long, there’s now a subscription serivce to suit everyone’s tastes. The Strategist suggests a number of bespoke boxes for foodies, wine aficionados and coffee addicts; the beauty-obsessed and fashionistas; avid readers, gamers and outdoorspersons; and doting pet and plant parents. Prices vary, but gift boxes offer multiple months of discovery and delight. Just remind your giftees to #recycle or #reuse the carboard boxes that arrive on their porches every month. #SustainableShopping #LastMinuteGifts
Give the Gift of Charity
Those online deals on Instapots and flatscreen TVs may be tempting, but you can also opt to give to a charity on behalf of the people on your list, aligning your contribution to their interests and causes. CharityNavigator.org can help you sort through and verify the many options online, whether you’d like to protect the whales or help inner-city youth. One good option for giving to those who have served and reducing your levels of household #clutter at the same time is to donate your used clothing and household goods to ClothingDonations.org — or help veterans directly by contributing to the Vietnam Veterans of America. #ShoppingTips