Every year I tell myself the same thing…
“Start holiday shopping EARLY this year so I’m not scrambling for last minute stuff come mid-December when everything is total chaos!”
And every year, without fail, I still find myself shopping and wrapping up until the last minute.
THIS year, I’m making that proclamation again, but I’m committed to sticking to it. Between working 3 jobs (my day job, my blog, and my Usborne Books business), figuring out which kids are going to daycare or preschool each day, getting meals on the table, and keeping the house looking semi-clean (the thing on the list that always seems to fall by the wayside), my plate is FULL.
And honestly, once the holidays roll around, I’d love to have one less thing to worry about so I can just maybe relax and…actually enjoy the holidays! Maybe I’ll even get some more cookie baking in this year (some of my favorite cookies to bake can be found in THIS POST!)?
So in order to make that happen, I’ve already started to plan out how to get my shopping done EARLY this year. Here are 7 things I’m doing…
Make a List
We have a few more people on our list this year (daycare, preschool teachers, etc.) so I’ve made sure to take the time to write EVERYONE down. The last thing I want to have happen is think that I’ve finished my shopping and realize I’ve missed someone!
Start shopping online
I love online shopping. It’s quick and easy, and it doesn’t involve me having to cart either of the kiddos to a store.
Set a budget now so there is no scrambling come December
Jay and I put aside a money every paycheck to go into a tax-saver account, which we use to…pay taxes. However, this year, we purposely put a little extra in there to be able to use for the holidays. Even if you haven’t started yet, it’s not too late to start putting a little aside each paycheck – we still have a couple of months to go!
Utilize social media for gift ideas
Never underestimate the power of social media. I can’t tell you HOW many times I have seen something on a fellow blogger’s site, or on a social media channel and thought AH HA! I need that! Many bloggers will also start putting together gift guides, which can be super helpful for when you’re looking for those hard-to-shop-for people in your lives!
Take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
This goes without saying – there are always some GREAT deals to be had on both of these days! I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled and am *hoping* that these days will be a couple of the last days I’ll need to worry about shopping this year!
Go DIY
There really is nothing like a homemade gift, is there? Something that someone willingly put time and effort into is always so, so special. And if your budget is a little slim, this is definitely a great way to cut on costs, too. Browse around Pinterest or Etsy for some great ideas!
Take advantage of early deals
Many stores start holding special sale events early in the season, so be on the lookout! In fact, this Sunday, October 16th from 6-9pm, Sears.com is holding their Member Bonus Event. And for the first time ever, Sears is introducing a Holiday Guarantee: when you shop in-store during the Sears Member Bonus Event on October 16th, if any item purchased goes lower in the same store between that night and December 24th, Sears will automatically credit you the difference back in points, up to a maximum of $100 in points per member.* That includes Black Friday doorbuster pricing, too!
(*Points to be awarded 1/16/17)
So if you’re not already a Shop Your Way® member, you totally need to check it out. It’s a FREE social shopping destination and rewards program offering millions of products, personalized services, and advice. The program rewards members for buying the products and services they want every day. Members also have access to special pricing, sales and digital coupons that can be loaded directly into your account. To become a Shop Your Way Member sign up HERE!
And to help get you started on your holiday shopping, Sears is offering one lucky STSL reader a $100 gift card!!
To enter to win the $100 Sears gift card, check out the Rafflecopter giveaway below! I’ll choose a random winner on Friday, October 14th. Good luck and happy holiday shopping!
Disclosure: I am a member of the Sears Squad and this blog post and giveaway are both sponsored by Sears. Thank you for your continued support surrounding sponsored content on STSL <3
bmrobertson63 says
I’ve been really good about saving and trying to get ahead this year. I also use an app that helps me keep track of what I’m budgeting, the people I need to shop for, and what I’ve bought for them. It’s really been helpful, too!
Rebecca Roof says
I have 3 little ones to shop for this year ranging from 4 months to 6 years old. I definetly need to get a head start! I feel your pain, I work full time as well and it’s a struggle to keep the house clean.
Nicole says
My husband has been working hard to finish our basement, so I’d love to buy him some new tools!
Kathryn Pruitt says
Would LOVE to get a jump start on xmas shopping with the gift card!
Julie says
We just bought some new shelving units so now I need some stuff to put in ’em! ;)
Shauna M says
My mom has been wanting a fitness tracker, so I would use the gift card to purchase that!
Naomi D. says
I have 3 kids to shop for and 2 of them have birthdays close to Christmas so I definitely need to get a head start. This year will be the year! Ha!
Shawna says
This would be great to use to jump start our holiday shopping. I have already started making a list with some ideas!
Jennifer says
yes! $100 would help for christmas!
Jill S. says
I would use it towards a new Vacuum cleaner which I desperately need. Thank you.
Danielle says
I would love to get a jump start on Christmas shopping for my stepson!
Rachel martin says
I never start my Christmas shopping early, I’m trying to fix that this year! I have 2 nieces that I like to try to impress with gifts. It’s not the cost of the gift, it’s the thought of getting something specifically for them! The earlier I start, the better!
Marissa says
I will be moving cross country in the spring and would love to buy some new things for my new place!
Melissa says
I always say I will start early, and it never happens. I would find some kind of awesome tool for my husband
Jess P says
I kind of like the hectic last minute shopping. It’s almost become a holiday tradition. However, this year I have already proclaimed to give gift cards to my immediate family. Easy for me and they can get what they want (plus, half the fun is getting to shop for what you want with someone else’s money).
Alaina says
I always start holiday shopping! It saves money and also keeps things less chaotic as the holidays approach!
Mollie K says
I would shop for coworkers for the holidays!
Michelle says
Fortunately my company pay-out happens in the first week of December so the past few years I have always set aside some of that for Christmas shopping. If that wasn’t the case I would definitely want to do like you and set some extra aside so there are no surprises or scrambling! Awesome giveaway!
natasha says
Christmas gifts for sure for my family!
Michelle says
I’d use the $100 to start Christmas shopping now!
Thank you!
Michele Cupp says
We need some new bath towels, so that would be my buy.
Rosie says
I’ve seen some lighting from Sears that I’m really interested in!
Erin says
I have 8 nieces and nephews to shop for, alone with my own 2 kids, so I would use the gift card to help with that!
Kaelin says
I would love to get started on Christmas Shopping!
Emily says
I’d use the gift card on holiday gifts orrrr… decor for our new house!
Erin S. says
I say the same thing every year, too! I’d love to start shopping early and get some items for family members out of the way before the holiday craziness begins!
Marissa says
This is a great idea! Maybe I’ll join the early bird shoppers club this year too!
Stacy H says
Christmas gifts for sure!
Kaylin@EnticingHealthyEating says
I need this gift card for buying Christmas gifts. ‘Tis the season.
Amanda says
I know it’s kind of cheesy, but this past weekend my husband and I made salt dough ornaments with our newest family member’s (dog!) paw print for my parents, in-laws and my sister for Christmas! Something small and homemade. I’m about halfway through my Christmas shopping.
Christy says
Since we had our daughter 3yrs ago I feel like everything we get is for her. I’d love to find something nice for my husband. He works hard to provide for us and he’s been an amazing father.
Sarah r says
Gifts for my kids- – few toys and some matching clothes ;)
ErikaMC says
I could use $100 for lots of things! I would love to start Christmas shopping now though and have it done with so there is less to think about come holiday time.
Heather says
I would spend it on holiday gifts for the family!!
Jaimie says
I would love to get a nice new winter coat for my mom this year!
Laura says
I would buy some clothes for my mom and tools for my dad!
Maggie says
I’d put the gift card toward a gift for my husband or father! The tools Sears has is awesome!
Brianne A says
I’ve already started as well. It’s the only way I can stay remotely close to my budget!
Beth C. says
I say I am going to start early every year too!! Would love to start early at Sears!
Erin M. says
I’d put it towards a new dining room table!
Allison says
Thanks for the timely post! I try to make a list in July of who I am giving to, and then I record gift ideas I think of right when I think of them (the list is on my phone). I start buying presents in October and am set by Christmas!
Lisa @ Life as Lisa Knows It says
I would love to get some things for our baby girl that is due in March!! :-)
Shelly says
I love the excuse to shop now!
Jen W. says
I’m following along with your idea to start early. And YOU ARE AMAZING….. how can you juggle 3 jobs, 2 beautiful boys & a hubby too? Thanks for a great giveaway also.
Amanda E says
I would use it for gifts for my niece!
Sarah says
I feel the same way this year. My Holiday shopping list is growing; between teachers, my daughters therapists, husband, daughter, dog and family. Time to start with a budget!!
Mary Cloud says
I’d use it for Christmas shopping for my son and daughter
Christy says
Buy hubby some tools
Insun says
I have my parents, four siblings, and 6 nephews and nieces to buy christmas presents for this year, so this gift card would be such a big help! I love Sear’s Lands End section for the darling children’s section.
ashley says
my husband wants a blower
Tal says
I want to get my brother a sous vide machine!
Lindsay says
I totally would put the gift card towards gifts for my dad. He is a huge fan of Sears.
Karenann says
I just love your blog! Your boys are precious! I’d love to use the gift card to buy new Christmas decorations for my home. I just love decorating the house and this would be such a wonderful treat!
Jennifer says
I feel like the holidays come quicker every year! I’m hoping to take it in stride and enjoy every moment.
Ellie says
I think I would use the gift card to start Christmas shopping. Between my husbands family and mine we have lots of people to shop for!
Katie says
I’d like to buy a new bread machine.
Michelle says
I would actually use it on a gift for myself (and my husband) :-) We have been looking at a set of Powerblock Dumbells from Sears!
Nicole says
Each year I try to save money and shop ahead of time, but I have yet to be successful. Maybe this year.
Nicki J. says
I would use this for clothing for my two children. Thank you!
Susan says
I would put the gift card away and give it to my husband as one of his Christmas presents. He has been wanting a new lawnmower for over a year so he would probably use it towards that :)
Christina says
I would definitely use it for Christmas shopping!
Will says
I would use it to buy tools.
Makenna says
I just bought a condo, so I am spending a lot of money one renovations and decor. This gift card would help out a ton!
Nikki says
Yard tools
Megan Kelly says
I need to start! My daughter’s birthday is in December too!
Courtney says
I would love to get my parents some new pots & pans!
Carly says
I would use the $100 to buy Christmas presents for my family.
Erin says
I would love to get a new mattress and bed – I even told my husband if we get it now it would count as my christmas present :)
Nicole H says
My husband and I are saving for a treadmill (for when the baby comes in May!!!) so I would put the giftcard towards that because our Sears has some nice ones!
Deidra says
I would definitely put it toward Christmas gifts for my 2 boys.
April V says
I would DEF use it to get a head start on Christmas shopping!!
Mandy says
I love all of these suggestions. I actually start Christmas shopping in January when Target has their 75% toy clearance and then in July as well. It helps to have some gifts on hand for birthday parties and for Christmas. Also shopping clothing clearance days after the end of the season for next year helps as well.
Jessica says
I have already started Christmas shopping but still have quite a bit to get!!! I am trying to be done with everything – -shopping and wrapping by Dec. 1!!
Lisa cormier says
Great suggestions, I was actually just thinking this morning how I need to get started for the same reasons.
Shanna says
I would use the card to start Christmas shopping. I always wait too long to get started!
Mary Burns says
I would love to get a head start on shopping for my little girl.
Megan says
I would definitely put it towards Christmas gifts for my daughter and husband!
Alyssa says
I would love to be able to start my Christmas shopping with the Sear’s gift card. Clothes, shoes, toys for my kids and a special something for my husband.
Taylor Closet says
If I won I would gift it to my hubby so that he can buy some nice tools.
Dena says
For the first time ever, I started a savings account at the beginning of the year for Christmas shopping. Now that it’s getting close, I don’t want to take the money out! haha! I worked hard to get it there and now I don’t want to spend it. I thought it was going to make things easier, but there’s something hard about it – haha!
Dena says
Ooops. I forgot to say what I would spend the money on – Christmas presents, of course, so I wouldn’t have to take as much out of my savings! :)
Rachel says
I would put the money towards the purchase of tools for my husband.
Kristin says
I told myself I would get a head start with shopping this year. We will see how it goes! The Sears gift card would definitely help!
Alyssa B says
I would get my husband some garage storage items which would benefit us both!
Jordan K says
I would love to use the $100 to go towards a gift for my Father-in-law!
livviua says
i would use it to winterize me and the kids closet
Michelle says
I just started my Christmas shopping! The gift card would definitely help!!
nadine nelson says
Who doesn’t need extra $$$$$ @ Christmas time : )
dianne hall says
I would get some Christmas gifts for my kids =)
Kaitlyn @ Powered by Sass says
I would 100% use the gift card for Christmas shopping! I am a gift over thinker TO THE MAX, and I always struggle every year and stress myself out. This would ease the financial strain a bit! Fingers crossed!
elizabeth says
I would buy gifts for the family!
Erica says
Such a good reminder… I would love to get some shopping taken care of before the holiday rush begins!
Diana says
I would love to use this gift card to buy holiday gifts for my family!
Karen says
If I would win I could jump start my Christmas shopping!
paige c says
I would get some new workout equipment!
Jill W says
I would love all new winter gear for the family — Fleeces, boots, gloves, hats, jackets, etc
Kathryn says
Maternity clothes and Christmas gifts!
Kenny says
Clothes and Christmas gifts!
Kristen says
I would buy a few tools for our new home!
heather @Lunging Through Life says
I would love to really get a jump start on my holiday shopping! I’ve made a list but that’s it haha!
Sarah says
It would be awesome to be ahead of the game! I hate last minute Christmas shopping.
Jessie says
I’d definitely be using this to start the Christmas shopping for my 3.5 year old. I have picked up a few things for him here and there but I know I need to get going with it so I’m not scrambling during the busiest month of the year!
Lauren says
I would buy clothes for the whole family.
Jessica w says
I would use it for Christmas Gifts. We just had our second baby, and I recently got laid off so anything helps.
Ali says
I would use it for new holiday décor love decorating our house with the kids.
Elle says
I would buy clothing with the gift card.
Emily G says
I just started my list a couple days ago! Chipping away little by little! :)
Melissa says
I’d use the gift card to buy my mom a new pair of warm boots!
Haley says
This would help me get my children the three gifts we get them each year: (1) something you need, (2) something you want, & (3) something to read ?.
Courtney says
That’s one of my favorite sayings! And hey, I can always help you out with the “something to read” category! ;)
Haley says
Sounds great! My girls are getting older now, but my favorite Usborne book ever for them was “Give that back, Jack!”