How to Plan Your Holiday Shopping to Actually Enjoy It

Published on: 25 December 2018 Last Updated on: 13 September 2024

Christmas is just around the corner and you still haven’t bought any presents, picked out the meals you are going to prepare or even haven’t decorated your home? It’s no wonder why you stress about the holiday shopping every year then if you always leave the shopping for the last day.

If this is you, you’re probably wondering how some people keep a smile on their face even though the lines at the supermarket are enormous, people are generally stressed and unpleasant as your life descends into chaos.

The answer is simple: planning!

Holiday shopping doesn’t need to be stressful or painful. It can be a walk in the park if you know how to plan everything and make sure you’ve checked everything off your to-do list.

So get an app like Blink the Bee and get ready to take notes – we’ll show you how to make the most out of your holiday shopping.

Think About the Gifts First

The biggest expense on any holiday shopping list are the gifts, especially if you have kids you don’t want to let down. Chances are you already know what they want for the holidays as they have been nagging you about that new toy or video game for months.

Fortunately, you can find these at a lot of stores and online, just make sure to order it in time or your kids will be left empty-handed.

Make a Holiday Shopping List (And Stick to It)

The gifts are just the tip of the Christmas tree you need to climb as the holiday approaches. If you haven’t done your holiday shopping yet, chances are you’ve forgotten about a lot of Christmas essentials. So make sure you leave a note in your virtual online assistant so you don’t forget about any of these categories:

Decorations: Get those holiday decorations for your home, both for the indoors and the outdoors.

Food: Know what you will be cooking? Make sure to write down all the ingredients so you don’t forget anything.

Dinner Essentials: There’s more to a family holiday dinner than the food. Make sure you don’t forget about the drinks, napkins or extra plates.

Gifts: You’ve already picked out the gifts? Great! Now don’t forget to get the wrapping paper, holiday cards, and ribbons to wrap them up.

Traditions: Don’t forget about advent calendars, picture books or Christmas socks.

Pick a One-Stop Shop

Got the list written down? Good, now it’s time to do some shopping. The best and quickest way to do this is to find a store that has everything you need in one place. Whether it’s a giant supermarket or a mall, not having to navigate through the holiday traffic jams will save a lot of time and nerves.

Remember the Things You Are Likely to Forget

There is nothing worse than having gone through your holiday shopping only to realize you forgot something when you come back home. Whether it’s batteries for your holiday decorations, wrapping paper or dinner napkins, make sure to write down all the items you are likely to forget on a separate list so you don’t miss anything on your first shopping run.

Be Done With Shopping

Once you’ve shopped for everything that was on your list, be done with it. It might be tempting to visit a shop again just in case you’ve missed something, but try to avoid the temptation and enjoy the holidays with your family without any stress of being lured into one-time deals on things you’ll never need.

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Purchasing a Road Bike

Most people have it down to a pat. If you fall, you get back up again. Nothing will keep you down. So when you remember your first road bike experience as a child, you know that is true. But life happens, and you grow up to be an adult. When you see road bikes for sale online or in a store, you think about your past. When was the last time you rode a bike? Are you interested in buying one now that you are all grown-up? Congratulations are in order if you are thinking of buying your first road bike after a very long time. But you have to understand that not all bikes are the same. If you want a particular design or specification, then it may be wise to consider a couple of factors before making a purchase. Why do you need a bike? There are a lot of road bike types, but you need to know what you want to determine your requirements. Is it for daily work commute? Do you need one because you plan to move up a notch as a high-level cyclist? Is the bike for you or your wife? Does your kid need a bicycle for practice? Is your road flat, or is it a hill-side journey? These are just some questions that need answering before buying a bike. Do you know what a road bike is? It is one with a lightweight frame, thin wheels, and drop handlebars for a variety of hand positions for the rider. You travel on it via a smooth and flat pavement. Rocky, dirt, and sand roads are a no-no. You can use it for a fast commute, but never for heavy loads. Are there different kinds of road bikes? Yes, there are different kinds due to different bike sizes and heaviness. Road race bikes – as the name suggests – is very lightweight, durable, and perfect for racing. Also known as sportive, endurance road bikes are for long-distance that is more upright than the other types of two-wheeled vehicles. There are fitness bikes that are more uneven-road friendly than their counterparts. Bikes for women and kids are also part of this group. These are just some of the wheels you will find under this category. Is it safe to buy a bike that is on sale? Of course, it is. The quality of the road bikes for sale does not depend on its price but its frame geometry and bike components or groupset. The good thing about a sale price is that it will go well with your budget. Also, they most likely have a lot of high-quality bikes on sale so you can choose from a wide variety. Do they have a customer service line I can contact? Doing basic research will not be able to answer some of your questions and concerns. A call or a visit to the store is an option, but sometimes it is not enough. Bike shop or otherwise, all businesses must have a functional after-care line for efficient customer relations. Proper client servicing will always equate to repeat sales and word-of-mouth recommendations from the client. For a bike shop, you need to check if it has a working contact page. It will also help if they have social media accounts for more natural interaction with the company. Bike riding is great for a lot of things. You can exercise, travel, and meet new people while treading your roads. Whatever the reason, an efficient bike that is on sale is perfect for your current cycling needs. Read Also: Best Bike Types for Daily Use How to Get An Accurate Valuation of Your Motorcycle When Selling

The Clever Consumer’s Guide to Shopping Online

Over the past decade, the way in which we shop has completely changed. More of us now shop online, buying everything from our groceries, clothes, home appliances and smartphones from online stores. Statista estimates that 2.14 billion people will shop online by 2021, a huge increase from the 1.79 billion online shoppers in 2018 and the 1.32 billion who purchased goods online in 2014. Shopping online offers greater convenience as we can buy goods from the comfort of our couches instead of braving the cold weather to head to the shops. In some cases, there are also goods that can only be purchased online because of stock issues at physical stores, or because they just don’t sell that particular item. However, just because shopping online is easier than buying things in-person, that doesn’t mean that you should stop doing your due diligence when it comes to selecting products to buy and where you buy from them. You still want to get the best deals and offers and the best quality products. So, to help you achieve that, read our guide to being a clever consumer when you shop online. The Clever Consumer’s Guide to Shopping Online: Shop Around: When you shop online, it can be very easy to be tempted by the first offer that you see. If you see a price that suits your budget, or an offer of “free shipping,” you may feel inclined to order right away. But don’t just order immediately, instead, a file that product listing away in the back of your mind (or add it to your bookmarks) and begin to shop around. The beauty of online shopping is that it’s incredibly easy to compare everything say you want to purchase luxury soft towel online, you can look for tips before buying. Unlike shopping in-person where you would have to call different stores on the phone or visit them in person, a quick Google search will allow you to pull up a list of retailers that sell what you’re looking for. From then, you can quickly compare the prices, the cost of shipping the product, and bonuses (e.g loyalty offers and extra rewards) in order to find the offer that suits you best. Do Your Research: It’s always important to do your research when shopping, but especially online. You don’t want to be stuck with a product that wasn’t as you expected, leaving you feeling disappointed. You just want to be sure that what you’re ordering will be of high quality. The first step in doing your research is to read reviews of that retailer. If the retailer sells brand new products, what do people say about those brands online? Some retailers list customer reviews directly under the products listings, or you could search for the brand name on social media to see what people are saying in real-time (try searching for the URL if there’s nothing recent for the brand name). Doing your research when buying used or refurbished goods, such as refurbished phones and laptops will look a little bit different. You’ll need to learn what seller refurbished means and how that differs from manufacturer refurbished (and vice versa) in order to understand who has refurbished a product and how it has been tested. These terms are commonly found in product listings on online retailers (including Amazon) and so finding out more about refurbished testing processes and how technicians have been trained can be key to getting quality refurbished goods. Double-Check the Returns Policy: Sometimes, even when you’ve done your due diligence and have researched the retailer and have confirmed that it is trustworthy, things still go wrong. This may be due to mistakes during shipping or the manufacturing process. These things happen and they’re unfortunate and disappointing, but if a store has a good returns policy, then you don’t have to worry. Always double-check the returns policy before buying because you’ll want to know that you’re covered in the event that anything goes wrong. Some of the stores with the best return policies include IKEA which is famous for its 365 returns policy which lets you return something for a full refund within a year if you are unsatisfied. Bath & Body Works is also a standout as it has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, offering no limit on when you can return a product. In fact, it even has a price adjustment policy, letting you get some money back if the price of the product is lowered within 14 days of your purchase. Review the Security: Safety is paramount when shopping online. You’re placing a significant amount of trust in an online retailer because you’re showing them personal details such as your name, your address and your credit card info. Any time you spend money, you just want to know that your personal and confidential data is protected and will not fall into the wrong hands or be used for anything other than what you’ve consented too. Reading reviews of retailers and doing your research as mentioned above can be a useful tool in this, but you may want to get even more technical given that this is the Internet. Something you can do in that case is to check the retailer’s SSL certificate. An SSL certificate is something that confirms that a website encrypts its data and that it cannot be intercepted by any malicious actors. You’ll know if a site has SSL because you’ll see a padlocked sign next to the URL (website) in the address bar at the top of your browser. The website will also start with the phrase “https” to let you know that it’s secure. Armed with these top online shopping tips, you will be able to find the best prices and deals from the most trusted retailers. So enjoy your shopping and all of your new products. Read Also: How To Save Money When Shopping Online

Ross Shopping Marathon: Making The Most Of Ross Hours

Are you ready for a shopping extravaganza that won't break the bank? Well, look no further than Ross. We all know that it is the ultimate treasure trove for savvy shoppers. In this guide, I will explore how to maximize your shopping experience during the Ross hours. Above all, I will ensure you snag the best deals while navigating through discounted delights. Just like knowing the operating hours of Walmart, many of us are always searching for the Ross hours online! And if YOU are one of them, then I have you covered! So, keep on reading till the end to learn more… Navigating Ross Hours: Everything You Need To Know About Ross Hours! Image Source: ir.4sqi.net To come out victorious in the Ross shopping marathon, you must crack the code of Ross business hours. These hours encapsulate the core time frame when Ross operates its registers, and you can fill your cart with discounted treasures. In other words, whether you're seeking fashion finds or home decor gems, Ross business hours are your golden ticket to unbeatable deals. After all, timing is everything. This is especially true regarding Ross's hours of operation. So, dive into the shopping experience when the shelves are freshly stocked and the aisles are waiting to be explored. To sum up, whether you prefer a midday spree or a late afternoon hunt, Ross's hours of operation allow you to craft your shopping adventure according to your preferences. Check out this chart to learn about the opening and closing hours of Ross: DayOpening HoursClosing HoursMonday09:00 a.m.10:30 p.m.Tuesday09:00 a.m.10:30 p.m.Wednesday09:00 a.m.10:30 p.m.Thursday09:00 a.m.10:30 p.m.Friday08:30 a.m.11:00 p.m.Saturday08:30 a.m.11:00 p.m.Sunday09:00 a.m.10:30 p.m. Ross Operating Hours: Unlocking The Doors Of Ross Stores! Image Source: builtechllc.com Firstly, let's talk about the Ross opening hours! The first step to a successful Ross shopping marathon is knowing when the doors swing open. If you are wondering, “What time does Ross open,” I have you covered! To speak frankly, Ross generally starts their services at 09:00 a.m. in the morning on most of the weekdays. However, on Fridays, the opening hours change a little, and it is from 08:30 a.m. However, when it comes to the weekends, let me tell you that Ross's hours begin a little early. On Saturdays, just like Fridays, the stores start to operate from 08:30 a.m. in the morning. In contrast, on Sundays, they return to their original schedule, which is from 09:00 a.m. Besides this, when it comes to the closing hours of Ross stores, let me tell you that they remain open till very late on most days. On weekdays, from Monday to Thursday, the stores remain open till 10:30 p.m. This schedule is also followed on Sundays. However, on Friday and Saturday, the store remains open until 11:00 p.m. at night. Ross operating hours vary, just like in the case of Big Lot hours! So, planning your spree accordingly is crucial. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, Ross offers flexible hours to cater to your schedule. Therefore, be sure to check the Ross store hours in your location, as they might differ from one store to another. Sunrise To Sunset: What Time Does Ross Open? Image Source: images.barrons.com Firstly, the opening hours of Ross stores across most locations and outlets is 09:00 a.m. from Monday to Thursday and on Sundays. On Friday and Saturday, the stores open from 08:30 a.m. in the morning. Above all, knowing what time Ross opens is essential for the early birds eager to catch the worm— or, in this case, the discount. So, plan your visit strategically by aligning with Ross's opening hours, giving you a head start on uncovering hidden treasures before the crowds arrive. Crucial Closings: What Time Does Ross Close? Image Source: content.fortune.com As your shopping marathon peaks, you'll inevitably wonder, "What time does Ross close?" The closing hours of Ross Stores across most outlets are at 10:30 p.m. on Monday to Thursday and on Sunday. On the other hand, they stay open longer on Fridays and Saturdays and close after 11:00 p.m. Stay on top of the clock to avoid the disappointment of locked doors because Ross's closing hours may vary. Therefore, check ahead to plan your grand finale and ensure you don't miss out on any last-minute steals. Festive Finds: Ross Thanksgiving And Christmas Eve Hours Image Source: businessinsider.in The holiday season adds a touch of magic to the Ross shopping marathon, just like Walmart Pharmacy. Keep an eye out for any adjustments to Ross Thanksgiving hours and Ross Christmas Eve hours, ensuring you don't miss out on festive finds. Additionally, these special hours let you capture the season's spirit while snagging incredible gifts and decor deals. Here is a list of all the days of operation for Ross stores during the holidays: HOLIDAYDAYOPERATING HOURSNew Year’s DayJanuary 1Contact StoreMartin Luther King DayJanuary 16OpenPresident’s DayFebruary 20OpenGood FridayApril 7OpenEaster SundayApril 9Contact StoreMemorial DayMay 29Contact StoreIndependence DayJuly 4OpenLabor DaySeptember 4OpenColumbus DayOctober 9OpenVeteran’s DayNovember 11Contact StoreDay before ThanksgivingNovember 22Contact StoreThanksgiving DayNovember 23Contact StoreBlack FridayNovember 24Contact StoreChristmas EveningDecember 24Contact StoreChristmas DayDecember 25Closed Wrapping It Up Understanding Ross store hours is the key to orchestrating your shopping marathon. Above all, these hours dictate when the shopping haven is at your disposal. From weekdays to weekends, Ross store hours adapt to your lifestyle, providing ample opportunities to indulge in retail therapy. Keep a keen eye on any special Ross Thanksgiving hours or Ross Christmas Eve hours, as these might deviate from the regular schedule. In case you were searching for the Ross hours of operation, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other questions or doubts related to the topic, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. After that, leave your comments and queries in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you! Learn More About: How To Cancel Walmart Plus? – Step By Step Guide Walmart 101: What Is Walmart Neighborhood Market? Is AliExpress Legit? Here Is Everything You Need To Know About The E-commerce Platform