The holiday season is lurking just around the corner. This means the universal worry of finding the perfect gift is creeping just behind it. As teens and adults alike begin to compile mile-long lists, there are a few things to keep in mind to help them find that perfect gift for the perfect price.
1. Make a list and stick to it.
Before going off into the jungle of crazy shoppers and hot deals, know what to look for. Nothing is worse than getting in a store and standing there not knowing what is wanted. Having a list and looking at ads before going shopping will make navigating the chaos easier.
2. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Hardcore deal hunters line up outside stores at 4 a.m. waiting to get inside.
“People come wandering in at 11 a.m.,” Dillards sales associate Kelly said. “They wonder where all the deals are and how they missed them. We only have a certain amount of items in stock, and often times, we open at 8 a.m. and the items are gone by 8:06 a.m.”
Make sure to get there when the doors open, otherwise there’s no one else to point a finger at.
3. Compare Prices
Do a background check on prices. Do the math and figure out if 50 percent off that purple sweater is really worth it. One of the most frustrating things for a shopper is getting a ‘great deal’ and then going back two weeks later and finding it discounted even more. Put a little of that Algebra II to the test, crunch some numbers, and make sure the final cost is as good as it sounds.
4. Power in Numbers
Black Friday is one of those days when students actually shouldn’t mind shopping with mom. If a line is wrapped all the way around the store and across the street, have someone go ahead and wait in line. Once the items are found, mom is probably already at the front of the line.
6. Stay on a budget
With all the amazing deals flying around, it’s easy to get carried away sometimes. For those using credit cards, here’s a thought: leave them at home. Other than high interest rate credit cards, purchase a gift card with a set amount. This establishes a budget that is impossible to break, making over-indulging and impulse buying more difficult.
1. Make a list and stick to it.
Before going off into the jungle of crazy shoppers and hot deals, know what to look for. Nothing is worse than getting in a store and standing there not knowing what is wanted. Having a list and looking at ads before going shopping will make navigating the chaos easier.
2. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Hardcore deal hunters line up outside stores at 4 a.m. waiting to get inside.
“People come wandering in at 11 a.m.,” Dillards sales associate Kelly said. “They wonder where all the deals are and how they missed them. We only have a certain amount of items in stock, and often times, we open at 8 a.m. and the items are gone by 8:06 a.m.”
Make sure to get there when the doors open, otherwise there’s no one else to point a finger at.
3. Compare Prices
Do a background check on prices. Do the math and figure out if 50 percent off that purple sweater is really worth it. One of the most frustrating things for a shopper is getting a ‘great deal’ and then going back two weeks later and finding it discounted even more. Put a little of that Algebra II to the test, crunch some numbers, and make sure the final cost is as good as it sounds.
4. Power in Numbers
Black Friday is one of those days when students actually shouldn’t mind shopping with mom. If a line is wrapped all the way around the store and across the street, have someone go ahead and wait in line. Once the items are found, mom is probably already at the front of the line.
6. Stay on a budget
With all the amazing deals flying around, it’s easy to get carried away sometimes. For those using credit cards, here’s a thought: leave them at home. Other than high interest rate credit cards, purchase a gift card with a set amount. This establishes a budget that is impossible to break, making over-indulging and impulse buying more difficult.