Why you should start buying Christmas gifts now, and how to save money

For years, Thanksgiving and Black Friday have been the official start of the holiday shopping season and the time of year when shoppers focus on holiday spending. Last year, amid the pandemic, retailers extended their shopping season by increasing online sales. This year, the third week of November is too late to start shopping. Edition USA Today told why it's time to start shopping for gifts now.

Photo: Shutterstock

With widespread supply chain disruptions and ongoing labor shortages, delaying the purchase of certain gifts, especially toys and electronics, could ultimately wreak havoc on your wallet.

Prices are also rising and stocks will be more limited due to consumer demand.

"The biggest thing about the holiday season is inventory availability, so you may be out of luck if you wait too long to buy a toy off your child's wish list," explained Laurie Schacht with The toy insider. “Shopping for holiday gifts in October may seem strange, but this is what you need to do this year.”

According to RetailMeNot surveywhich attracted around 1100 consumers, 37% of shoppers started their holiday shopping between August and September, if not earlier. Another 22% said they would start shopping in October, and 24% plan to start in November before Thanksgiving.

On the subject: Five American Savings Secrets That Are Worth Adopting

"Black Friday and early December will be in the midst of a 'perfect storm' of high demand, staff shortages, slow shipping and difficulty restocking," warns Christine McGrath, shopping expert and editor of deal website RetailMeNot.

For the most part, retailers have yet to share their holiday plans, but details are being released gradually. Amazon has already started early sale for Black Friday.

Even the White House knows that it will be difficult for people to find gifts.

“There will be things that people won't be able to get,” a senior White House official said.

Basic tips on how to buy gifts now and save money

Buy on early sales

Take advantage of early sales. Last-minute shoppers may struggle to get their hands on the in-demand products and pay more for them.

“Time and money could be working against consumers this fall,” said Mike Bailey, director of research at FBB Capital Partners in Bethesda, Maryland. “Supply chain pressures make products more expensive and harder to find when consumers need them.”

Use programs like Target's price match Guarantee

You're worried about not getting the gift, but you also don't want to miss out on deals that might come later if the price drops.

Many buyers wait for the best offer for a very long time and end up without a gift at all. It is better to buy at the discount that is now, while the product is still in stock.

Target has a very good price adjustment feature. WITH Target's price match Guarantee buyers can request price adjustments for all items purchased between October 10 and December 24 if the retailer “lowers the price at the end of the season”.

Save receipts and check return periods

Extended Amazon and Target return periods make early shopping easier. Be sure to save your receipts and check return periods with other retailers.

For a guarantee, attach the check with tape or something else to the box, and take a picture of the check on your phone.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

Set availability alerts

Sometimes it's not about the deal, it's about getting an item on your list, whether it's a toy, a TV, or a sweater. Some items sell out very quickly, so it's a good idea to sign up for availability notifications. And when you receive a notification, you can quickly place an order, saving yourself from searching for goods and wasting time. Once you receive an alert, you'll need to act quickly as stock may sell out quickly, requiring multiple attempts.

Follow offers in Facebook groups

Not all of the best deals are widely advertised, so one way to find out about the biggest discounts is through crowdsourcing. Some of these groups include Costco Fans и Costco Products & Reviews; Target Deals, Clearance & Couponing и Target Coupons; Walmart Clearance Finds.

Sticking to groups associated with a particular store is helpful, but: Seeing that everyone is buying in bulk can make spontaneous and unnecessary purchases, which means you spend more.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Food prices in the US continue to rise: which rose the most

Six New California Laws Everyone Should Know

World's Strongest Passport Index: Citizens of which countries have all borders open

Five American Savings Secrets That Are Worth Adopting

Why you should not remove the leaves in the fall

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.