My Easy Step by Step Strategy for Christmas Shopping Online

The holiday season is upon us. And with it comes excitement, but it can also be overwhelming. What exactly is the best strategy for Christmas shopping online? While traditional brick-and-mortar stores bustle with festive shoppers and music, it’s so much more convenient to shop online. So let’s embrace the digital sleigh ride with a step by step strategy for Christmas shopping online.

Erin’s Easy Step By Step Strategy for Christmas Shopping

Step 1: Make a List (and Check It Twice)

Put together a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for. Include family members, friends coworkers and anyone else you want to shop for.

Step 2: Create a Budget

Before you start your online shopping adventure, set a budget. Determine how much you can comfortably spend on gifts.

Then, take that number and allocate a portion of that budget to each person on your list. I think it’s helpful to make a spreadsheet or note. I make a Google Sheet that I can access on my phone.

Here’s a link to the spreadsheet I use. To can use the spreadsheet too, just duplicate it and save it to your Google Drive to edit it and add your own information! Start by adding your overall total budget in the top. I’ve added formulas so it will automatically tally your spending as you go.

Then, add the recipient you’re shopping for. Next to their name, make a note of the amount of money you plan on spending on them. It will deduct that amount from your total budget in the top. If you scroll to the bottom, it will also show you how much you’ve spent so far.

Next, make a note of the gift you bought or an idea. Add a link or links to gift ideas. If you’re working with a limited budget, this is a great way to make a list of gifts and tally the budget before spending.

The spreadsheet also lets you track whether or not you’ve bought the gift, if it shipped from where you purchased it, if you’ve received it yet and if you’ve wrapped the gift. And then if you need to mail it to the recipient, you can note the mailing address & when it’s shipped!

Here’s what the spreadsheet looks like (it’s free by the way):

Step 3: Start Early

The earlier you start your Christmas shopping, the better. This gives you plenty of time to browse, compare prices and take advantage of early holiday discounts.

Step 4: Research and Compare Prices

Once you have your list and ideas, start researching products online. Compare prices across different websites to ensure you get the best deal. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs, as these can vary and significantly impact the overall cost of your purchase.

I use Google Shopping to compare prices. You can search for items and it will tell you the different prices from different retailers. You can even filter by price or sale items.

Step 5: Check Reviews

Before making a purchase, read product reviews from other customers. This will share valuable insights into the quality and performance of the items you’re considering. I recommend looking for reviews on the retailer’s website as well as on independent review platforms. Reddit is also a great place to look for reviews.

Step 6: Look for Promo Codes and Coupons

Before finalizing your purchase, search for promo codes and coupons. Many online retailers offer discounts or free shipping codes, especially during the holiday season. Websites like Rakuten can help you find deals and cash back offers to save money.

This is a key part of my Strategy for Christmas Shopping! I also have a discount code page here on my blog and you can always send me a DM on Instagram if you’re looking for a code for a specific brand!

Step 7: Take Advantage of Gift-Wrapping Services

Save time and add a festive touch to your gifts by opting for gift-wrapping services offered by many online retailers. This is particularly handy if the item is being shipped directly to the recipient. And honesty, it usually winds up costing about the same amount as buying a bunch of expensive supplies.