I am curious about how most people do their holiday shopping. Before I had children, I used to love to go out to the mall and shop. It was something I did often and actually enjoyed.
After I had children, the whole shopping experience became more of a hassle than it was worth. Maneuvering a stroller through the narrow isles of clothing racks slowed down my progress. The dressing room experience became a chore with a crying and whining little boy. Maybe it would be easier with little girls?
I started doing the majority of my shopping online. It is so much easier to complete my shopping needs from the comfort of my own home. Even when I leave my boys home with Dad and go out shopping by myself, I have discovered that I just don’t enjoy it anymore. I have lost my taste for the mall and the crowds that go with it.
Yesterday, I FINALLY started doing some of my Christmas shopping online. I filled up my shopping cart and felt satisfied with my choices. When I started to check out, I saw that shipping was going to be $60! Although I have become accustomed to paying shipping fees, it stopped me in my tracks. Could I justify basically wasting $60 worth of money that could be spent on more presents, just for convenience?
I am still debating this question. I realize that I don’t have much time to think about this or I will miss shipping deadlines. I am curious as to how other people weigh their options for this subject. Do you pay the extra money for shipping for the convenience of shopping online?
Technorati Tags: avoid shopping crowds, Christmas shopping, holiday shopping, internet shopping, mall crowds, online shopping, shopping with kidsAdd to:
I like shopping in person – I don't mind the crowds and I like to browse through the stores and it's a great excuse to get out of the house! Not to mention not having to pay shipping charges, which is the one thing that keeps me from shopping on the internet more…
Posted by: DebMomOf3 | December 4th, 2007 8:33 am |
Did you try doing a google search for coupon codes at the merchant? I usually just google "Walmart Coupon Codes" or some such thing. Frequently you can find a code for free shipping, or a percentage off your order. Make sure you check several pages-sometimes the first 4 or so will have the same stuff, then the 5th will have a different, better coupon code.
Good luck!
Posted by: Jenn @ Frugal Upstate | December 4th, 2007 8:56 am |
DebMomOf3: I wished I enjoyed it like I used to. I always feel rushed to get back to the kids. Silly, isn't it??!!
Posted by: KellyBax | December 4th, 2007 9:40 am |
Jenn @ Frugal Upstate: Thanks for mentioning it. Yes, I do look for coupons. That shipping cost included several items that shipped free! I guess I had better get out to the stores this weekend!
Posted by: KellyBax | December 4th, 2007 9:42 am |
I'm in the same boat. Before children I LOVED to shop in the malls and now I loathe it. I picked out a few things on Target's website this weekend as I have a gift card to use and was too cheap to proceed due to the shipping. I'll probably suck it up and go to the store! But now I have a plan and stick with it. The days of me leisurely traipsing through the mall during the holidays are over. I have too many other things I want to be doing!
p.s. try http://www.currentcodes.com before you shop online
Posted by: Jamie | December 4th, 2007 10:44 am |
Trust me, trying on clothing with little girls is no better- especially if you have a fashionista on your hands. She'll announce your size loudly, tell you your butt looks fat in those pants, you name it.
Me, I shop in person mainly. I'm lucky to have a 13 year old who is capable of babysitting.
Posted by: Ivy | December 4th, 2007 11:49 am |
I always shop at places like B&N or Amazon, which have free shipping if you spend over $25. Other stores often run free shipping incentives as well (Target, etc…). I did all my Christmas shopping online, got some cooler things then are available in stores, didn't pay a dime in shipping, and used online only coupon codes that saved me even more. However, I would have gladly paid to not go near the crowds and traffic, to not see anything 'i like anyway.
Posted by: Sharon | December 4th, 2007 12:22 pm |
I wish I got free shipping at Amazon! That is the site where it was $60 for shipping. Geez, I had better look for more coupons!
Posted by: KellyBax | December 4th, 2007 12:28 pm |
Let me just say that shopping in stores with 3 little girls is surely a task so I can imagine how it is with boys. I decided to try online shopping this year as well. I feel like my generation is just realizing how this crazy technology can actually help with such holiday shopping. I have a great site that breaks down this online shopping process pretty easily. This website breaks down all the things you should consider when shopping online and what are the best sites to consult when doing so. It links you to sites regarding identity theft and how to make sure you don't get ripped off.
Here is the helpful website… Good luck with Christmas shopping this year!
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/guides.html?topic=/categories/shopping
Posted by: ASheffield | December 4th, 2007 7:18 pm |
Thank you for the resource!
Posted by: KellyBax | December 5th, 2007 7:08 am |