Why I’m Doing All of My Holiday Shopping Online

I’ve set it before but I really mean it this year: all of my holiday gifts will be purchased online. While you might be inclined to assume this decree comes from a place of laziness, I assure you that is not the case. Heck, my wife and I go to the mall once if not twice a week and I consider our Saturday morning “sip and stroll” outings to be the highlight of my week, so clearly I have no qualms about brick and mortar commerce. No, the reason for my digital exclusivity this time around is that it’s simply easier to save money and get better gifts at a better price.

The first way in which e-commerce allows us to save is the blessing of free shipping. Considering that our immediate families live in a combined six states, my wife and I have learned that packing and shipping out presents can really cut into our holiday budget. Thankfully, a number of retailers offer free shipping around this time of year, making the process of scattering presents around the country far easier for us and saving us a significant amount of cash.

Speaking of savings, I like to think of myself as a bit of a coupon code expert.

[ampvideo provider=”youtube” video=”qqzLE90MTRw” aspectratio=”4×3″]

I’ve also found success comparing items across multiple sites and ensuring I’m getting the best price. In that same vein, those frequent visits to the mall have instilled in me a basic knowledge of what certain items go for and the ability to spot a good sale. Between these three skills, I always feel confident when buying online and scoring a deal.

Another bonus that’s new for me this year is that my Uber Visa card offers me 2% cash back on all online purchases. By comparison, I’d only get 1% back if I were to shop in-store. I know 2% might not sound like much, but trust me when I say that it can really add up by the time I finish my shopping list. Furthermore, my Discover card is once again offering 5% back on Amazon purchases through the end of December this year, making it a very Merry Christmas for me.

Look, I feel bad for brick and mortar stores — I really do. But there’s no denying that online shopping just makes more sense for completing my holiday shopping. Between the saved shipping costs, the availability of online coupons such as DontPayFull, along with price comparison tools, and the added perks my reward credit cards offer, rest assured that I’ll be doing my gift giving in the glow of the fireplace and my laptop screen this holiday season.

Author
Founder ~ Moneyat30
Kyle is a freelance writer - including being the head writer for Fioney.com. He also serves as editorial director for the Disney fan site LaughingPlace.com and the founder of Money@30.com. In 2015, Kyle and his wife Bekah moved from Los Angeles to Springfield MO in pursuit of greater financial freedom. Together, the pair enjoy travel, coffee, and spending time with their dog Rigby. Additionally, as of 2023, they become first-time homeowners.
Other Articles by Kyle Burbank
person standing in front of exploding fireworks
Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our...
Venetian rewards gems
Travel Tuesday: The Venetian Surveying Guests on Possible Rewards Credit Card
Late last year, I had a chance to cross another Las Vegas Strip property off my list with a stay at The Palazzo at The Venetian. Whether because of that or because I opened a players club card with them as well, this week The Venetian sent me a survey regarding a potential rewards credit...
Allbirds 4th of July sale logo
Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I'm looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be...

ALL my Holiday shopping is done and I did it all on Cyber Monday. I found free shipping coupon codes coupled with already marked down bargain prices, my credit card rewards and ebates cash back – I made free money from my already obligatory purchases!

Leave a Reply

Featured Articles
Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our...
Travel Tuesday: The Venetian Surveying Guests on Possible Rewards Credit Card
Late last year, I had a chance to cross another Las Vegas Strip property off my list with a stay at The Palazzo at The Venetian. Whether because of that or because I opened a players club card with them as well, this week The Venetian sent me a survey regarding a potential rewards credit...
Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I'm looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be...
An Amex Platinum Card Revamp is Coming — And I'm Worried
Earlier this week, Chase confirmed pretty much every rumor that had been swirling for the past couple of months by announcing details on a major refresh for its uber popular Sapphire Reserve card. When this refresh launches next week (or in October for current cardholders), it will bring new credits, a reimagined rewards-earning system, and...