This post is sponsored by Zone Perfect Perfectly Simple
Where has December gone? Am I the only one who feels like Thanksgiving was last week?
If you, like me find that you are now less than 10 shopping days left til’ Christmas and still have things to check off on your list, below are some of my tried and true tips and hacks to make last minute shopping as stress-free as possible.
Free shipping day– December 18!
Internet shopping is so convenient, but we are quickly approaching the window of time where in order to receive our goods by Christmas, we need to spend more on shipping– no one wants to do this! So in a last ditch effort to online shop without the added cost of shipping, start scoping the internet for things on your list and plan on taking advantage of them on free shipping day.
No shipping fee + Christmas delivery +shopping in your jammies is a win in everyone’s book!
Pin for price drop notifications
This is a new feature on Pinterest not everyone knows exists. When you pin a product from a retailer’s site to a your Pinterest pin-board, you have the option of being notified when a price drops. This works for in-store purchases at major retailers such as Target too– so get to pinning!
Take advantage of extended holiday hours
Stores can get hectic during the holiday season– especially in the last few days/week. Take advantage of the extended holiday hours and plan to shop either SUPER early (say 6am?) or SUPER late (like 10 or 12 am) and enjoy shopping without the crowds.
Make a list and map out your haul
It is so much easier to stick to a shopping plan when you have one. Revisit your shopping list, peruse the internet to come up with some possible gift ideas and make notes. Then map out your shopping day– which stores will you go to? If you’re going to a mall, check their website for a map and map out exactly how you will go from store to store without walking in circles.
Stay energized and hydrated
To stay focused and energized be sure you are carrying a small water bottle and protein rich snack. Perfectly Simple protein snack bars are perfect for a long day of shopping. Zone Perfect’s Perfectly Simple limited edition holiday flavors, Pumpkin Chai and Peppermint Bark are gluten free, under 200 calories and chock-filled with 10 grams of protein to keep you going during the hectic holiday season!
(pssst! You can find a printable coupon on their site for $1 off a box and snag them on your next Target run)
Pack Light
Speaking of packing… swap out your big bag for a smaller cross body bag (like the pics above and below) and only pack your essentials: Phone, wallet, protein bar, bottle of water, keys– DONE.
Utilize Apps
Barcode Hero and Red Laser allow you to scan a barcode on a product and see price comparisons as well as customer reviews. Coupon Sherpa is another app you will want to keep in your arsenal when you are last minute shopping. You will be surprised at how many stores have coupons on there that can save you 20% or more!
Do you have any additional tips or hacks for last minute shopping? Let us know!
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About Zone Perfect’s Perfectly Simple Protein Snack Bar:
With Perfectly Simple, you can enjoy the flavors of fall and winter without any worries. Each seasonal bar has at least 10 grams of protein and less than 200 calories. How’s that for a gift?
Disclosure: Zone Perfect is a paid sponsor of Complicated Mama. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are our own.
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