When is the best time to buy holiday gifts?! The holiday season brings magic, but also crowds and stress, when we start looking for gifts for our loved ones right before now. Online pre-holiday sales are a golden opportunity to avoid December madness and still save. Although the shopping euphoria traditionally starts in December, savvy shoppers are increasingly choosing to make early purchases. In the following, discover when and how to shop optimally so that this year your holiday list will be in order before winter.
The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes the dilemma of when to start shopping for gifts catch the best discounts and avoid the December crowds? If you want to gift your loved ones this year without excessive stress and without high costs, the key is to approach your shopping strategically. World trends and many tips from shopping experts show that the biggest discounts don't always come in December, as you might expect, but a few weeks earlier. So – when is the best time to buy holiday gifts?!
From Black Friday, which is known for its great discounts, to Advent discounts in December, each stage of shopping brings its own advantages. In this article, we offer you a complete guide to successful shopping, from tips on how to keep track of prices to ideas for alternative gifts that will create the right holiday spirit for your loved ones.
When is the best time to buy holiday gifts?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: The biggest discount days of the year
In recent years, a trend has been noticed in Slovenia, which was established in the USA, where discounts for holiday purchases start as early as November. It's the first major shopping holiday black friday (Black Friday) that accompanies it cyber monday (Cyber Monday). It will be this year Black Friday fell on November 24, and Cyber Monday on November 27. Online retailers such as Mimovrste, Amazon, Shoppster and others, offer huge discounts several days before the event itself, and some even start at the beginning of the month.
Early shopping is not only a question of price, but also saving time and a quiet December without crowds. The data show that Slovenians who shop in November save up to 30 % more than those who buy gifts at the last minute. In addition, they avoid logistical delays in delivery, as in December most online stores face a higher volume of orders, which can cause delivery delays.
Advent discount calendars: Discounts until Christmas
For those who prefer to wait until December, many stores offer special Advent promotions that offer daily discounts right up until Christmas. The advent calendar of discounts has become a popular practice among online retailers, where every day we open a new "window" with a special offer. Every year Mimovrste and Shoppster have advent calendars with discounts on various products, from technology to fashion accessories.
Advent discounts are great for gradual shopping, allowing you to take more time to find the best deal. If your goal is a personalized gift, this strategy can be perfect as your choice will be thoughtful but still affordable.
The psychology of shopping: Why are December discounts not always the best?
The majority of Slovenians still buy most gifts in December - according to the SES survey, almost 60 % buyers start shopping only in the last month of the year. December discounts may seem attractive, but experts warn that prices are on average higher then. The main advantage of early shopping is the choice, as in December some items are already sold out, which can lead to frustration and higher prices for the last copies.
This is why experts recommend that you prepare a wish list already at the beginning of November, so that you can more easily monitor prices throughout the month and identify real discounts. Following these guidelines will also allow you to avoid impulse purchases at the last minute, which often lead to overspending.
Use apps to track prices and discounts
For those who like to analyze and follow trends, using price and discount tracking apps is indispensable. Websites such as Amazon Price Tracker and Google Shopping allow you to monitor the price of a particular product and alert you to any price changes. Such applications will be of great help to you in order to recognize whether the product is really worth buying or just seemingly cheap.
Applications that allow you to compare prices between various Slovenian retailers are becoming more and more popular on the domestic market as well. With proper planning and use of technology, you can avoid exorbitant prices and save significant funds.
Alternative to traditional gifts: Family experiences and DIY gifts
If you really want to stand out this year, consider alternative gift options. Instead of classic products, choose experiences or gifts that you make yourself. Many people appreciate handmade gifts the most, because they see personal effort and attention in them. Creating personalized coupons, homemade cuisine or unique decorative items is a great way to surprise your loved ones and save.
A similarly popular trend is gift vouchers for family activities, such as a weekend break, a trip or attending concerts. This type of gift allows for socializing and creating shared memories, which often means more than any material gift. If you decide to give this type of gift, ask about special discounts for trips or events that many providers offer during the holidays.
Final tips for successful gift shopping
- Timely planning: Make a wish list already in November to avoid panic and only follow real discounts.
- Price comparison: Use price tracking apps and choose the best deal.
- Watch out for delivery dates: Order gifts at least two weeks before Christmas to avoid delays.
- Consider the alternatives: DIY gifts and vouchers for experiences are an excellent choice for a more personal gift.
Conclusion:
Gift shopping can be fun and carefree if you take the time to plan. Smart Black Friday shopping, discount advent calendars, and the use of price-tracking apps can help you take advantage of deals, save money, and avoid last-minute deals. At the end of the day, the holidays are a time for joy and happiness, so make shopping a part of that magic.
