**This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company all opinions are mine alone. #SimplyAtGiantEagle #CollectiveBias
It’s that time of year again!! The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us, and it is time to shop! There are some people who love getting out there in the holiday craziness and shopping away. There are others who dread it! Whether you are super excited to get your shopping on, or not looking forward to it at all I’m here to help! With just a few tweaks your day of shopping can be productive and lots of fun!
#1- Get an Early Start – Getting up and moving early in the day has a few perks. You get a jump-start on the day, you beat the crowds, and you might even get finished and still have a little day left. You can even have breakfast ready to go the night before and eat quick or take it with you! My go-to is Simply Orange® and fresh baked muffins from Giant Eagle. I like to grab them while I’m doing my weekly shopping to have on hand! It helps to get you moving when you know you have something delicious to look forward to!
#2- Check Ads Before You Go- If you are a bargain hunter, take a look at the ads before you go. Know where the deals you want to get are, take note of the price, and any restrictions for the deal. It’s even a good idea to take your ads with you, or snap a picture of them with your phone so that you can reference back if needed.
#3- Map Out Your Route– Where I live I have to drive at least 1/2 an hour to get to a large shopping area, and each area around me offers something different so it’s important to have a plan of what area I’m going and what stores I want to hit! Even if you live in an area with a ton of shopping knowing where you want to go first, second, etc. is a great idea. It helps keep you on track and if you don’t find what you’re looking for in one store you know where you’re headed that you can look for it.
#4- Make Your List and Check it Twice– Make a list! I am not a super organized person, but one place where I always have a list is when I’m shopping! You need to know who you are shopping for, what you’re buying, and what your budget is. Before you head out think about everyone in your life, do you need gifts for friends, gifts for your child’s teacher, or for your husband’s boss? You don’t want to leave anyone out, or have to rush out at the last minute so do what the big guy in red does and make that list!
#5- Shop During the Week – If you can, head out during the weekdays! Weekends are always the craziest time when it comes to holiday shopping so if you’ve got a free day during the week take advantage of it!
#6- Grab Lunch on the Go– Don’t slow down for lunch! Of course you’ve got to eat, shopping takes fuel! But sitting down to a leisurely lunch can totally zap your motivation to keep going! Duck into your local Giant Eagle for the perfect afternoon pick me up! You can find delicious prepared foods, and Simply Lemonade® to grab and go! Whether you’re looking for a nice salad, something hot, or an amazing sub, Giant Eagle has you covered! So don’t pause your shopping too long, just grab a quick bite and keep on trucking!
#7- Take a Friend– Shopping is so much more fun with a friend! Take along a shopping buddy who needs to get their gifts too! You can help each other make choices, take turns driving, and make memories along the way!
#8- Leave the Kids at Home– Of course if you’re shopping for the kids they won’t be with you. But even if you are shopping for friends and family, not your children’s gifts, its much easier not to have them with you. Kids get tired of shopping pretty quickly (at least my boys do!) and end up finding things for themselves that they want. So if you can, head out by yourself!
#9-Buy Gift Cards All in One Place– Not only do I love Giant Eagle for picking up my favorite juices and food, but they have an amazing selection of gift cards. If you are buying multiple gift cards don’t run around to every store to pick them up! Find someplace local where you can get them all at once and check a bunch of gifts off in one stop!
#10- Reward Yourself– Nothing can motivate you through a long day of shopping like a reward at the end! Whether it is picking up a gift for yourself, having a bottle of wine chilling at home, or taking the night off from cooking dinner (Grab more Simply Lemonade® and a delicious dinner at Giant Eagle!) Reward yourself for a shopping marathon!
How do you streamline your holiday shopping? Make to stop by Giant Eagle while you’re out and pick up some delicious Simply Juices!
I love these tips for holiday shopping. It can really be SO very stressful if you don’ t have a plan. I totally agree. And purchasing gift cards at Giant Eagle is a great idea too. {client}