For most families, December gifting is dedicated to holiday shopping. But for me, I not only have to Christmas shop for my family and friends, I also have to focus on birthdays. Yes, December birthdays are huge in my circle of family and friends with seven family members (including my oldest daughter and husband) and two friends birthdays this month.
With two kids at home under the age of 4, I choose to simplify my life and save my sanity by doing all of my December holiday shopping online. Shopping online allows me to shop at my leisure while comparison shopping for the best discounts and deals, and helps keep me organized at the same time. Plus with online shipping this keeps presents out of the eyes of little people.
This year for the first time, I’ve had to add some new recipients to my giving too. My girlfriends that are moms and teachers will attest to the fact I’ve been texting and emailing obsessively for tips on what to give for preschool teachers and Cakes’ speech therapist. I don’t want to blow my budget but I also want to get something that’s needed, appreciated, and thoughtful.
Since having my debit card information compromised twice in the past, I use credit cards 99% of the time. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my bank account isn’t in jeopardy each time I make a purchase and that disputes can resolved without effecting my ability to pay my mortgage or other accounts. Last week I found out about MasterCard MarketPlace where cardholders can shop with their cards for discounts on local and national deals and discounts. Saving money during the holidays? I’m in!
Signing up and navigating through the MasterCard MarketPlace website was quite easy and required minimal personal information to get started. A quick Facebook connect and I was off and able to view all of that day’s deals. I say that day because the deals change periodically and when you see something that interests you, you had better snap it up because it might not be there when you return. I found a Sam’s Club offer for free shipping on select items. While checking out the eligible items I stumbled upon a discounted Starbucks gift card that would be perfect for one of my daughter’s preschool teachers. I didn’t order it right away as I was running out the door to dinner but when I came back to purchase the gift card I was so thankful that I made it just in time and the deal was expiring that night.
With my Starbucks gift card purchase from MasterCard MarketPlace my holiday shopping is now finished. I managed to not only save money with the new recipients on my gift list, I did it easily online and found a new resource to use year round for discounts.
To learn more about MasterCard MarketPlace you can connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Today (12/13) from 2-3 ET we’re having a Twitter party and would love for you to join us! You can RSVP here for your chance to win lots of great prizes courtesy of MasterCard.
Is your holiday shopping complete? Do you like shopping online for holiday gifts?
I am a member of the Collective Bias Social Fabric Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and MasterCard. As always, all opinions remain my own. #CBias #SocialFabric #FinishMyList
I do some of my shopping online and some in store. I guess it all depends on what I am looking for. Sometimes if I don’t have a coupon for free shipping, or some other discount, I will just grab what I am looking for when I’m in the store. Lucky for me, I have 3 Targets and 2 Walmarts within about 15 minutes of my house, so I can get most of what I need while I am out anyways.
I think I’ve done almost ALL of my shopping online this year, but I hadn’t heard about the Marketplace. I’m gonna see what they’ve got going on!
I’m an online shopper, too – I feel like it’s easier to find good deals online, and there’s much less hassle for me.
I’m not quite done with gifts this year, but the rest I’m planning on making myself so it won’t require anymore shopping. That said, if I saw a good deal on something for my kids I would be tempted!
This sounds great, thanks for sharing.
I haven’t stepped foot in a store for shopping this year. I have to but just don’t want to. I also had my debit stolen not fun and always use a cc online now. I have a MC need to check this out, thanks for sharing!
This is the first year that I have done quite a bit of shopping online. It’s so much easier.
Love online shopping!
I do about 90 % of my shopping online all year round except for the grocery store. I use rewards and cash back sites to get the best deals. Only way to shop these days.
I still have shopping to do- I really need to get on that! &I love shopping online too, I try it do that as much as possible vs. the actual store.
I do most of my shopping online. It is much easier for me. Using your credit card online is a great idea!
Our nearest store is a half hour away, so I always shop online!
I love online shopping – no lines!!
I decided to give gift cards this year to little man’s teachers…they are so wonderful, I love them! I want them to get something that makes them happy!