Holiday shopping

There are so many things I'm passionate about, and with it being close to the holidays, there is no time like the present for my first blog post! Please note that other than the referral links for Rakuten and Honey, there is no way for me to monetize these recommendations. I am just passionate about them and want to share my joy!

Make some cash as you shop

If you don't currently use any cash back sites, I would suggest that you install the plug-ins and sign up right away. If you have multiple cash back programs, you can compare the cash back incentives and choose the one that gives you more money back! I mostly use Rakuten - with the link I provided, if you spend $50 you'll get $50 back right now... at different times of the year it is as low as $30 or $40 but it's the holidays, so they're keen to get new users. As a USAA member, I also have MemberShop - if you have a USAA account, you can join too, here. Unfortunately non-USAA members cannot use this and there is no referral program.  However, between Rakuten and USAA, I have made quite a lot of cash back by shopping on days when the cash back percentage is higher than normal for my favorite stores! The site I use the least for cash back is Honey (this referral link gives me 500 PayPal points if you use it) - but it can notify you if an item you're interested in has dropped in price, or if there is a coupon code that one of the other sites doesn't know about. Rakuten, MemberShop, and Honey all have Chrome plug-ins so you can decide which one to use based on the cash back offer on any particular day.

Festive clothing at good prices at J. Crew Factory

I love to get into the holiday spirit with festive clothing. But I don't want to buy something that will fall apart before next year, either! I have really enjoyed my holiday wear from J. Crew Factory. I usually purchase it on clearance when they have anywhere from 50-70% off deals. Sometimes it's worth it to pay a little more before they run out of what you want! They offer free shipping to their stores (I happen to have one a few miles away) and always offer free shipping for a purchase of $99 or more. Sometimes they run deals where they offer free shipping for everything, or lower the minimum amount. Today they're offering 70% off clearance items, as well as a large array of holiday wear for low prices. Some of my favorite items from J. Crew Factory over the years have been their leggings (they have offered limited-time holiday plaids, as well as their year-round black), blazers, and the girlfriend tee (in short and long sleeved lengths). They also have adorable headbands. Make sure to sign up for their loyalty program, which offers discounts from time to time.

I have been a J. Crew fan since the late 1980s, and I still have an anorak and a wool sweater from J. Crew from those days. I have had one issue with a pair of plaid holiday leggings from J. Crew Factory developing a hole after I wore them once, and they refunded me when I wrote it in a review! (I wound up purchasing another pair because I loved them... and that pair doesn't have the issue.)

Costco has some amazing stuff for the holidays

First of all, if you're not a Costco member already, you should be! Even if you don't go to a warehouse often, there are a lot of items that can be shipped to your home, and they have same-day shopping powered by Instacart (prices are slightly higher, but you also don't have to fight Costco crowds).  Groupon currently has wonderful deals for new memberships for both Gold Star and Executive memberships. They're also a great holiday gift if a loved one doesn't have a membership!

Costco has an amazing array of holiday gear - décor, wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, and gift bags, even holiday stamps! But what I love the most is their gift baskets. They have them in stores, but the selection varies online, and with free shipping, they are great gifts for friends and family across the country. I am also a huge fan of their peppermint bark. If you're buying gifts, especially electronics or clothing, they have some wonderful prices and if you have the Costco Visa card, electronics/appliances have an extra 2 years' warranty. They carry a bunch of Apple and Android products, as well as TVs, speakers, and anything else you might want.

Coach Outlet (yes, they have one online)

I am a huge Coach fan, and part of any outlet mall outing is ALWAYS a stop into the Coach Outlet. But they have an online outlet too! And it has some really good quality merchandise at good prices. Well, compared to full-price Coach prices, anyhow. I tend to stick to their leather goods. My oldest Coach purse is 35 years old and still looks great. The quality of Coach leather is wonderful. I've given Coach wallets as gifts ... my advice is to really know who you're buying it for so you get the style of wallet they love. Otherwise, even if it's a great quality, they won't use it. I gave my mom one once, and thought for sure she'd love it - but it had buckles on the outside and she just hated them. I wound up trading my unadorned plain leather wallet for hers! 

Happy shopping and have a wonderful holiday season!