IDEAS FOR HOW TO SAVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON...

People buying gifts online this holiday season should consider not only the shopping days, but the shipping days before Christmas. According to the 2008 Shop.org/Shopzilla eHoliday Study, two-thirds (68.1%) of online retailers said the deadline to place orders for ground shipping with delivery by Christmas is on or before Friday, December 19. But time is of the essence as more than one third (34%) of retailers’ ground shipping deadlines will expire on or before Tuesday, December 16.

“Online shoppers may want to start checking a few more names off their lists because shipping deadlines are quickly approaching," says Scott Silverman, Executive Director for Shop.org. "With fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, retailers' last days for free and standard shipping will feel earlier than usual to many shoppers."

Budget-conscious shoppers who want to take advantage of free shipping will find that free shipping offers will begin to peak by December 16. According to the survey, the majority of retailers (77.8%) plan to offer free shipping with conditions* at some point during the holiday season, and most free ground shipping offers (74.4%) will expire on or before December 20. Shop.org’s website, CyberMonday.com, provides a list of retailers still offering free shipping for delivery by Christmas and Shopzilla.com aggregates free shipping from retailers across the web.

For holiday procrastinators who don’t want to fight the crowds, online retailers will offer expedited or one-night shipping options with guaranteed delivery by Christmas. According to the survey, 61.9 percent of retailers’ express two-day shipping offers will end on December 21, while another 31.0 percent of offers will expire on December 22. In addition, half of retailers’ express one-day shipping offers will expire on or before December 22, though nearly half of retailers (47.5%) say that orders placed by December 23 and sent express will be received by Christmas.

“Let’s face it, some people only get motivated to shop when the pressure is on. There are a few alternative strategies like eGift cards, in-store pick-up and same day delivery items that can help you stretch your online shopping to the 11th hour,” says Shopzilla’s online shopping expert Helen Malani.

The holidays are a fun and exciting time of year, but they are also a time when you can end up spending more than you expected.

Keep in mind that you do not have to bust your budget to show how much you care. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) offers some tips for reining in holiday spending.

MAKE A LIST

Many people spend as they go, buying presents as they see them, and are surprised by the bills in January. You can avoid this problem by creating a list of who you plan to buy gifts for in advance. Create a budget for each individual. Check this total against your holiday savings to decide if you need to adjust your spending.

BE CREATIVE

As you begin shopping, remember that thoughtfulness counts.

Instead of searching for one expensive present, you may be able to save money - and give the perfect gift - by putting together a number of small items that relate to a loved one's special interest. Someone who truly loves chocolate, for example, might appreciate a basket of hand-picked treats. Anyone with an interest in sewing or crafts can use a gift bag with a fresh stock of supplies for 2009. By putting together a number of inexpensive items, you may be able to save money and show how much you care.

HIT THE KITCHEN

If you are a good cook - or you simply have a foolproof recipe - gifts of food are inexpensive and very popular. Whether you give a mixture of great holiday cookies or your grandmother's prize- winning banana bread, your friends and family will welcome the effort. In fact, you might not need to cook at all. If you are fortunate enough to have great family recipes that have received compliments over the years, write them out on attractive cards and tie them with a festive ribbon. These great gifts will spread the joy of delicious cooking throughout your circle of friends.

GOOD DEEDS ARE GIFTS, TOO

Many of the people on your list may value a favor done for them more than an expensive present. Couples with young children would be delighted if you offered to babysit so they can have some time together. You can surprise a friend with a busy schedule by promising to do the weekly shopping for a month.

Present each recipient with a card describing the deed to be performed. Such efforts cost nothing more than a few hours of your time, but they are greatly appreciated.

CHECK YOUR LIST TWICE

First, plan and purchase all you need for lower-cost presents.

Then, when you move on to higher-priced presents, keep an eye out for sales and comparison-shop to get the best prices. You may find you can get the items on your list for less money.

 
Sources:  Business Wire, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants