It seems a new retail holiday is added to the days following Thanksgiving every year. Whether you only shop on Black Friday or buy Christmas gifts until Giving Tuesday, knowing where the best deals are is half the battle. So here’s your Mega Holiday Shopping Guide, courtesy of Southlake Style. We did the work of rounding up all the best deals so all you have to do is add it to your cart.
Black Friday/Cyber Monday
You don’t have to wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to start shopping for deals. Retailers like Walmart, Target, Macy’s and Amazon have already begun rolling out the sales. And as the days get closer, expect other retailers to follow suit.
The tried-and-true option for fashion brand dupes, home staples and everything in between, Walmart has deals on everything from electronics and toys to fashion and beauty. You can get the Shark IQ Robot Vacuum for only $199 — on major sale after being marked down from $394. Women’s clothing is up to 40% off while a KidKraft Forestview II Wooden Playhouse is only $239 — down from $449. And get the perfect gift for him in a 215-piece mechanics tool set only $98 after being originally $148.
Macy’s is kicking off its holiday deals with an extra 20% off and 15% off select departments when using the code SALE. If you’re a Star Rewards member, you’ll get $10 Star Money for every $50 you spend and earn on every purchase. But for those shoppers just looking for the perfect gift, Macy’s still has you covered. If you’re prepping for the winter or a snowy vacation, coats are 40 to 60% off, while boots, booties and shoes are 30 to 40% off. Those needing to furnish a new house can indulge in the 20 to 65% off deals on furniture while an Instant Pot 6-quart. Air Fryer is only $90.
If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for at Target, just wait a week. The retailer is debuting new deals every week, with customers able to preview the deals to come every Thursday through Saturday. Right now, kitchen appliances are up to 50% off, TVs are up to 30% off and any vacuums or floor care products are up to 40% off. Target also has daily deals, with the next day's deals available the day prior. Don’t forget that Target allows for pickup or delivery. So you might not even have to walk into the store to capitalize on these deals.
While most of the bigger sales won’t be available until Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a little closer, Amazon still has deals worth checking out. Part of Amazon’s sales includes Daily Deals. These can include up to 40% off on tech, sales on clothing and great deals on kids toys. The key is to check every day to see if something you want is currently on sale. Amazon also has Top Lightning Deals on its deals page — these are great sales that only last a short time.
Small Business Saturday
Small businesses have definitely felt the impacts of the pandemic, whether that is personally or economically. That’s why this year’s Small Business Saturday is more important than ever. Whether you shop at local small businesses or get all your gifts from Etsy, here are a few small businesses that you can support this season.
A Southlake staple, Ame B Designs is one of the best local small businesses to do your holiday shopping at. Whether you need more Dragon gear to show your spirit or need some cute stocking stuffers, Ame B Design has got you covered. You can shop in person at her shop or continue your online shopping extravaganza by purchasing gifts from her Etsy shop.
Created by a pair of Southlake moms, Clever Bear Leathers makes and sells chic leather jewelry, everything from earrings and necklaces and bracelets. Whether you need a small stocking stuffer or need a gift as stylish as the recipient, Clever Bear Leathers has you covered. Gifts can be purchased directly from its website or Etsy shop.
If you’re looking for gifts for someone with a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with chocolate. JK Chocolate recently opened a pop-up location next to Nothing Bundt Cakes in Town Square so if you’re out on the town, definitely stop by for a visit. Its signature product is a microchip cookie that comes in a variety of flavors. So stop by or shop online to support this small business.
Everyone deserves a good manicure, especially in 2020. So instead of gifting a nail salon gift card, consider splurging on something from Nail Addict Bag this year. This small business sells everything you need for the perfect at-home manicure — from nail art and dipping powder to tools and starter kits. Gifts can be purchased from Nail Addict Bag’s website.
Giving Tuesday
After all the gifts have been bought and you’re exhausted by even the thought of shopping, supporting nonprofits during Giving Tuesday is a great way to rebound. No matter how much you donate, every little bit helps, especially during the pandemic. So whether you support national or local nonprofits, here are a few that would love any donation you can give.
Even though its annual gala took place virtually, GRACE Grapevine is still planning to have the Christmas Cottage again this year — with COVID-19 protocols. The Christmas Cottage allows parents to “shop” for gifts for their kids to preserve their dignity. If you want to support the Christmas Cottage specifically, GRACE has a wishlist on its website or you can donate directly to GRACE.
Another Christmas-focused nonprofit is Christmas Is For Children, which has an Angel Program and a Holiday Homes Tour during the season. While its Holiday Homes tour was canceled due to the pandemic, CIFC will still be doing its Angel Program. The nonprofit is also running a virtual fundraiser through December 14 to help support its programs. You can buy raffle tickets as part of the fundraiser or donate directly to Christmas Is For Children.
Like many nonprofits during this holiday season, Metroport Meals On Wheels is adapting during the pandemic. This year, its Stockings for Seniors program will be COVID-19 modified, and you can pick up a stocking for a senior from MMOW’s Stocking Tree located at Sadie’s Upscale Consignment & Resale. Direct donations will also help provide not only holiday cheer, but meals to seniors in need.
If you saw those viral photos of long lines of cars waiting to receive food before Thanksgiving, they were waiting for food from the North Texas Food Bank. Due to the pandemic and its economic impacts, more people than ever are in need of food for their families. Whether you give a monetary donation, donate food or volunteer, supporting the North Texas Food Bank is a great way to celebrate Giving Tuesday.