Welcome to Blog Profiles! Each week, we select a topic and handful of blogs that do a great job contributing to the conversation. All the good boys and girls are preparing their lists. Are you prepared to empty your pockets? Don’t stress. We laid everything out for you with these five shopping blogs.
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What do Friday and Monday have in common? In November, they are two of the heaviest days of the year for sales and customer traffic in the retail industry. More specifically, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the best times to fulfill holiday shopping lists. Although the bargains are exciting, there are stressors that come with checking off lists and dealing with herds of people. The internet, however, is a miraculous invention.
Here are five shopping blogs to help keep your holidays merry and bright.
1. Julianna Claire
What is it? It has everything from Amazon and other retailers you didn’t know you needed.
Why you should read it: Amazon is overwhelmingly vast. If you have disposable income and minor inconveniences around the home, look no further. With kitchen organization being such a hot commodity, you can use these items to turn your pantry from a closet of chaos to a serene cellar.
Few things are more satisfying than stepping into a clean home. There used to be so much scrubbing and stooping involved, but cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore when you have fun gadgets like an electric spin scrubber! Combine these products with some clever cleaning hacks and you will be an unstoppable force of domesticity.
Follow @julianna_claire on Instagram.
2. Rather-Be-Shopping
What is it? Did you know some shops have systems, loopholes, and secret menus? This blog is full of life hacks for navigating various brands.
Why you should read it: You will never shop the same way again. The best bargains are not always found at Goodwill. For instance, Target doesn’t want you to know about the codes used for its clearance stickers. Oops! The secret is out. There’s also a weekly markdown schedule for each department.
Next time you pull the trigger on your Amazon shopping cart that includes any items with coupons, consider buying some items separately rather than in bulk. This post explains how to apply the coupon to multiple items.
And presents are not the only thing bought in excess. ‘Tis the season for eating. Rather-Be-Shopping has some creative hacks for making the most of your confectionary consumption, and if you’re in the market for 2.38 lbs of tiramisu, you are one lucky customer!
Follow @RatherBeShop on Twitter.
3. Dina’s Days
What is it? It’s a thrift blog with predictions, tips, cool finds, DIY craft ideas, and a podcast all in one!
Why you should read it: This is perfect for creative people on a budget.
With a little imagination, you can repurpose anything and turn it into original décor.
You can also put together vintage looks for less. At first glance, thrift store inventory seems drab and outdated. Remember that everything in there is past its heyday, but one tip to help you bring it back is to look to old movies and TV shows for inspiration. Think “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “The Nanny,” and iconic 90s “Nick At Nite” vibes.
Make thrifting into an event! Not everyone is going to burst through the doors of a mom-and-pop thrift store on Black Friday, so make the day yours with an itinerary, lunch, and fun pics.
Follow @dinasdays on Instagram.
4. Etsy Journal
What is it? You know Etsy; it’s everyone’s favorite e-commerce platform for online thrifting and quirky handmade goods. Etsy Journal is where the staff comes together, recognizes top sellers, and gives gift advice.
Why you should read it: Etsy staffers pick out all the unicorns from the site, making your job of scoping out unique finds so much easier.
The candle – a commonly regifted item? Not anymore. These candles are worthy of display and burning. Each one has its own appeal. Some look unconventional, some are aromatic, but all are classy trinkets suitable for an acquaintance or an old friend.
DIY and customization seem to be very popular this year, with custom portraits, calligraphy, matching apparel, and engraved cutting boards in high demand.
Follow @etsy on Instagram.
5. Gift Card Girlfriend
What is it? For the one who has everything, this is a one-stop shop for gift cards from any brand you can imagine. The blog has tips on using different types of gift cards and highlights gift cards you didn’t know existed.
Why you should read it: Maybe you received a preloaded gift card as payment for completing a survey and you might wonder, “Where do I even use this? How do I use this in a store?” I wish this article existed a few years ago.
Fun fact about Visa Gift Cards; you can customize them! Does your coworker bring their dog every day? Add a picture of a cute dog and dedicate $20 to them for treats. Choose a festive pattern and relish in the holiday spirit. There are so many ways to add that personal touch.
By the way, gift cards go on sale, too. Often you will be rewarded for your spending by receiving a gift card, swag, or snacks! Here’s a guide to which stores will be offering these promotions this season.
With all this, make sure to protect yourself from fraud. All this extraneous credit card swiping can make you vulnerable to identity thieves.
Follow @gcgirlfriend on Twitter.
P.S. Ever wonder how we come up with ideas for our blog profiles? Our handy list of industries and subjects on PR Newswire for Journalists stays top of mind. If you’re a blogger or journalist looking for holiday shopping news, let us know. We can customize a newsfeed for you.