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BBB's holiday shopping tips

The holiday season is one of the busiest shopping seasons for consumers. BBB has tips to help consumers make smart shopping decisions, find the best deals, budget for gift-giving, and make gift returns and exchanges. 

Back to BBB's holiday HQ

Looking to enjoy a stress-free holiday? Shop confidently with help from BBB.

The holiday season is here, and whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, budgeting for the festivities, or prepping for travel, we’ve got you covered! From receiving packages safely and finding the best decorations to participating in charitable giving, BBB’s expert tips will help make your holidays hassle-free. Plus, check out advice on handling returns and exchanges so you can shop confidently and stress less. Here's to a joyful holiday season from start to finish!

       

Holiday budgeting tips

Stick to your holiday budget this year with our practical tips! Learn how to plan your spending, prioritize gifts, and avoid overspending during the festive season.

Young cheerful mother with a baby in her arms managing finances in the living room during Christmas holidays
Create a great plan and stay in the green

How can you build a holiday budget that will cover buying for everyone on our list while keeping you out of debt? BBB has tips for calculating your seasonal budget and sticking to it.

How to make and stick to a holiday budget
Woman wrapping Christmas gifts
Your guide to giving end-of-year tips to service professionals

The end of the year is a time to show appreciation for those who provide necessary services and little luxuries in your daily life. BBB has tips to help you tip confidently while staying within your budget.

Tips for holiday tipping
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'Tis the season to be charitable

Spread the holiday spirit by giving back! Discover how you can participate in charitable initiatives, support your community, and make a positive impact this season.

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the US is Giving Tuesday, the annual charity event that raises funds for online charitable giving. BBB offers tips on making informed giving decisions, such as verifying if the selected charity is BBB Accredited (i.e., meets the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability). 

Visit www.givingtuesday.org to learn more, join the movement, and find creative ways to give back.

Learn more about Giving Tuesday

            

Holiday shopping tips

Get the most out of your holiday shopping with these expert tips on finding deals, comparing prices, and making smart purchasing decisions.

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Expert shopping tips for the season

Like ever year, many people plan to start holiday shopping early. BBB has holiday shopping tips on how to stay away from scams and unlock holiday success.

Tips to holiday shop like a pro
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Buying an artificial Christmas tree

Buying a Christmas tree is an exciting part of the holiday season. If you want to buy an artificial tree instead of a live tree, remember these tips.

Learn how to get the perfect fake tree
Woman Shopping At Christmas Market
8 tips for dealing with holiday pop-up shops

Attending local festivals and events is an exciting way to celebrate the holiday season. BBB wants you to keep these tips in mind if you choose to buy from them.

    Tips for visiting holiday pop-up shops
    Rear view of unrecognizable woman with hair bun carrying black Friday paperbags on shoulders while leaving store
    Pro tips for smart Black Friday shopping

    Black Friday is the single busiest shopping day of the year. These tips can make your Black Friday shopping experience productive… and maybe even enjoyable.

    Tips for shopping on Black Friday
    Asian woman online shopping with credit card on cyber monday sale on tablet sitting on sofa at home.digital lifestyle with technology
    Shop with confidence on Cyber Monday

    Cyber Monday is one of the year's top shopping days. When hunting for deals, be wary of misleading ads, lookalike websites, and untrustworthy sellers.

    Tips for a successful Cyber Monday
    City sidewalks and warm cocoa in hand, a couple's laughter mingles with the festive buzz as they Christmas shop, creating a scene of shared joy amidst the holiday lights.
    How to support Small Business Saturday

    After the crowds and chaos of Black Friday, check out the small, local, and independent businesses participating in Small Business Saturday.

    Tips for Small Business Saturday
    Women buying online with credit card
    What to know before purchasing a gift card

    Gift cards are a popular and convenient gift-giving option, but they are also a target for scammers. Stay one step ahead and shop carefully to avoid a scam known as “gift card draining.”

    Tips for purchasing a gift card
    Young woman celebrating New Year at home with her dog. Dog wear costume, she giving present to her dog
    Pet owners' guide to buying gifts for pets

    Many pet owners plan on spoiling their fur babies with holiday gifts. BBB has tips to help you find the perfect gift: one that is safe, within your budget, and one your pet will adore.

    Choosing the perfect pet gift
    Christmas Advent calendar still life
    A shopper's guide to advent calendars

    Advent calendars have been a longtime fixture of the holiday season. With so many fun options, what should you know before purchasing one? BBB recommends the following.

    Tips for buying an advent calendar

    Holiday tips for parents

    The holidays can be hectic for parents! Check out our tips for managing gift lists, keeping the kids safe, and making the season joyful and stress-free.

    Men In Red Sweater Buying Presents Online With Son At Home
    Safe online holiday shopping for parents

    To ensure a safe and secure online holiday shopping experience, the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) has crafted a set of recommendations for parents and guardians to make informed purchasing decisions this season.

    Shop safely for your children
    Little girl is texting at the front of Christmas tree
    Is that holiday app safe? Better check it twice

    Apple's App Store and Google Play offer a range of holiday-themed apps for your enjoyment. Before permitting your child to download any app, it's essential to understand the data it may collect and establish appropriate permission settings.

    Tips when selecting holiday apps for your child

                 

    Protect your holiday packages

    Expecting deliveries? Keep your packages safe and secure with our advice on tracking shipments, preventing porch theft, and ensuring everything arrives on time.

    front door with christmas wreath and packages
    Avoid porch pirates!

    Americans and Canadians love going online to shop, especially during the holidays. Unfortunately, having the item delivered to the proper address does not guarantee you (or they) will receive it. BBB provides these pro tips to prevent package thieves.

    Tips for avoiding package theft
    Young sad man texting on smart phone while feeling lonely on Christmas Eve at home.
    Got a text about your order? Be cautious.

    Some consumers have been getting text messages stating that a major delivery carrier needs them to "update delivery preferences" on a package by clicking a link. The problem? The texts are scams, and the links result in the theft of personal information, money, or both.

    5 ways to avoid fake text delivery scams
    Giftbox ready to be shipped with Free Returns tag

    Holiday returns and exchanges

    Holiday returns aren't easy! BBB's tips should help to make your holiday returns run more smoothly.

    Tips for making holiday returns

    Additional holiday resources

    Photo of sad businesswoman working at her home for Christmas holidays
    Don't let scams ruin the holidays

    Stay safe this holiday season with BBB’s expert tips on avoiding common scams. Learn how to protect your personal information, spot red flags, and shop confidently during the busiest time of year.

    Know the signs of a holiday scam
    Mature man and woman opening their shop for Christmas.
    Get your business ready for the holidays

    Get your business ready for the holiday rush with BBB’s expert tips on inventory management, customer service, and marketing strategies. Learn how to optimize operations, boost sales, and provide a seamless holiday experience for your customers.

    Prep your business for the holiday season