Editor’s note: This post was significantly updated in August 2016.
If you’re like most working moms, you don’t have a lot of time to drive around looking for the best deals on Christmas presents. But you also don’t have deep pockets to buy whatever strikes your fancy. Why not save yourself some trouble, time, gas, and money? Shop for your gifts virtually this year, and get yourself some great online holiday deals.
1. Amazon
If you’re an Amazon Prime customer like I am, you’ll probably agree it’s really hard to beat Amazon’s selection, prices, and free two-day shipping on just about any holiday gift you could possibly imagine. I particularly like Amazon for those last-minute buys (not that I’ve ever put off my holiday shopping until Dec. 23 or anything …) and their 12 Days of Deals for even steeper discounts on cool presents.
Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial [Affiliate link]
2. eBay
I’ve never gotten into the whole online auction thing, but eBay has still served as a terrific source of online holiday deals for me over the years. You can go with the “Buy It Now” price just like you’d purchase an item on any web retail store. eBay offers Daily Deals that could make great gifts. And you might be surprised at the huge variety you’ll find on there for both new and used stuff.
Shop eBay for gifts [Affiliate link]
3. Overstock
If you like TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and the like, you’ll appreciate the fab online holiday deals to be had on Overstock—often with free shipping as an extra carrot. I’ve had a lot of luck finding cool home decor and bed/bath gear through the site, as well as furniture big and small. They also sell clothing, jewelry, watches, toys, and tons of other things you might have on your gift list.
4. Etsy
Give yourself a little more lead time for Etsy shopping, but it’s so worth the wait. You’ll be the gift-giving hero of the holidays when you discover that perfect handmade doodad to suit each recipient’s personality to a tee. Prices range widely on Etsy, so shop around to find both the creative flair you want and price you can afford. It always feels good to support independent makers, though.
5. RetailMeNot
No matter where or how you shop, you can often get yourself better online holiday deals with a quick check for discounts on RetailMeNot. With more than 600,000 coupons and offers for 70,000 retailers, it’s the world’s largest marketplace for digital offers. Just search for the store, and go with the best-looking coupon that has a decent success rate (I’d stick with 5o% or higher, personally). Instant savings!
I hope these sites help you working moms out there. And if you discover more killer deal sites that you want to share, please post them here!
Wow- great post thanks!
retailmenot.com just saved me $20 on a hamper I was going to buy anyway 🙂
I also think pricegrabber.com is a great resource for comparison shopping if you’re trying to find the cheapest price on a specific Christmas gift.
I love overstock.com Cheap cheap cheap shipping
I would add ebags.com too. You can find everything from name brand wallets and purses to briefcases and luggage at discounted prices.
This is just what I needed, Sue! Thanks for sharing these great tips.
Bargainist.com is my new favorite and I have been saving a TON with Google Checkout this week. For promo codes, I also like naughtycodes.com.
A great site for those down to the wire gifts is spaemergency.com. You can immediately email or print gift certificates for spas anywhere in the country.
I found lots of discount codes at
Promo Code.com.