Skip the queues - How to do all your holiday shopping online

If you don't like packed malls and standing in long queues, then online shopping is your best bet this Festive Season. Not only is online shopping convenient, but you can get more done in more than half the time. 

Here's how you can do all your important Christmas shopping online. 

Before you get started

1. Make a list of everything you need so you don't forget anything
2. Set a budget to avoid overspending 
3. Shop on secure websites only or use reputable retailers only (look for the lock that appears before a URL)
4. For security reasons, don't use public WiFi to do your shopping, as it is less secure
5. Pay with your credit card or a virtual card instead of your debit card 

ALSO READ: Here is how to protect yourself while shopping on the internet

Shopping online for food

All major retailers will be running holiday sales in December and the best way to take advantage of all the offers is online. Some stores also offer exclusive deals online. 

You won't need to go from store to store to get specific sale items. Do some research and write down which items you will be buying from which store. Thanks to the COVID-19 lockdown, many grocery stores offer online shopping - which includes delivery and pickup options. Grocery stores also have cheaper delivery fees. 

Check out this list of 25 Online Food Delivery Options on Vibe Scout.

ALSO READ: Since when? You can now pay with BITCOIN at Pick n Pay stores

Shopping online for clothes and presents 

It's best to get your Christmas shopping in as early as possible - especially if you are shopping online. Depending on what your order is and where you live, delivery could take anything from two days to seven days plus. If you are doing your clothing or present shopping late, focus on local stores as those will have quicker turnaround times. Some e-commerce websites let you know if items will take longer to deliver because they will be shipped from overseas. 

ALSO READ: How to avoid being scammed during online shopping - Wendy Knowler

Make sure you have the correct sizes/body measurements when buying clothes, as returning items once they have been delivered could cause further delays. Some stores use different size guides, which means a medium at one store might be too small or too big. Check size guides to avoid disappointment. 

*Take note of delivery costs and shipping details 

Shopping for gift cards 

Not sure what to buy a friend or family member? Gift cards are a great ways to spoil loved ones. Just about every major store offers gift cards which means you can also gift experiences at hotels or for fun activities.

Here are a few things to consider: 

• Keep the receipt in case you encounter any problems
• Make sure you know how long the gift card is valid for
• Buy gift cards from trusted sites and directly from store websites 

ALSO READ: Family-friendly movies to watch this Festive Season

Things to take note of...

Read reviews: The great thing about shopping online is that most people leave reviews on whether the product they bought was good or bad.
What you see is not always what you get: Use common sense when shopping online as some sales and products are too good to be true. 
Read the fine print: Check for product guarantees and policies about returns/exchanges.
Keep tabs: Create a folder of all your shopping orders and receipts so you have all your POP in one place and can keep track of everything you bought online. Also check your bank statements to make sure the correct amounts have been debited and make sure there is no suspicious activity happening on your card. 

ALSO READ: Five fun Christmas party games for adults

Main image credit: iStock/Tevarak