With Christmas holidays in under two months, I’m already prepping for my holiday shopping list. This year, we racked up a few BIG expenses, including our wedding, honeymoon, and also saving up for (hopefully) a near future kitchen renovation. With all that in mind, my goal this year is to reduce my holiday spending without compromising the quality of my shopping and entertaining plans. In Spring, I chatted about my savings journey with RetailMeNot.ca by utilizing some fantastic digital coupons offered by many retailers online. Since then, I’ve continued to scout many great deals and finds!
There is a misconception that couponing means saving $0.50 on frozen pizzas and and $2.00 off your next laundry detergent purchase. However, digital couponing can mean savings big dollars on your next luxury goods purchase or even your next holiday vacation.
I’m so thrilled to once again partner with RetailMeNot.ca to share some shopping tips and a $200 VISA gift card giveaway to help you exercise your couponing skills!
Here is some expert advice on Couponing Myths and creative ways to leverage coupons and promo codes from Sandra Hanna of Smart Cookie to help you save on your holiday shopping!
Myth 1: Couponing takes too much time
Couponing is not what it used to be. You don’t need piles of flyers, a colour-coded binder and five hours on a Sunday to save big money. Today, all you need is your smart phone and 15 seconds, and you can save instantly almost every time you make a purchase both online and in-store. In the time it takes to check in on your Instagram feed, you can save yourself some extra cash!
Myth 2: You can’t get a coupon on a premium item
Coupons and promo codes can be used for much more than toilet paper and toothpaste. Consumers are becoming savvy to promo codes and high-end retailers are listening, with brands like Club Monaco and Sephora offering discounts in this fashion. Using RetailMeNot.ca, we recently found a promo code for $10 off the entire order and free shipping for high-quality organic and natural items at Well.ca, which carries brands like Honest Company and Method. And if you’re looking for a unique homemade gift, don’t forget to search for a promo code before you buy from Etsy.
Myth 3: Doubling up on savings is against Canadian laws and regulations
Many people often think the sale price is the best price. False – certain retailers will allow you to stack your savings in Canada by adding promo codes or coupons on top of sale prices. Banana Republic is a great example – with frequent sales like 40 per cent off, you can save even more by stacking your savings with a promo code, giving you an extra 40 per cent off sale styles. Talk about a win, win! We recently found a promo code on RetailMeNot.ca for an extra 25 per cent off of sale items at Kate Spade as well.
Myth 4: Couponing isn’t worth the time invested
If you knew that a 15 second search for a coupon code each time you were able to make a purchase could add up to more than $1,500 at the end of the year, would you do it? Of course you would! In fact, RetailMeNot users report an average savings of $20 per transaction, which easily adds to big savings if you shop twice a week or more (who doesn’t)? Look for deals on everything from free shipping to deep discounts. The more purchases you make, the more you save!
Myth 5: Online shopping costs more in Canada than the in the U.S.
We’ve all been there – an item on a U.S. retail site seems costs less than on a Canadian site. Blame Canada? Not so fast! Once you factor in the exchange rate, duty, taxes and shipping, those supposed “savings” disappear quickly – meaning there has never been a better time to shop on Canadian-based sites. There are a ton of great Canadian retailers that ship from our home and native land, including Joe Fresh and Sears. Keep your eyes peeled for free shipping and sales, and you’ll be singing “Oh Canada” in no time!
Contest Details
One lucky reader will win a $200 VISA gift card to spend anywhere using coupons and savings found via RetailMeNot.ca. Here is how you can win, enter the draw by using the WIDGET below. Contest is open from November 10, 2015 12:00 a.m. EST to November 25, 2015 12:00 a.m. EST. This contest is opened to Canadian Residents only, one winner will be selected to win a $200 CDN VISA gift card! Winner must provide a valid Canadian shipping address to receive prize.
Enter the draw by using the widget below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: RetailMeNot.ca’s weekly and holiday emails feature only the best deals. By entering your email, you consent to receive emails from RetailMeNot, Inc. You can opt out at any time. Your consent is sought by RetailMeNot, Inc., 301 Congress Ave., Ste 700, Austin TX 78701 U.S.A. http://www.retailmenot.ca/static/privacy/
Disclosure: I am participating in the #SimpleSavings campaign with RetailMeNot.ca and have received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.
120 comments
Boots & winter coat
Makeup , Skincare
An iphone 6!
I really need some new business casual clothes to update my wardrobe.
Star Wars Legendary Yoda for my husband and i………i mean MY KIDS. It’s for my kids….. oops!
A new watch!
Me too.
a winter coat! (and a happy health Christmas holiday filled with good memories!)
My own, my daughter home for Christmas. She’s away on business until Christmas Eve so I’m hoping there are no storms or flight delays.
On my holiday wishlist is tea! I love tea and would like some new flavours.
New shoes and boots!
I have a new pair of boots on my list
Some new perfume! 🙂 TY!
I don’t really have a list, even a mental one. But one thing I’d love to get is a laptop.
I need a new pair of winter boots!
I want a stuffed snoopy
I would to get an ipad mini!
New makeup from sephora and a new tattoo
Boots, makeup and a winter jacket.
iphone….
Our vaccum sucks. .. I guess not literally. Lol. So I want a new one of those. Other than that, I am in a Declutter in the house mode this year so I don’t want much.
A new travel pillow for my upcoming holiday!
I would love a new winter bomber coat!
I would like to get a new winter coat for Christmas.
On my wish list is a new outfit
A pair of Miz Mooz boots, and I want to host a party.
a winter coat
Main thing on my list is spending time with the grandkids.
Most definitely a new pair of boots is on my list! cheers 🙂
Warm and pretty winter boots for me pls!! Anyone have any suggestions!!??
A steam mop and make up!
A handheld vac.
I want a KitchenAid Stand Mixer this year
LOL A new ironing board! I know it sounds wrong but it is one of those things that you never go out and buy a new one! Oiling it doesn’t seem to work any-more!
I am so simple! I want one of those magnifying mirrors! You know as you start to age random hairs appear and that magnifier would come in handy!
I would love a new coat for winter! I love this purple Nobis one!
I’d love a new winter coat!
I have a lot of books on my wishlist this Christmas.
I guess Id say a new e-reader with a light embedded in it
A new comforter from amazon is on my wish list
All I want for Christmas is a little solitude and a KitchenAid mixer would be nice 😀
I would love an activity tracker
Books – always books!
Boots
A toaster oven!
Would love a Soda Stream!
I really need a new drapes!
i would like a really nice portable lap desk
A car
I would like a new pair of Skecher, a black leather purse and a new scarf.
i want some new brown knee high boots and a new winter jacket
books and tea
on my wishlist is new boots a new coat
I would love some stuff from Sephora
some really cool boots is on my wishlist
spa certificates!!
A new winter jacket!
A new bathrobe.
I would love get the Kobo H20 I think it’s called.. it’s waterproof!
I would love a new purse.
A new laptop.
I want a breadmaker, and one of those waterbottles with the juicer in it; so you can just put half a lemon in, pop the bottle on top, and you get citrus flavoured water. Totally awesome.
New linens for my bed
For my family and friends to be happy and healthy! 🙂
I would love an electric fondue pot and an ipad.
I need a new washing machine. Mine died a couple of months ago and I hate having to go to the laundrymat to do my washing.
Some new books. Can never have too many books!
A new crockpot is on my wishlist!!
I need a new mid size pot with steamer, I’d like a new griddle pan as well
A new bookshelf
My wishlist this year is a roomba, a computer chair, a ceramic pie plate and lots and lots of chocolate!!
A new coat or new boots are on my own list, I just want to make sure I’m warm this winter 🙂
A deep freeze, a new comforter set for the master bedroom…
I wish for new warm winter boots and coat!!
New coat and boots
I have a new laptop on my list.
On my wish list is a new pair of winter boot and a new winter coat.
A fitbit
dresses, nikon camera, go pro remote and new boots
new winter clothes are on my wish list, mostly a coat & boots
An iPad and some new clothes is on my wish list!!!
A Cute little table for the living room is on my wish list! Thanks for this chance to win!
My own holiday wish list includes family time and a nice dinner!
On my wishlist is a winter coat and a laptop.
A warm scarf and mittens!
A new mixer!
I asked for a Minion character and some Nerium lol
Ipad would be nice.
I want new makeup brushes
I am keeping my fingers crossed for The Body Shop Avedent calendar.
Id like to have shoes
uggs!
a new phone
would love a pair of new flats!
Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Karen
I would love a new stainless steel garbage can for my kitchen !
A new dyson vacuum!
I want an electric fireplace media centre!
Some luxe bath products are on my list.
Cheers!
I’d love some equestrian style boots
Some equestrian style boots
New winter boots – my comfy old favourites gave up the ghost last winter 🙁
I could use a few more sweaters and a winter jacket 🙂
It would be great to have a few more sweaters.
I need a new tablet as my current one is old and lagging sooo badly.
A Canon DSLR camera
I’d like to get an air purifier with ionizer to deal with my year round allergies, please.
I just wish to make christmas nice for my family
Winter jacket is on my wish list.
clothes and gift cards mainly
I’d love an ipad.
I really need a New Winter Coat Boots and a Printer. Thanks for the Amazing Contests. This would certainly make the Holidays a little Brighter.
A new camera. 🙂
I want a new laptop
A new coat
I am wanting some new pants
I want a new camera
a digital camera
I would LOVE a fitbit
An Actifryer
New winter boots!
A laptop, books, sweater, video games and chocolate is on my holiday wish list.