‘Tis the season for holiday shopping! I hope to share the best tips, deals, promo codes, and gift ideas for you.
Shopping Tips:
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on gifts and stick to it. Starting off 2026 broke is not the move!
- Plan Ahead: Start shopping early to take advantage of sales, discounts, and promotions. They don’t say “the early bird gets the worm” for nothing!
- Compare Prices: Check online and in-store prices to find the best deals. Look online first, make a list, and then go in person. That way, if it’s better in person you can buy it right then and there.
- Check Your Emails: I can’t stress this enough but please look at your emails for promotions and discounts before you go to the mall. The best sales lie in your emails! You’re welcome.
- Use Cashback and Coupons: Take advantage of cashback offers, coupons, and discount codes. Pay attention to coupons in the mail and keep them. You’d be crazy to throw those out!
- Shop Local: Explore local markets, craft fairs, or artisan shops for unique gifts. I’ve researched some options to check out.
Brentwood Makers Market: Every third Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. (November through March: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.), Downtown Brentwood on Oak Street. A vibrant outdoor market showcasing unique crafts and local vendors.
Broadway Commons Mall Christmas Craft & Gift Show: November 15th – December 24th, 2025, Hicksville. Features 50-100 vendors selling art, crafts, gifts, and food.
Planting Fields Arboretum Holiday Market: November 28th-30th, 2025, Oyster Bay. A unique shopping destination with emerging and established local artisans and gift vendors.
Brentwood Arts Exchange Fall Artisan Shop Pop-Up: Check their website, www.pgparks.com/facilities/brentwood-arts-exchange, for hours and events. It’s a great place to find unique, handmade items.
Old Westbury Holiday Market: November 28th-30th, 2025, Old Westbury Gardens.
Top Deals and Promo Codes:
Student Beans offers exclusive discounts at over 10,000 stores, including Gymshark, McDonald’s, and Amazon Prime.Groupon Coupons provide savings tips and promo codes for popular brands like Amazon and Walmart.
Verify your student status with UNiDAYS or Student Beans to unlock student discounts which include but are not limited to: North Face (20% off through Student Beans); Amazon Prime Student (50% off membership); PrettyLittleThing (15% off any order for students); American Eagle (20% student discount on online and in-store purchases); Dr. Martens (15% off via UNiDAYS); Goodwill (10% discount with valid student ID – varies by location); Nike (10% off with UNiDAYS); and Adidas (15% off with UNiDAYS).
Fashion and retail deals include Hallmark with 20% off holiday photo cards and invitations, Ugly Christmas Sweater with 15% off sitewide orders, and Maurice’s with 60% off your first order and extra 40% off upgrades. Beauty and skincarelocations like Sephora have 10-20% off with code EVERYTHING and 30% off Sephora Collection for Beauty Insiders.Ulta Beauty has up to 40% off select skincare, 30% off hair care, and $10 prestige minis. Don’t miss their Early Black Friday Sale, with deals on brands like Tarte and Estée Lauder! Bath and Body Works has deals on candles, body washes, and more with prices starting at $9.99.
As for travel and entertainment, Holiday Extras has a 40% student discount on airport parking, car hire, and travel insurance. In addition, AMC gives student discount on movie tickets and Greyhound has 10% off fares with Student Advantage card. Of course, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the holy grail. Take advantage of special holiday sales!
Gift Ideas:
I’ve gathered different gift ideas for friends or family, ranging from clothing to personal activities.
Some practical gifts include soft, cozy sweats and blankets for chilly nights. Even care packages like gourmet snacks, teas, and other goodies can brighten up someone’s day. Tech essentials like portable chargers, phone cases, and noise-cancelling headphones are a must with the hustle and bustle of the days. You can never go wrong with personalized items either; monogrammed tote bags, customized phone cases, or engraved water bottles are useful and show sincerity all the same.
Self-care gifts are both beneficial and a good way to show that you care. Spa day kits with scented candles, bath salts, and skincare products bring on relaxation. Aromatherapy kits with essential oils and a diffuser make for a calming atmosphere. A cozy coffee or tea set never fail with their varieties of cute mugs, coffee or tea infusers, and gourmet treats.Moreover, board games and puzzles are great for dorm room entertainment. Different gift cards to favorite restaurants or coffee shops near campus are easy but thoughtful gifts as well. Art supplies, journals, or photography accessories are also a fun thing to gift and inspire creativity.
Personalized gifts are always more emotional and personable, too. Gifts like a customized photo album filled with memories from home will tug at the heartstrings! Monogrammed journals, beautifully designed journals with their initials, as well as a personalized phone case with their name or favorite design show that genuine care is present and that you’re thinking with their best interests in mind.
Some of the best gifts are experiences; they aren’t tangible but they’re memories that’ll live forever. Tickets to a concert, play, or comedy show make for a wonderful night out. A cooking class, wine tasting, or gourmet dinner will more likely than not result in a funny memory. A more popular idea is a spa day because a peaceful day with a massage is the perfect treat to let loose after a year’s long stress.
Look into subscription boxes and services that fit the recipient’s interests. Hulu student bundle (Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN) is $5.99/month, Spotify Premium Student (Showtime + Hulu) is $4.99/month, there’s also Xbox Game passes, PlayStation Now, and NVIDIA GeForce NOW.
If it’s discounted luxury you’re looking for, Saks off 5th offers high-end designer clothing, shoes and accessories at discounted prices. Neiman Marcus Last Call carries luxury brands at steep prices, just like Bloomingdale’s Outlet which has a wide range of luxury products. Nordstrom Rack also features brands like Gucci and Prada for discounted prices.
If you aren’t looking for anything in particular, head out to Smith Haven Mall or Tanger Outlets and look around, or even Roosevelt Field Mall. I also suggest stores like Tjmaxx, Burlington, and Marshalls. They carry a wide range of products at discounted prices. Please do it before the holidays because standing in queue during the holidays is the opposite of fun.
Where to Shop Online:
Some budget-friendly favorites are Amazon and Walmart. With its vast selection and competitive prices, Amazon offers free shipping on orders over $35 for Prime members. Walmart is known for their everyday low prices and is a great place to find affordable gifts, decorations, and more.
For unique gift ideas, Etsy is the way to go! Sellers have handmade or vintage products and it’s a great way to support small businesses and find one-of-a-kind presents. Similarly, ModCloth is an online retailer that offers a curated selection of vintage-inspired clothing, home decor, and gifts.
Macy’s offers up to 70% off select items, plus free shipping on orders over $25. Kohl’s has a wide range of discounts and promotions, including up to 60% off select items. For tech gifts, Best Buy is a great place to shop. They offer competitive prices and free shipping on orders over $35. For outdoor enthusiasts, Dick’s Sporting Goods offers a wide range of gifts and gear at affordable prices.
As we wrap up our holiday shopping, let’s spread some extra cheer to those who need it most. If you’ve got some money to spare, consider donating to local shelters, food drives, and causes that bring joy to those in need. It’s a great way to give back and make the season brighter for everyone.
May your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and all your favorite pubs – whether that’s eggnog, hot cocoa, or a festive cocktail (or two). Cheers to a wonderful holiday season! Merry shopping and thank you for making a difference.
