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.
Ready 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!
How to make a holiday budget
Deck the halls the thrifty way
Looking to stretch your holiday budget? As prices rise, now is the perfect time to try thrifting for decorations, outfits, and even gifts. BBB has tips for shopping secondhand or selling your items during the holidays.
Your guide to 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.
Holiday returns and exchanges
Holiday returns aren't easy! BBB's tips should help to make your holiday returns run more smoothly.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Give the gift of making memories
Not all gifts have to come in a box. BBB has tips for shopping for experience-based gifts this season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.