{"id":1387,"date":"2010-12-01T08:46:40","date_gmt":"2010-12-01T14:46:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/parentingzoo.com\/members\/?p=1387"},"modified":"2010-12-01T08:46:40","modified_gmt":"2010-12-01T14:46:40","slug":"tips-for-your-tech-shopping-this-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parentingzoo.com\/members\/?p=1387","title":{"rendered":"Tips for your Tech Shopping this year"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Technology<\/a><\/dt>\n
Image by $ydney<\/a> via Flickr<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If your area is anything like ours, and I\u2019m guessing pretty much everywhere in the United States is the same,\u00a0 the tech stores are packed to the gills from the day after Thanksgiving straight through to the end of the year.\u00a0 People love shopping for electronic gadgets and love great deals even more.\u00a0 And chances are, you will be able to find something for everyone on your list at the stores that specialize in office and technology items.<\/p>\n

But with the crowds and the hustle and bustle comes frustration on how to get it all done\u00a0 quickly and efficiently to find the perfect gifts for the ones you love.\u00a0 Help is on the way!\u00a0 Here are 5 tips to help with your tech shopping this year.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 Make a list.\u00a0 This sounds just a little too basic doesn\u2019t it?\u00a0 But it is often the forgotten step in the shopping craziness.\u00a0 A simple list of who you are planning to buy for and a few \u201cmaybe\u201d type gift ideas for them will help you to narrow your focus once you walk into your local Staples<\/a> or other store.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 Research first.\u00a0 Since I\u2019m writing this after Thanksgiving it might be a little late for much research but spend some time on the internet comparing features of your favorite brands. If you are brand loyal, compare features and pricing of other models within your brands.\u00a0 Then take your research to the next level in the store and talk to the customer service reps and even other customers to get their take on the items you are considering.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 Check the clearance rack first.\u00a0 This is key.\u00a0 I cannot tell you how many times I\u2019ve found exactly what I am looking for on the clearance or damaged rack in the back of the store and saved a good chunk of change because of it.\u00a0 Often items end up on this rack simply because someone else bought it a few weeks ago and changed their mind.\u00a0 If you find what you need in a broken or damaged box or packaging, just get creative and repackage it.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 Ask for gift receipts. Especially if you use the creative packaging idea above, you\u2019ll definitely want to include gift receipts on all your tech gifts so if the ideal gift to you isn\u2019t the ideal gift for the recipient he can make an easy return or exchange without him knowing that you paid the clearance price for it!<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 Don\u2019t forget accessories.\u00a0 Think about what else is needed for your items so that the person you are blessing with this great gift can actually use it right after they open it.\u00a0 Usually the box or packaging will tell you what is included and if you are not familiar with\u00a0 the details of an item, ask a sales clerk what they\u2019d recommend as a complimentary product to the item.<\/p>\n

Have fun shopping for all things techie this year!\u00a0 Take your time and enjoy!<\/p>\n

\u201cI wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Enhanced<\/a>