The holiday season is upon us, bringing the excitement of shopping and the joy of finding that perfect gift. While it’s a time for merriment, celebration, and escaping life for a while, keeping holiday shopping safety in mind is also important. With crowded stores, bustling markets, and scouring the internet for online deals, practicing safe shopping can help ensure a joyful and secure experience. Whether you’re shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or something to bring that awesome party host, I’ll share some holiday shopping tips that are easy to follow and will keep your shopping experience fun and safe.
Plan Your Shopping Trip
Planning your shopping trip can make a big difference in ensuring safety, that you haven’t forgotten anything and staying within budget.
Create a list of gifts and items to avoid wandering in crowded stores.
Know the store hours and try visiting during off-peak times to dodge the rush. Consider going early in the morning or later in the evening when stores are less crowded.
Map out your route to minimize travel time and potential exposure to busy areas.
Organize your purchases in advance for online shopping to take advantage of delivery promotions or discounts.
Monitor your budget and set spending limits to prevent impulse buys.
A little preparation can make your holiday shopping experience both fun and safe without breaking the budget. Please keep in mind with the uncertainty of next year, you want to be vigilant with your spending!
Parking Lot Safety
Park in well-lit areas. Avoid parking in secluded areas or dark corners of the parking lot.
Be aware of your surroundings when walking to your car. Have your keys ready and be prepared to enter your vehicle quickly.
Check your car before getting in. Look under the car and in the back seat before entering.
Lock your doors as soon as you get in your car. Don’t linger in the parking lot after entering your vehicle.
Thieves look for opportunities to break into cars, especially during the holidays, so be careful where you store your purchases in your vehicle, and don’t leave personal items visible.
Don’t leave your car running, and certainly do not leave your car unlocked! You don’t know who is watching you, and you don’t want to risk having your car stolen…along with anything precious inside, like children or personal items.
If you see something suspicious, report it to security or the police. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you feel unsafe!
Keep Personal Items Secure
Keeping your personal items secure is crucial for holiday shopping safety.
Carry only what you need; avoid bringing too much cash or unnecessary cards.
If possible, avoid shopping alone at night.
Shop with a friend or family member: There is safety in numbers.
Keep your purse or wallet close to you: Don’t leave it unattended in your shopping cart or on a store counter.
If using a backpack, consider wearing it in front of you in busy spaces. Opt for a crossbody bag or a purse with a zipper to keep your belongings close and secure.
For added security, distribute your valuables in different pockets or compartments to reduce the risk of losing everything at once.
These small actions can significantly enhance your holiday shopping safety, allowing you to focus on the joy of finding the perfect gifts without worry.
Stay Alert and Aware
Staying alert and aware is fundamental to safe shopping practices during the bustling holiday season.
Stay aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to the people around you and trust your instincts, especially in crowded areas where pickpockets may be active. If a situation feels uncomfortable, leave.
Be careful with your phone: Avoid talking on the phone or texting while walking, as this can make you less aware of your surroundings.
Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers or requests, as they might be distractions for theft or scams.
Establish a meeting point if you’re shopping with children, in case you get separated.
Remind children not to talk to strangers or leave with anyone unfamiliar.
Stay vigilant to ensure your shopping spree is safe, protecting you and your belongings. This awareness allows you to enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind.
Online Shopping Safety
With the explosion of online shopping due to the ease and convenience, the risk increases as criminals do their best to take advantage of the shopping boom during the holiday season. While some of the below may be common knowledge, I list them here as a gentle reminder to protect your information. Never forget that if that deal appears too good to be true, it probably is.
Only shop on secure websites: Look for the “https” in the website address and the lock icon in the browser window.
Be wary of phishing scams: Don’t click on links in emails or text messages that ask for your personal information.
When shopping online, ensure your payment information is protected by using secure and trusted websites. Check if your credit card has an alternate number you can use for shopping to decrease the chances of having your credentials stolen.
Use strong passwords: Choose passwords that are difficult to guess, and don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.
Keep your antivirus software up to date: This will help protect your computer from malware.
Be careful about what information you share online: If you wouldn’t share it during any other time of year, don’t share it now! Thieves seek to take advantage of the sense of urgency holiday shopping brings.
Additional Tips:
Be patient and courteous to other shoppers. The holidays can be a stressful time, so it’s important to be kind to others. Don’t forget that the spirit of the season extends to others, not just to those close to us.
Take breaks from shopping. Don’t try to do everything at once. Take some time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the festivities, the decorations, and the displays.
Report any suspicious activity to the police. If you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate to report it.
Following these tips can help you stay safe while holiday shopping. Remember to be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings so a bad incident won’t dampen your spirits.
