The Ultimate Guide to Safe & Fun Holiday Shopping

The 2025 holiday season is here, and with it comes the excitement of finding perfect gifts for everyone on your list! Whether you’re shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just looking for something special for that amazing party host, this year’s shopping landscape looks a bit different than before. With new shopping methods like buy-online-pick-up-in-store becoming the norm and digital wallets gaining popularity, we need to update our safety game.

As always, I’m here to help you navigate this season safely and confidently. Let’s dive into some updated tips that’ll keep your holiday shopping experience both joyful and secure!

Plan Your Shopping Strategy Like a Pro

Smart planning is your first line of defense against holiday chaos and potential safety issues. This year, take advantage of the new shopping options available to you.

Create a detailed gift list and research which stores offer the best pickup options. Many retailers now provide same-day pickup, which can save you time wandering through crowded stores. Check store apps for real-time inventory before heading out – there’s nothing worse than driving across town for something that’s out of stock.

Consider your shopping timeline carefully. Early morning shopping (right when stores open) or mid-week visits typically mean fewer crowds and better parking. If you’re shopping with kids, plan shorter trips during their best behavior windows – usually right after meals and before nap time.

Map out your route to minimize time in parking lots and busy areas. Group nearby stores together and tackle them in one trip rather than making multiple separate journeys.

Master the New Shopping Methods Safely

The rise of buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS) and curbside pickup has been a game-changer, but they come with their own safety considerations.

For BOPIS Shopping:
Verify pickup locations within stores before arriving. Some retailers have dedicated counters, while others use customer service desks. Have your confirmation email and ID ready to speed up the process. Never share your pickup confirmation number with anyone other than store employees.

For Curbside Pickup:
Confirm the store’s curbside procedure ahead of time. Most require you to call or use an app when you arrive. Park only in designated curbside spots – they’re usually well-monitored and well-lit. Keep your doors locked while waiting, and verify the employee’s identity before rolling down your window.

Digital Wallet Safety:
If you’re using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, these are actually safer than traditional cards because they don’t share your actual card numbers. However, keep your phone locked when not in use, and never let strangers handle your device to “help” with payments.

Parking Lot and Vehicle Safety Updates

Parking lot safety remains crucial, but with increased package theft and more sophisticated criminals, we need to be extra vigilant.

Park in well-lit areas close to store entrances when possible. If you’re picking up online orders, many stores now have designated parking spots for pickup customers – use these when available, as security cameras often monitor them.

Before getting out of your car, scan the area. Look for people hanging around without apparent shopping purposes or individuals watching shoppers load purchases. Trust your gut – if something feels off, drive to a different area or come back later.

When returning to your vehicle, have your keys ready and check around and under your car before approaching. This is especially important during evening shopping hours when visibility is reduced.

Lock your doors immediately upon entering your vehicle. Don’t sit in your car scrolling through your phone or organizing receipts – criminals look for distracted targets. If you need to check your phone, drive to a different, well-lit location first.

Vehicle Storage Tips:
With supply chain issues making certain items more valuable, hiding purchases is more important than ever. Use your trunk, or if you don’t have one, cover items with a blanket or jacket. Consider bringing reusable shopping bags that aren’t see-through for additional concealment.

Personal Security While Shopping

Keeping yourself and your belongings secure requires updated strategies for today’s shopping environment.

What to Carry:
Only bring essential cards – one credit card, your driver’s license, and perhaps one backup payment method. Leave documents such as your passport and extra credit cards at home. If you’re using digital wallets, ensure your phone has a strong passcode or biometric lock.

Bag and Purse Safety:
Crossbody bags with zippers remain your best bet, and also consider wallets with RFID blocking for cards you do carry. In crowded areas, wear backpacks on your front. Never leave purses unattended in shopping carts, even for a second – grab-and-run thefts peak during holiday shopping.

Shopping with Kids:
If you’re shopping with children, establish clear rules beforehand. Designate a meeting spot in each store in case you get separated. Consider using child wristbands with your phone number for younger kids. Keep children close in crowded areas and avoid letting them wander while you’re focused on shopping.

Digital and Online Safety in 2025

Online shopping scams have become more sophisticated, but your defense can be even stronger.

Website Verification:
Only shop on secure websites with “https://” and the padlock icon. However, scammers have gotten better at creating legitimate-looking sites. If a deal seems too good to be true, verify the retailer by searching for their official website independently rather than clicking on ads or email links.

New Scam Alert – Fake Delivery Notifications:
Be wary of text messages claiming to be from delivery services asking for additional fees or personal information. Legitimate delivery companies don’t request payment via text message links. Always check tracking directly through the retailer’s website or the official delivery service app.

Social Media Shopping Scams:
Those sponsored ads on Instagram and Facebook for amazing holiday deals often lead to fraudulent sites. Research any unfamiliar company thoroughly before purchasing. Check their physical address, read reviews from multiple sources, and verify they have proper contact information.

Password and Account Security:
Use unique passwords for each shopping account – a password manager can help with this. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Monitor your accounts regularly throughout the shopping season, not just at the end.

After Shopping Safety

Your safety responsibilities don’t end when you leave the store.

Package Delivery Protection:
With the increase in package theft, consider having valuable items delivered to your workplace or using pickup locations like Amazon lockers or FedEx/UPS stores. If you must have packages delivered home, sign up for delivery notifications and track packages closely.

Ring doorbells and security cameras have become more affordable and can deter package thieves. If you don’t have these options, ask a trusted neighbor to watch for deliveries or provide specific delivery instructions to the driver.

Financial Monitoring:
Check your credit card and bank statements weekly during shopping season, not monthly. Set up account alerts for any charges over a certain amount. Consider freezing your credit reports if you’re not planning to apply for new credit – it’s free and provides excellent identity theft protection.

Special Tips for Solo Shoppers and Moms

Shopping alone, especially as a woman, requires extra awareness during the busy holiday season.

Solo Shopping Strategies:
Shop during daylight hours when possible. If you must shop in the evening, stick to well-lit, busy areas. Let someone know your shopping plans and expected return time. Consider using the buddy system virtually – text a friend when you arrive and leave each location.

Trust your instincts about people and situations. If someone makes you uncomfortable or asks too many questions about your purchases or schedule, find a store employee or security guard.

Shopping with Children Solo:
Keep shopping trips short and plan for breaks. Bring snacks and activities to keep children occupied while waiting in lines. Use strollers with storage baskets to keep your hands free and purchases secure.

If you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to ask store employees to escort you to your car. Most retailers have policies supporting customer safety and won’t refuse this request.

Stay Alert in Crowded Spaces

Holiday crowds create perfect cover for pickpockets and other opportunistic criminals.

Situational Awareness:
Keep your head up and stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid talking on the phone or texting while walking through parking lots or crowded store areas. Be particularly cautious in areas where you’re fumbling with purchases, keys, or your phone.

Watch for people who seem to be following you or paying unusual attention to your shopping patterns. If you suspect you’re being followed, go directly to a store employee or security desk rather than heading to your car.

Distraction Techniques:
Be wary of strangers who approach with unusual requests, compliments about your purchases, or attempts to distract you. These could be setups for theft. Politely but firmly decline help from strangers and keep moving.

Emergency Preparedness:
Keep your phone charged and consider carrying a small portable charger. Know the location of security desks or customer service areas in stores you frequently visit. Don’t be afraid to make noise or ask for help if you feel threatened – your safety is worth more than avoiding embarrassment.

Wrapping Up Your Safe Shopping Season

The holidays should be about joy, connection, and celebration – not stress about safety concerns. By updating your shopping strategies to match 2025’s retail landscape and staying vigilant about both digital and physical security, you can focus on what really matters: finding those perfect gifts and creating wonderful memories.

Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in preventing problems. Plan your trips, stay aware of your surroundings, protect your personal information, and trust your instincts. You’ve got this, and you deserve to enjoy every moment of your holiday shopping experience!

Stay prepared and stay safe out there! Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for underreported news and practical tips, and check out my latest podcast episode, “Solo Female Prepper Travel: The 5 Rules Nobody Talks About” where I dive deeper into situational awareness while traveling. Your security is my priority, and I’m here to support you through every season!