Get Your Game on with Social Media

Americans are typically thought of as over-consumers, and by the looks of their holiday spending, this is completely accurate.

According to Monthly Consumer Survey, holiday spending accounts for nearly 20 percent of total annual retail sales for retailers. To put a number on that, American consumers spend roughly $600 billion dollars on holidays, and that number is only rising.

Retailers know that roughly 65 percent of shoppers will shop online before making a purchase. Some people strictly limit their holiday shopping to online-only to avoid crowds, traffic and the general holiday mayhem that ensues.

Retailers are also aware that nearly everyone in America – including both individuals and businesses – use some form of social media.

Social media has become an incredible way for retailers to advertise their products, offer deals, make sales and gain customers.

How to shop for gifts using social media

As a consumer, you can use social media to your advantage to get your holiday shopping done quickly and efficiently while saving money.

A few ways you can use social media to meet your shopping needs include:

Get gift ideas – If you’re looking for a gift for your mom, dad, spouse or friend, head to their social media pages – specifically Facebook and Pinterest. See what groups they’re in on Facebook, check out what items they have pinned to their boards and get a feel for what types of products or services they would enjoy. Even if you think you know the person well, like your spouse, you could totally surprise them with a gift from their Pinterest board that they never mentioned.
Look for recommendations – After scouring your friends and family’s social media pages, look to your own friends for gift recommendations. Oftentimes, people post, Tweet and share their favorite gifts all season long throughout multiple social media platforms. Keep your eyes open for that perfect gift.
Participate in sweepstakes, giveaways and contests – Many retailers will host giveaways and contests throughout the holiday season. By following along and entering, you may get lucky and win a great gift or trip for you or a loved one.
Look for coupons – Retailers love providing their social media followers with coupons. If you aren’t already involved with Twitter, you could set up an account and follow all of your favorite stores. Check back daily for coupons so you can save money this year on holiday shopping.

Christmas gift ideas

Top gifts for Christmas include toys and games for kids, electronics and video games for young adults and men, clothing and books for women and music and movies for everyone.

Popular electronics gifts include the Kindle and even Nintendo, which can be found at major retailers such as Walmart. The number one game is Super Smash Brothers for Nintendo 3DS.

Other ideas include searching Etsy for handmade, personalized gifts, offering your services such as babysitting or lawn care, cooking and delivering the recipients favorite meal or giving them an “at-home movie night,” complete with their favorite movie, popcorn, candy and a cozy blanket.

It’s time to get in the holiday spirit – and luckily, social media is here to help!

Photo credit: Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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