The holiday shopping season is a time of year when people spend money on gifts for their loved ones. This season typically begins in November and ends in December, although some people may start shopping earlier or continue shopping into January. There are many different ways to shop for holiday gifts, including online, in-store, and at craft fairs.

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Planning Your Holiday Shopping

Before you start shopping for holiday gifts, it is important to plan ahead. This will help you stay organized and avoid overspending. Here are a few tips for planning your holiday shopping:

Make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for. This will help you keep track of who you need to buy for and what you need to buy for them.
Set a budget. This will help you avoid overspending and stay within your means.
Do your research. Look online or in stores to find the best deals on the gifts you need to buy.
Start shopping early. This will give you more time to find the perfect gifts and avoid the last-minute rush.

Where to Shop for Holiday Gifts

There are many different places to shop for holiday gifts, including:

Online: There are many different online retailers that sell holiday gifts, including Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Shopping online can be a convenient way to find the perfect gifts without having to leave your home.
In-store: You can also find holiday gifts at many different brick-and-mortar stores, including department stores, specialty stores, and big box stores. Shopping in-store can be a good way to see the gifts in person before you buy them.
Craft fairs: Craft fairs are a great place to find unique and handmade gifts. You can find craft fairs in many different locations, including community centers, schools, and churches.

Tips for Saving Money on Holiday Shopping

There are many ways to save money on holiday shopping. Here are a few tips:

Use coupons and promo codes. There are many different ways to find coupons and promo codes for holiday shopping, including online, in newspapers, and in magazines.
Shop sales. Many stores offer sales on holiday gifts throughout the season.
Buy generic brands. Generic brands are often just as good as name brands, but they cost less.
Get creative. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to give a meaningful gift. You can make your own gifts or give experiences instead of material items.

Holiday Shopping Trends

Here are a few popular holiday shopping trends:

Online shopping: Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular for holiday shopping. In 2021, online sales accounted for over 20% of all holiday spending.
Experiences: More and more people are giving experiences as holiday gifts. This could include tickets to a concert, a play, or a sporting event.
Personalized gifts: Personalized gifts are a great way to show someone you care. You can personalize gifts with their name, initials, or a special message.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When is the best time to start holiday shopping?
A: The best time to start holiday shopping is early November. This will give you plenty of time to find the perfect gifts and avoid the last-minute rush.

Q: How much should I spend on holiday gifts?
A: The amount you spend on holiday gifts is up to you. However, it is important to set a budget and stick to it.

Q: What are some tips for saving money on holiday shopping?
A: There are many ways to save money on holiday shopping, including using coupons and promo codes, shopping sales, and buying generic brands.

Q: What are some popular holiday shopping trends?
A: Some popular holiday shopping trends include online shopping, experiences, and personalized gifts.

Resources

Entertainment Software Association Holiday Guide

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has released its annual holiday guide, providing resources and information for parents and guardians on video games and gaming culture. The guide includes:

Age ratings: An explanation of the ESRB age ratings system, which helps parents choose age-appropriate games for their children.
Game recommendations: A list of recommended games for different age groups and interests.
Tips for choosing games: Guidance on how to select games that align with children’s developmental needs and values.
Online safety: Information on online gaming safety, including how to protect children from cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
Industry initiatives: An overview of industry initiatives aimed at promoting responsible gaming and protecting children.

The ESA holiday guide is a valuable resource for parents and guardians who want to navigate the world of video games and ensure that their children have a positive and safe gaming experience.

Christmas and Holiday Season Entertainment

During the Christmas and holiday season, a wide range of entertainment options offer festive cheer. From traditional plays and musicals to contemporary films and television specials, there’s something for everyone. Classical concerts, caroling events, and holiday-themed parades bring the spirit of the season alive. Outdoor ice skating rinks and winter festivals provide active enjoyment for all ages. Social gatherings and family get-togethers often include festive activities such as gift exchange and holiday-themed games, adding to the joyful atmosphere of the season.

Holiday Entertainment Recommendations from the Entertainment Software Association

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) recommends the following entertainment games for the holiday season:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Activision): A first-person shooter set in a realistic modern warfare setting.
FIFA 23 (EA Sports): A sports simulation game that lets you play as your favorite soccer teams and players.
God of War Ragnarök (Sony Interactive Entertainment): An action-adventure game set in Norse mythology.
Grand Theft Auto V (Rockstar Games): An open-world action-adventure game set in Los Angeles.
Madden NFL 23 (EA Sports): A sports simulation game that lets you play as your favorite American football teams and players.
NBA 2K23 (2K Games): A sports simulation game that lets you play as your favorite basketball teams and players.
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet (Nintendo): Role-playing games set in the Pokémon universe.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar Games): An open-world action-adventure game set in the Wild West.
Roblox (Roblox Corporation): A massively multiplayer online game platform where you can play a wide variety of games created by other users.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo): An action-adventure game set in the Legend of Zelda universe.

Entertainment Software Association’s Holiday and Christmas Season Picks

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has released its picks for the best holiday and Christmas season video games for 2022. The list includes a variety of titles for all ages and platforms, including:

Just Dance 2023 Edition (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
Disney Dreamlight Valley (Early Access) (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
Madden NFL 23 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
FIFA 23 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
The Sims 4: Growing Together Expansion Pack (Windows, Mac)
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope (Nintendo Switch)
Sonic Frontiers (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)

Holiday Video Game and Entertainment Deals from ESA

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has released a list of holiday video game and entertainment deals for the 2022 season. These deals include discounts on popular games, consoles, and accessories from a variety of retailers.

Some of the highlights of the ESA’s holiday deals include: