We Found 7 Ways Amazon Has Made It Easier Than Ever To Start Shopping, Saving And Giving Back For The Holidays Now

‘Tis the season to start thinking about holiday shopping. If you heard something, that was us trying to contain our collective joy. Even though the holidays may look different this year, they don’t have to be any less special. With the help of Amazon, your personal holiday helper, you can pick out the perfect present for everyone on your list while giving yourself the gift of extra savings. And saving doesn’t have to mean skimping on the stuff you want, or on giving back to great causes this season. Amazon has tons of ways to gift and give back while still staying frugal.

First, start with Holiday Dash — Amazon’s Black-Friday worthy deals that are served fresh daily and come with a heaping side of savings before the holiday rush. With deals in some of the most giftable categories like toys, fashion, electronics, home, kitchen and even beauty, you’ll find something for everyone (including yourself). Not to mention you’ll wrap up your shopping way before the turkey day sweatpants make an appearance

But don’t stop there – cozy up with some cocoa and banish any bah humbug away — here are six more ways to shop and save more on Amazon this holiday season.

GIVE BACK WHILE YOU SHOP

Did you know you can also directly donate items to charitable organizations through AmazonSmile Charity Lists, where nonprofits create wish lists of the products they need most? Amazon is giving back to over a thousand charities around the world this holiday season, and it’s so easy to join in. Another way to donate to a child in need is to say, “Alexa, donate to Toys for Tots.” And this year, Amazon will match all toy donations with a toy-for-toy match. Donations can be made now through January 11, 2021.

TRUST IN THE ALMIGHTY GIFT GUIDE

There is absolutely no shame in having to search “what do I even buy for my dad??” Fortunately, Amazon has gift guides for everyone and everything on your list. Looking for something below 50 bucks? There’s this gifts under $50 guide for that. Does your Secret Santa have a limit of $10? You can set your limit to gifts under $10. Stumped on what to get your niece and nephew? You can sort by ideas for kids of all ages, too.

SHOP SMALL

Amazon makes staying connected to local makers and small businesses easy this holiday season. With their small business gift guide featuring stylish home decor, unique toys and jewelry you don’t have to skimp on staying local. Bonus points to Amazon for including hand-picked celebrity gift suggestions from the likes of Jessica Alba, Ayesha Curry, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Arianna Huffington for those of us who love a bit of glamour. Plus, you can get specific with your searches by searching things like Black-owned businesses or small businesses in the Midwest through Amazon’s list of curated categories. And finally, don’t sleep on Amazon Handmade, where you can shop handcrafted goods from makers and artisans all over the world.

RELATED: 21 Black-Owned Brands And Businesses You Can Support Now — And Always

ASK ALEXA

No, seriously. Just say the magic words — “Alexa, give me gift ideas under $50” — and you’ll get a curated list of gifts that won’t entirely break the bank. You can also have Alexa make your list and check it twice (or as often as you want). Say “Alexa, add Airpods to my shopping list” or “Alexa, put ‘face masks for Jennifer’ on my gift ideas list” and voila! Your holiday list isup to date.

GET YOUR PACKAGES DELIVERED TO A HUB

Sometimes, and for a variety of reasons, your doorstep might not always be an ideal spot for deliveries. No worries, Amazon’s got you with their Hub delivery locations. Maybe you’ve decided to spend some extended time with family during the holidays or want to send a gift to a friend — with Amazon Hub there are thousands of alternative package delivery and pickup locations that are safe, convenient, and easily accessible.

SHOP RENEWED

If electronics are on your list, you should definitely peruse refurbished products on Amazon. You can get everything from Kindles to iPads to Ring Doorbells, all at like-new (and professionally inspected) quality, for a fraction of the price.

If all else fails, you can’t go wrong with an Amazon gift card. Happy shopping to all and to all a good deal!