If you’re thinking about doing all of your holiday shopping online this year, think again. In-store holiday shopping is superior because it’s reliable and it’s a fun, festive experience.  

Many of us have been missing out on the full in-person holiday shopping experience for the past couple of years because of COVID-19. 

Online shopping was our only hope, but things are back to normal … for now. 

We’ve gone so long without the opportunity for true holiday shopping, so get in on it while you can. After all, you never know when another deadly pandemic will ruin your holiday. 

In-store shopping is reliable and can prevent you from wasting money. When you buy something in person, you know what you’re paying for. 

In-person shopping gives you a chance to feel the product, size it up, try it on or try it out. 

For example, one of the best things to buy during the holiday season is candles, but you shouldn’t buy a candle online because you can’t smell it through a screen. 

Online shopping is unreliable because you never really know what you’re going to get. 

Imagine waiting weeks for the perfect candle to liven up your space, only for it to arrive smelling terrible and cheap. Getting ripped off is not festive. 

I can’t count how many times I’ve bought something online only for it to arrive damaged, stinky, in the wrong size or look completely different from how it was advertised. 

In-person shopping eliminates all the what-ifs so you don’t have to deal with any unpleasant surprises when your package finally arrives. 

Also, with in-person shopping, you don’t have to deal with shipping. You don’t have to worry about your package not arriving on time, getting lost or getting stolen from your front doorstep. 

In-person shopping might also help you spend less money. 

It’s so easy to shop online that you end up buying things you wouldn’t normally buy. 

With online shopping, you can pile an unlimited amount of things into your cart, and with auto-filled payment information, you don’t even have to take out your wallet to spend money. 

In-store shopping limits you, but in a positive way, at least for your bank account. You can only fit so much into your cart, so you have to prioritize which items you put into it. Also, you have to physically open your wallet and take out your money to pay for the items, which makes you think twice about what you’re purchasing. 

In-person shopping is also a great activity to get you in the holiday mood. 

The bustling crowds, everyone bundled up in coats and beanies, Christmas music playing in the mall, decorated storefronts, and best of all, major sales and discounts. 

You can’t deny the excitement you feel when you’re shoving through a crowd of people to get your hands on that five-for-$25 underwear deal. 

In-store shopping is a great way to get out of the house and get into the holiday spirit, so whip out that credit card and go crazy!