Boxing Day, December 26, is the major shopping bonanza on the Canadian calendar.  It's a day of deep discounts, strategy, and sharp elbows - so Black Friday, but with a major figgy pudding and eggnog hangover.  One theory on how it got its name says this is a day when boxes of unused presents were once delivered to charity.

(However, we think it might be from the boxing some men receive from angry wives presented with yet another kitchen appliance or vacuum cleaner on Christmas morning.)

Are you planning on hitting up the malls bright and early on Boxing Day for some steals?  If so, here are five tips on how to survive this busy shopping day:

(1) Create a list of must-snag store deals by browsing through advance sale flyers, deal websites (eg. Red Flag Deals and Flyers and Coupons), or subscribing to your favourite stores' e-newsletters.  This will give you an overall idea of which deals are available and if it's even worth stepping inside.

(2) Choose form fitting clothes over bulky jeans and sweaters, such as leggings and a long sleeved cotton shirt.  You can bypass long lineups at the fitting room by trying on clothes right at the rack.  In the same way, wear comfy slip-on shoes instead of boots or sneakers with laces to save time.

(3) Bring big reusable totes for your purchases.  Most stores' shopping bags have short handles which is a problem if you have multiple purchases.  Sling long-handled reusable totes over your shoulders to keep  hands free, do your part for the environment, and save a few cents off your purchase (where available)!

(4) Find out where the merchandise you want is located as soon as you walk in.  Some featured items are placed in a display away from their usual shelf so asking a sales associate straight away can save you precious minutes, especially if quantities are limited.

(5) Ask if the store issues rainchecks on Boxing day specials.  If they do, make sure to ask if there are certain restrictions applied such as expiry date or minimum purchase amount required.

What is your best tip to surviving Boxing Day shopping?

by Mary Deleniana