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Merry Stressless! It’s Better at Best Buy.

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Last week, I had an amazing shopping experience in which I learned three very valuable lessons. Think this shopaholic knows everything about buying gifts? Nope, not even close. There’s always room for learning, and recently, I was schooled in Holiday Shopping 101: Best Buy Canada.

Hence, with just about a week left to complete your Christmas shopping, I figured now is as good time as any to share my wealth of knowledge! If you still have family to shop for (and I know you do, come on, there’s always that one person who has everything), I’m here to help you complete your shopping in the most Merry Stressless way.

Lesson #1: Find a store that has something for everyone under one roof.

I mean, it’s pretty hard not to find an amazing gift at Best Buy. They’ve got the most in-demand products this holiday season; from televisions to tablets, and computers to cameras, it is a tech lover’s mecca. And if you have to shop for someone who isn’t into gadgets, that isn’t a problem. With music, DVDs, toys and even personal grooming products available, you can pop in-store or online and find exactly what you’re looking for.

I was fortunate to have a Best Buy Blue Shirt personal shopping experience with Tommy Spizarsky, Multi-Channel Sales Supervisor at the Winston Park store in Oakville. And as he took me through the impressive store – complete with expert departments for Apple, Microsoft and Samsung – I realized pretty quickly that I could get most of my holiday shopping done that very same evening.

Below: No need to brave the crowds at the Apple and Windows Stores. Best Buy has in-house experts that are trained in the ways of the force in the same expert manner.

Lesson #2: You’re not alone. Ask questions, solicit advice, and make an informed decision.

Especially when purchasing more complicated technology like televisions, cameras, laptops… oh heck, every kind of technology is complicated to me… it’s great to have access to Best Buy Blue Shirt personnel. They’re friendly, full of knowledge, and most of all, willing to help. While shopping in-store last week, I had the distinct pleasure of picking Mr. Spizarsky’s brain about everything from why calibration is important for televisions to what I need to look for in an entry-level DSLR camera. And you know what? All around us, shoppers were doing the same – taking advantage of knowledgeable staff and sound advice.

Case in point: My husband has a 60″ LED television on his “Wish List” (he is building a Man Cave, after all). Without consulting a Best Buy Blue Shirt, I’d likely just purchase a television from a decent brand that was on sale. Sounds simple enough? Maybe so, but there are many things I’d never consider.

HDMI Cables. Universal Remotes. Calibration. Surge Protectors. Full Motion Flat Panel Wall Mounts. OH MY!

As you can see, you just don’t walk in and “buy a television”. Hence, if your fella has a wide screen on his holiday wish list, you’ll want to enlist the advice of a professional!

Lesson #3: It’s better to give than receive. But sometimes, it’s best to treat yourself.

In under an hour, I was able to put a huge dent in my Christmas shopping. A brand new wireless router for my husband (sorry dear, perhaps Santa will bring you a television next year), a handful of DVDs for the boys, a new point-and-shoot camera for my parents, and a muti-function printer for my in-laws. Best Buy is the perfect place to cross everyone off your list!

And then… drum roll please… I decided to do something I haven’t done in years – no, decades – I wished myself a Merry Stressless holiday, and purchased this Canon EOS Rebel SL1 18MP DSLR Camera With 18-55mm/40mm Lens & Accessories Kit. On sale for $779.99, I decided that I needed to get with the times and update my shutterbug skills. (Check out some of my posts from the last week, you’ll already see my present in action!)

And just like that, I am ready for the holidays. Done! Finito! Good to Go!

Special thanks to Best Buy Canada for the personal shopping experience (including a generous gift card to offset some of my purchases), and to Tommy Spizarsky, a most willing and informative Best Buy Blue Shirt. There are just seven shopping days left before Christmas; make the most of your time and money by popping in to your nearest Best Buy today. Wishing you a Merry Stressless, all!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. loriag

    I like shopping at Best Buy. They do have allot under their roof and for most everyone in the family. We bought our ipads at Best Buy and were satisfied. The only thing I have not enjoyed is purchasing new phones and setting them up, the wait times have been too long.

    • Lena

      Happy to hear you’ve had great experiences (except for the phone wait times). It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Best Buy, and I loved it!

  3. Darlene Schuller

    Oh, I love Best Buy! I could spend hours there. Way to go Lena!! Wishing your family the very very best of this Christmas!!

  4. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    Im jelly, only thing on my list is one of those cameras been trying to win one cause we cant afford to buy it. fingers crossed

    • Lena

      Good luck Chandra! It took me a LONG time to just bite the bullet and buy the camera, and now I’m so happy I did!

    • Lena

      Ha! I strategically took a lot of the photos around the crowds, but even with a lot of traffic in the store, there were tons of Blue Shirts ready to help!

  7. Marissa

    Lena, I’ve seen your man cave pictures in your recent post and am really impressed with the quality and sharpness of the pictures. If you compare your before and after pictures, you can definitely tell the difference! This amazing camera is definitely on my wish list and I hope hubby is in touch with Santa for meeee.

    • Lena

      Thank you for noticing, Marissa! The Man Cave pictures were actually the FIRST photos I took with the camera. I’m still getting used to it!

  8. Judy C (Judy Cowan)

    Okay I am jealous – would LOVE that camera!! Sounds like you did some serious shopping and I am sure everyone will love their presents! We often shop at Best Buy, they are great!

    • Lena

      Thanks Judy! With the amount of photography I have on my blog, it was time to make the investment. Love Best Buy!

  9. Flora M

    Like mrdisco said – hope you had a Rewards Zone membership card :o) I would love to get a camera like that but way out of my price range right now (it would be for my oldest granddaughter who has the photography bug). I do keep an eye on the Best Buy flyers and website for deals (I don’t go into the store too often – too much temptation LOL).

  10. Victoria Ess

    I love shopping Best Buy for pretty much all my electronics and gadgets. The prices are SO competitive, and their selection in-store and on-line is amazing. Congrats on a new camera!!