The holiday season is the perfect time to leverage technology to save money, time, and avoid the hassle of long lines—especially at the post office! This year, here are my favorite tips and tools to help you make the most of your holiday shopping while staying secure and efficient.
1. Use Microsoft’s Edge Shopping Feature for Automatic Coupons
Microsoft Edge’s built-in shopping tool automatically scans websites for coupon codes and applies them at checkout. Even if Edge isn’t your go-to browser year-round, consider using it for the holiday season to save on your purchases effortlessly.
If you can’t or won’t use Edge, a great alternative is the Honey browser extension, which works across multiple browsers and offers similar automatic coupon-finding capabilities.
2. Stay Safe Online with uBlock Origin
Holiday shopping can sometimes lead you to less-than-trustworthy websites. Install the uBlock Origin browser extension to block ads, pop-ups, and potential phishing scams. This simple step helps ensure you aren’t falling victim to shady deals or fake sites, keeping your information and wallet secure. See prior blog post on uBlock Origin.
3. Know If It’s a Deal with Keepa
Don’t get fooled by flashy “sales” that aren’t really a bargain! The Keepa browser extension tracks the price history of products on Amazon, showing you trends over time. With Keepa, you’ll know if the sale price is actually a good deal or just holiday hype.
4. Print Your Own Shipping Labels from PayPal
Skip the post office lines entirely by printing your own shipping labels from PayPal. While PayPal doesn’t make this option obvious on their website, it’s incredibly convenient. Here’s how to get started:
- What You’ll Need: A PayPal account then go to https://paypal.shipstation.com/
- A basic postage scale (about $9 on Amazon: Check it out here).
- Enter your package details, pay for postage, and print the label at home.
This tool is a game-changer, especially if you’re sending out multiple packages. Just drop them off or schedule a USPS pickup—no waiting in line required!
Save Time and Money
By using the right tools—like Microsoft Edge or Honey for savings, uBlock Origin for safety, Keepa for price history, and PayPal for shipping—you can make this holiday season smoother, more secure, and budget-friendly.
Happy shopping, and don’t forget: if you need help setting up any of these tools or ensuring your devices are secure during the holiday rush, DarkHorse IT is here to help!
What are your go-to holiday tech tips? Share them below! 🎄🎁 #HolidayShopping #TechTips #CyberMonday #DarkHorseIT
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