The Greatest Gift of All – Mystery Shopping for the Holidays

As the winter holidays creep up on us, tension and excitement build as we think about gift giving and parties and that feeling of festive goodwill that fills our souls. Instead of trying to schedule mystery shopping assignments around mall visits, use your assignments to buy gifts and make money at the same time. Holiday mystery shopping can save you money and make your work more enjoyable. Get our holiday mystery shopping tips by reading on below.

Department Stores

No matter whom you’re buying for, you’re sure to find a perfect present at department stores. You can buy costume jewelry and stocking stuffers that are totally covered by your shop payment or considerably offset the cost of pricier items with your shop reimbursement. And don’t forget the flat fee you also get for each shop.

Grocery Stores

High-end grocery stores are full of wonderful gifts. Check out their gourmet food sections for caviar, imported coffees, teas and sweets, artisan mustards and chutneys, celebrity chef mixes and sauces, all perfect for filling a gift basket for your favorite foodie. Stroll through the cooking gadgets and accessory aisles to find melon ballers, decorative tea strainers, pasta scoops and hundreds of other items coveted by avid home cooks.

Home Improvement Centers

So much more than paint and lumber, these stores offer a treasure chest of gifts for everyone on your list. From colorful throw rugs to decorative bathroom accessories, unique switch plates to add character to any room, useful hand tools for small projects, lamps and light fixtures, home improvement centers are perfect for gift buying. If you wander throughout the store, you’ll find even more ideal items you never thought of.

Bakeries & Edible Gift Stores

Although these gifts are perishable, you can still use your required shopping purchases to brighten the season. Take your cherished friend or relative a surprise package of their favorite sweet rolls or have something tasty delivered to them to wish them happy holidays. Impress your coworkers with a box of sweet morning treats to share in a gesture of camaraderie.

Liquor Stores

Nearly everyone has a favorite wine, liquor or beer that they rarely treat themselves to. Liquor store mystery shops give you the opportunity to buy them those treats without breaking your bank account. For more frugal spending, consider shot glasses, corkscrews, whimsical swizzle sticks, and bar accessories like strainers and shakers.  Miniature bottles of high-end liquor brands make excellent stocking stuffers.

Book Stores

Even with the popularity of electronic books, nothing can replace the look and feel of a real book. Whether you’re shopping for a storybook for new parents to read to their baby, buying a preschooler their first book, treating your friend to a bestselling mystery, or giving an aspiring chef a popular cookbook, book stores have it all. In addition, book stores typically carry many novelty gifts like mugs, keychains and knickknacks ideal for Secret Santa gift exchanges.

Thrift Shops

Thrift shop mystery shoppers know what impressive deals these places have. Many items are brand new or nearly new, so no one will question your place of purchase. The best departments for gifts are the houseware and home décor sections where you’ll find beautiful candlestick holders, serving dishes, wine glasses, and kitchen accessories. Wrapped individually or included in thoughtful gift basket, these items are as impressive as they are affordable.

Gift giving, for many, is the best part of holiday celebrations. Saving money through incorporating mystery shopping into your holiday plans only sweetens the experience. To sign up to become a mystery shopper, visit our Shopping with RBG page today and create an account.