Get Great Holiday Finds with these 3 Strategies in the Cincinnati Area

The holiday season is upon us, bringing a festive time of celebrations and gift giving. If you have a long list but a small budget, fret not! There are several strategies that will help you get your Cincinnati gift shopping done for less. It’s all about knowing when and where to shop for unbeatable deals and outstanding finds. Try these strategies for a successful holiday gift-buying season.

1. Watch the Black Friday Hours

As we get closer to Thanksgiving, you’ll find a steady stream of ads and store hours hitting the news, proclaiming the best spots for your Black Friday shopping. The Cincinnati Premium Outlets, less than 15 minutes from our Springs at West Chester apartment community, will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving and stay open until 10 p.m. the following day. You can expect Liberty Center, just five minutes from Springs at Liberty Township, to open at 8 a.m. on Black Friday. Keep a close eye on the latest releases so you’ll know where to go for the best finds.

2. Seek Out Distinctive Items

Make sure your holiday gifts hit the mark perfectly by shopping at some of Cincinnati’s more distinctive stores. You can find great deals on one-of-a-kind items at the 85,000-square-foot Ohio Valley Antique Mall, where more than 550 dealers bring their wares together. Do you have a foodie on your gift list? Jungle Jim’s International Market carries an astounding array of food products channeling flavors from around the world. You can stick to your budget while picking up distinctive items that are the perfect fit for your recipient, whether that’s a collection of exotic spices or a package of authentic English teas.

3. Shop Holiday Markets

Keep an eye out for special holiday markets and festivals that offer handmade crafts and specialty gifts — just the thing for your shopping list. The Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market is a ticketed event taking place from November 10 through the 12 at the Duke Energy Convention Center. New Richmond High School is hosting a craft fair with over 80 vendors on Saturday, November 18 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Watch out for events like these where you can pick up affordable gifts that are a fun departure from what you’ll find in the typical department store.

What are your favorite strategies for great holiday shopping near our Springs communities? Share your top stores in the comments section below.