Cyber Monday: Finding Deals From Your Home

Forest Hills, Edgewood, Swissvale and other residents of the Regent Square area who didn’t want to brave the crowds on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday still have one more big chance to save courtesy of Cyber Monday.

Similar to the two other major shopping events, Cyber Monday differs in that consumers don’t have to leave the comfort of their own homes (or offices) to take advantage of some pretty big pre-holiday deals. All the bargains laid out for Cyber Monday are for online shoppers only.

So how can you find the best deals from major retailers online this Cyber Monday? Here are just a few stores that are planning Cyber Monday deals:

• ToysRUs —  Find some deals for toys for the kids this Christmas. ToysRUs is offering up to 70 percent off toys online only.
• Kohl’s – This retailer is offering 20 percent off all items and free shipping. There are 300 cyber specials through Dec. 1.
• Walmart – This retailer's Cyber Week specials include free shipping and deals on televisions, iPod Touches, toys and more. To get a sneak peek at some of its holiday specials, the store invites consumers to check out its Facebook page.
• Target – This store’s Cyber Monday specials include free gift cards and shipping with select purchases.
• Amazon – This online retailer tends to celebrate Cyber Monday in a very big way. There are deals on electronics, accessories, toys, movies and clothing.
• Old Navy, Gap & Banana Republic — These stores are offering 30 percent off purchases.
• Macy's — Take an extra 15 percent off purchases and receive free shipping with $75 and more orders.

But maybe you're looking for something a little more personal or something with a local flare. Some small businesses have an online presence—and shopping with them on Cyber Monday allows you to shop local in a different kind of way.

Local resident Maggie Brooks found that online sales are a way to help reach customers outside the local area. She has an online Etsy shop, Maggie's Mash-up, where she sells plushies, nutcrackers, ornaments, candles and other items. She also features items on her Facebook page.

"With the increasing costs of childcare, I was unable to hold a traditional job and afford proper care for my children," Brooks said. "That paired with violence and issues with the public school system which led us to decide to cyber school them. The need to supplement income led me to pursue becoming/joining an online retailing site. I have quickly learned to love Etsy and the people that use it!"

Cynthia Liebal McCune also has an Etsy shop, TheBigOh, that offers jewelry, such as Cha Cha bracelets named for local communities like Swissvale and Rankin, dog collars, knitted sock monkey hats and a wide variety of other handmade items.

Woodland Hills graduate and local filmmaker Jonathan Gribbin sells his photography as prints, prints on canvas and merchandise—mugs, notecards, coasters and playing cards featuring landscapes and abstract photos—through his own website, www.jonathangribbin.com.

What’s your favorite store to surf on Cyber Monday? Share your suggestions in the comments section. If you own or know of any other local businesses that are online, be sure to let everyone know by posting below, too!

_______________________

Forest Hills-Regent Square Patch is on Facebook and on Twitter. Don't forget to sign up for our daily email newsletter by clicking here.