Ep 857: Stop! Don't Buy Another Gift Until You Hear This Advice From The NYT's Top Shopping Expert

Welcome back to The Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., where we help women step into strength, vitality, and purpose at every stage of life. Today, we're diving into the world of stress-free holiday shopping — how to save money, avoid chaos, and find meaningful gifts without losing your mind (or your budget).

Our guest is Anne-Marie Conte, Deputy Editor at Wirecutter, the product-recommendation powerhouse from The New York Times that millions trust for unbiased, expertly tested reviews. With more than 20 years of experience across iconic publications — including Jane, Seventeen, and Women's Day — Anne-Marie brings a wealth of knowledge on smart spending, consumer behavior, and joyful gifting.

If you want to simplify your holiday shopping, understand how to spot real deals versus fake discounts, and pick gifts people actually love, this episode is for you.

Tune in as Anne-Marie and Linda break down shipping deadlines, curbside hacks, price-tracking tools, unique gift ideas, and insider tips every woman should know heading into the busiest shopping season of the year.

💡 Key Topics We Cover

Holiday Timing & Logistics
• The real shipping deadlines — and why this year's window is tighter
• Why December 14th may be your last "safe" order date
• How to use curbside pickup strategically (and avoid impulse shopping)

Smart Spending & Price Tracking
• How retailers use "fake sales" — and how to spot them
• Tools Wirecutter uses to verify real deals
• How Keepa, CamelCamelCamel, and Google Shopping protect your wallet

Gifts People Actually Want
• Unexpected treasures from grocery stores and pharmacies
• Why small businesses are hit hardest (and how to support them)
• Stocking up: candles, olive oil, toys, ornaments, and go-to standbys

Secondhand Gifting: When It Works
• The art of choosing "pre-loved" wisely
• How to know if your recipient will appreciate a thrifted treasure

Last-Minute Genius Gift Ideas
• Flavor salts (smoked, vanilla, spicy)
• Pantry upgrades
• Small luxuries people never buy for themselves

Lifestyle, Legacy & Parenting
• Anne-Marie's viral 'duck lamp' gift story
• What she's learned after decades as a service journalist
• Why gifts with meaning matter more than gifts with price tags

✨ Featured Quotes

"A real deal isn't just a lower price — it's a price that's lower than it's been all year." — Anne-Marie Conte

"The best gifts aren't extravagant; they're thoughtful. It's the small luxuries people never buy for themselves that feel the most special." — Anne-Marie Conte

"Holiday shopping doesn't have to be stressful — you just need a plan, a deadline, and a few smart tools." — Anne-Marie Conte

🌐 Links & Resources (Show Notes) Anne-Marie Conte & Wirecutter

• Wirecutter Homepage
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
• Wirecutter Deals
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/deals/
• Anne-Marie's "Ask Wirecutter" Column
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/category/ask-wirecutter/
• NYT Shopping Deadline Guide
(If applicable depending on season)

Price-Tracking Tools Mentioned

• Keepa — Amazon price history
https://keepa.com
• CamelCamelCamel — Deal tracking
https://camelcamelcamel.com
• Google Shopping (Price Tracking)
https://shopping.google.com