5 Tips For Holiday Shopping In The GTA Like A Pro

With the big day of giving just around the corner, there’s no better time to get your holiday shop on.

But whether you’re a seasoned pro or last-minute novice, finding the perfect gift isn’t always the easiest thing to do. In fact, no matter how many times you’ve been shopping before, it doesn’t always prepare you for the chaos of shopping in December.  

This year, Canadians are estimated to spend an average of just over $1500 — that’s a big chunk of change, no matter how big your wallet.

But luckily, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve to help you navigate your way through the Toronto’s holiday shopping madness, and it all starts with your CAA Membership.

In 2019 alone, CAA Members in Ontario have saved approximately $32.8 million dollars.

And with over 124,000 partner locations and services, it’s likely you already have the perks in your area.

If you don’t have a CAA Membership, don’t fret! You can join now. Not only will a membership give you peace of mind when it comes to driving, but sweet deals for travel, movie tickets, entertainment, and your favourite retailers.

Shopping over the holidays with CAA Rewards is the ultimate way to get your shopping done in a cheap and effective way. Here are our pro tips on how to make the most of your membership: 

Take advantage of the perks available at Toronto Premium Outlets 

holiday shopping in the gta
Instagram/@toronto_po

If you’ve been to the Toronto Premium Outlets, you already know that the centre is almost always busy. Luckily, your CAA Membership is all you need to make slipping into the outlets easy. 

CAA Members have reserved parking spots at lot B near the North East side from now until December 29, so finding a parking spot during the busiest shopping season is one thing you don’t have to worry about.

In addition to parking, CAA Members also get a complimentary Savings Passport, which can be picked up at the lot or at Guest Services by showing your CAA card. This Savings Passport will get you special discounts at retailers like Puma, Roots, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Ted Baker London, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Grab A Tourist Privileges Pass At Two Of The Best Malls In The Greater Toronto Area 

holiday shopping in the gta

In the GTA, Square One and Yorkdale Shopping Centre are two of our favourite malls to visit. Both malls are massive, and with tons of shops, entertainment, and eateries to check out; you’re bound to cross off everything on your shopping list with a visit.

CAA Rewards has partnered with Square One and Yorkdale Shopping Centre for an extra enticing offer. Just take your CAA Card to any Guest Experiences Kiosk and you can get a free Tourist Privileges Pass and reusable tote bag! As a CAA Member, you get access to this card without having to be a tourist!

The Tourist Privileges Pass is your secret weapon for holiday shopping in the GTA, and there are two ways to use it. The first way is to show your Tourist Privileges at participating retailers for exclusive discounts. At Yorkdale Shopping Centre, you have access to sweet deals at retailers like DAVIDsTEA, Levi’s, Hunter Boots, Oak + Fort, MUJI, and NYX, to name a few.

The second way to use your Tourist Privileges Pass will actually make you money. Just spend $200 or more at participating retailers, take your same-day receipts back to any Guest Experiences Kiosk and you’ll get a $20 gift card at the mall you’re visiting. We don’t know when this deal will end, so hurry before it’s too late.

Save At Select Retailers, No Matter Where You’re Shopping

Courtesy of RW&CO

Outside of Square One and Yorkdale Shopping Centre, there is an impressive list of retailers that CAA has partnerships with, you just have to look them up! All of the retailers are listed on the CAA Rewards website, but a few of our favourite places to score deals include RW&CO and The Source, which you can save at online or in-store.

Keep Fuelled While Shopping 

new york fries
Instagram/@newyorkfries

There’s no denying that shopping is a workout — from jumping from store to store, to lifting all of those shopping bags, you’ll need some fuel to keep you energized. 

Luckily, there are a number of different eateries where your CAA card can score a bite to eat at a discount. Feel like something quick? Grab some New York Fries for 10% off. Craving something a little more hearty? Indulge in a full course meal at 10% off at The Pickle Barrel. 

Shop Online And Avoid The Chaos Of Malls

online shopping

If mall shopping isn’t your thing, you can still use your CAA Membership as a way to earn money online, without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. 

CAA members are able to earn CAA Dollars by shopping online with preferred partners. In layman’s terms, that means the more you spend, the more CAA Dollars you’ll make. You can earn up to 10% back in CAA Dollars when you shop through the CAA Rewards website.

All of your CAA Dollars can go to good use and be used on some incredible things, including renewing your CAA Membership, booking hotels or travel, buying movie and attraction tickets at CAA stores, gifting a CAA Membership, and more. 

The perks that come with a CAA Membership are never-ending. 

And having one is sure-fire way to save money over the holidays and throughout the year. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a CAA Membership now if you don’t already have one.

Terms & Conditions

Trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. Restrictions and conditions apply for each participating partner offer. Partners and/or offers are subject to change without notice. For full details, visit www.caasco.com.

To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.

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