Taking the Sears Holiday Shopping Challenge

I have to admit that I get tired just thinking about shopping for the holidays.

I do like finding the perfect items (especially when they're a good deal) and I get enjoyment out of wrapping them and seeing them sitting there all festive... but it seems like once Thanksgiving draws near, everything to do with shopping starts to seem so overwhelming.

I'm not a fan of crowds or lines or getting up at the crack of dawn, so a classic Black Friday isn't my thing. Instead, I prefer to do a mix of online and in-store shopping spread out enough to ease the stress (and again, find those good deals).

And what better way to do just that than with the Sears Holiday Shopping Challenge? Finding great items from Sears for less than $200? I had no doubt that I could cover the entire family while completing that task!

Embarking on my challenge, I was ready for my two shopping locations:

Did you know you can buy something online, then stop by your nearest Sears to pick it up? Once you arrive, it'll be ready for you in five minutes - guaranteed, or you get a $5 store coupon. The best of online shopping meets the best of in-store shopping, and it's FREE.

Simply look for items online that are marked with "Store Pickup" when you search, browse or are on the Product Details page. After entering your zip code and finding your nearest store location, you'll receive a confirmation of your purchase and an email when it is ready to be picked up. Once you show up at the store with your email, you'll receive your purchase in five minutes.

Buy Online, Pick Up in Store is all a part of the Sears Real Joy Guaranteed - just making it easier for customers on so many levels!

So when it came to shopping at Sears and finding my own Real Joy this holiday season, it was easy to see that I could find everything I needed all in one place.

Starting with the great gift ideas available online in nearly every category possible, I spent some time browsing by recipient, personality, department, and more, while also taking advantage of the Sears gift finder that breaks gifts down into under $25, under $50, under $100, and luxury gifts. There were so many fun and affordable finds!

The East Point Sports Over The Door Double Shot Basketball Game (only $19.99) would keep the kids busy for quite a while...

The Craftsman Programmable Digital Tire Gauge ($14.99) as a stocking stuffer for my non-automotive-knowledge-having husband...

And the San Miguel Villanova Candle Garden ($17.99) for a soothing, relaxing, attractive gift for me...

After successfully finding a wide selection online, in store provided even more deals! Everywhere I looked there were appliances, toys, decor, tools, jewelry, accessories, and SO much more priced right for gifting. The hardest part was knowing where to even begin. One large item like a great coffeepot or mixer? Or multiple smaller items like a Brownie Maker, Legos, and a screwdriver set?

I'm especially looking for ways to relax, so the selection of massage gifts made it hard to choose just one. Can you blame me for wanting to pick one up designed for shoulders, one for feet, and one for the back?

When it comes to getting the most value for your money, Sears is a great place to look this holiday season. Your family, friends, coworkers, and more are going to be happy with what they receive and you're going to love taking advantage of the great prices online and in-store.

If that isn't enough, remember that the Sears Guarantee means that you're covered from every angle in terms of experiencing Real Joy:

• Satisfaction Guarantee

• Lowest Price Guarantee

• Free Shipping (Can't find your item in store? Sears will ship it for free!)

• Ready in 5 Minutes Guarantee

• Return/Exchange in 5 Guarantee

• Craftsman Hand Tool Lifetime Guarantee (if a covered Craftsman hand tool ever fails, they will repair or replace it for free)

• Free Holiday Shipping on qualifying items with promo code RealJoy

• Layaway (lock in low prices while getting everything on your wish list with Sears layaway)

Ready to take the Sears Holiday Shopping Challenge as well? Every day through December 24 Sears is giving their Facebook fans a chance to win a $200 Sears gift card so that you can take part - visit their Facebook page for more details and be sure to enter.

How has your holiday shopping been going? Have you checked out the great deals at Sears and entered to win a gift card?

As a member of the Sears Holiday Blogger Ambassador Program, I am receiving product and compensation from Sears. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.