Shop Like a Pro: 5 reasons we're using Consumer Reports this holiday season

Nothing feels as warm and fuzzy as giving the perfect gift to someone you love, but the journey of finding that gift can often be a headache. With holiday shopping season barrelling towards us at full speed (it kind of snuck up on us this year), we’re turning to Consumer Reports for help with our holiday shopping list. Here’s 5 reasons why you should too:

It’s free with your SCPL library card

Consumer Reports is a membership-only platform packed with helpful resources and trusted information for your purchasing process. From buying guides to ratings and reviewers, it’s packed with information that’ll make you an expert in any product in just a few minutes. But, did you know that access to all of these useful features comes free with your library card membership? This is just one of the many ways we’re helping our community make informed decisions.

Head over to our Digital Library, scroll down to Consumer Reports, and use your library card to log in to start browsing!

Discover the best deals

Why pay more when you could pay less for the exact same thing? Consumer Reports asks the same question for any item you can think of every time they compile a list of the best deals on items you’re already looking to buy. The cost of everything keeps going up, up, up which is why we wouldn’t dream of buying a new dishwasher, the latest tech, or even a new mattress without checking Consumer Reports for the best deals around.

Find great gift ideas

You know you’re always getting the best deal on items you need when you consult Consumer Reports before you buy. But what about when you don’t even know what you’re buying yet? Find the perfect gift for the impossible-to-shop-for person in your life with Consumer Reports’ gift guides galore. Browse by price range like the best gifts under $75 or by personal interests like gifts for travelers or gifts for dog lovers. Prepare to become a shopping savant with endless ideas for the perfect holiday present.

Unlock expert opinions

Consumer Reports takes their product reviews seriously. Most items on Consumer Reports have been expert lab tested and rated on a variety of product-specific scales. If you’re shopping for a cooking connoisseur in your life, you’ll know you’re about to gift them the best cookware set on the market because it’s been tested and rated on important qualities like cooking evenness, non-stick food release, durability, speed of heating, sturdiness, and more. Products are then given an overall score and the rockstar products get the Consumer Reports green checkmark of approval!

One of our favourite features of Consumer Reports is the CR Smart Buy label. Products are awarded this label when they meet Consumer Reports’ performance, safety, and reliability standards while also being offered at a great price. Follow the trail to the CR Smart Buy label and take the guesswork out of shopping.

Compare models and brands in just a few clicks

There are hundreds of noise-cancelling headphone models on the market right now. It’s overwhelming! How are you supposed to know which one is the best? With Consumer Reports, you can compare up to 5 products and all of their features in an easy-to-read format at one time. Cross-reference prices, owner satisfaction scores, expert lab test results, and various product specs of all of your top contenders. It’s easier than ever to shop based on factors that matter most to you – or the person you’re shopping for!

The countdown is on to find the perfect present this holiday season. So, if you don’t have one yet, register for your SCPL library card to unlock your Consumer Reports membership and start shopping like a pro. Read up on the expert lab test results of all your family’s wish list items on Consumer Reports now. Happy shopping!