The holiday season is upon us!
The holiday season is here, and with it comes a flurry of gift lists, sale alerts, and more product choices than anyone could possibly sort through. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect kitchen gadget, researching a new laptop, or trying to figure out which headphones are actually worth the money, the options can feel overwhelming.
Before you scroll through another page of online reviews or get lost in a maze of sponsored recommendations, make your search simple with ConsumerReports.org. Free with your Clark County Public Library card, Consumer Reports gives you access to unbiased ratings, in-depth product testing, and expert buying advice just in time for holiday shopping!
What is Consumer Reports?
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization known for its rigorous and trustworthy product testing. Unlike ad-supported review sites, Consumer Reports accepts no advertising, sponsorships, or free samples. Every product they evaluate is purchased anonymously and tested in professional labs by experts.
Your library card unlocks the institution version, giving you access to thousands of reviews across categories like electronics, appliances, home & garden, cars, baby gear, outdoor equipment, and more — but it doesn't have the personalized profiles that paying members can access, like creating watchlists or saving favorite products.
How Consumer Reports Helps You Shop Confidently
1. Unbiased Ratings & Expert Reviews
Every rating in Consumer Reports is based on scientific method testing and data, rather than sponsored placements or anecdotal feedback. When you see a product’s Overall Score, you know it’s grounded in real performance results with a provided reason.
2. Easy Side-by-Side Comparisons
Comparing two or three models of the same product? Add them to your Compare list to see differences in performance, features, reliability, and price at a glance.
3. Buying Guides for Every Category
Are you unsure about which features matter on a smart TV? Wondering which blender is best for smoothies? Consumer Reports’ Buying Guides break down what to look for, common pitfalls, and how to get the best value.
4. “Best of” Lists and Best Buy Picks
Holiday shoppers love Consumer Reports’ curated lists such as “Best Headphones,” “Top Tablets,” or “Best Coffee Makers.” Look for the CR Recommended label or the Best Buy designation for options that strike a balance between strong performance and a reasonable price.
5. Price & Reliability Insights
Consumer Reports also identifies long-term reliability trends and offers pricing predictions. During the holiday season—when sales come fast and change quickly—these insights help you understand whether a “great deal” is actually great.
6. Safety Ratings & Recalls
Shopping for toys, children’s gear, or household items? Consumer Reports will alert you to safety concerns or product recalls so you can shop confidently.
How to Use Consumer Reports for Holiday Shopping
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for getting the most out of ConsumerReports.org:
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Visit the library’s A–Z Resources List at ccplohio.org.
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Select Consumer Reports and log in with your library card.
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Search for the product category you’re interested in, such as headphones, tablets, vacuum cleaners, or air fryers.
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Browse the Overall Scores to see top-rated models.
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Use filters to narrow choices by price range, brand, or features.
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Open the Buying Guide for expert insights on what to look for.
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Compare top contenders side by side using the Compare tool.
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Or just look for CR Recommended or Best Buy options to quickly find great choices within your budget.
Short on time?
Check out the Holiday Deals CR has curated, found under the large search bar. They organized items by price point, store, brand, and popular item categories such as tech, appliances, or uniqueness.
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. With ConsumerReports.org and your Clark County Public Library card, you can make informed, confident choices backed by expert testing and trusted research. If you’d like help using the database or narrowing down your search, just ask a librarian, we’re happy to help!
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