10 Ways to Save Money on Christmas Gifts
The holidays are supposed to be a happy time with a focus on family, peace, and love. Unfortunately, the Christmas season often becomes a time of money worry and debt stress as people struggle to fulfill wish lists while still staying on budget. If you think that your holidays will be stressful due to money concerns, don’t worry! Instead, check out these 10 Ways to Save Money on Christmas Gifts!
10 Ways to Save Money on Christmas Gifts
1. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
The longer you wait to do your shopping, the more likely what you want will be sold out. That can then force you to have to pay a higher price elsewhere, and maybe even pay for expedited shipping or gift wrapping.
2. Use a Shopping List
If you just go into a store planning to “shop for Christmas” you’re going to wind up with more than you need. Instead, have a shopping list of exactly what you want to get for each person. That will help keep you on track and on budget.
3. Use Cash, Not Credit
It can be tempting to use your credit cards during the holidays. But remember that everything you buy now on credit, you’ll have to pay for eventually, and it’ll be the purchase price + interest. So save yourself the stress later on, and just pay cash for everything now.
4. Go Homemade
Making your own DIY holiday gifts is a wonderful way to save money! Not only are DIY gifts inexpensive, but they’re also a way to make the perfect custom gift that truly shows how you care. In fact, I wrote a 5-day series on making it a homemade Christmas this year! Things like this DIY whipped body butter or these 9 DIY gifts not only save money, they add a really personalized touch to your gift giving.
5. Go for Quality, Not Quantity
Rather than smothering your friends and family with a pile of gifts, just give them a few well-thought-out gifts. It’ll be easier on your wallet, and will be more meaningful. (Check out my 12 days of gift guides for unique ideas.)
6. Shop Garage Sales and Thrift Stores
The end of the year is the perfect time to shop at garage sales and thrift stores! (If garage sales don’t work in your winter weather, check eBay and Craigslist.) Many people choose to give away or sell their old items around November and December, either in preparation for new gifts or to declutter for the next year. This means there’s a high chance you can find the perfect holiday gifts at a great price!
7. Use Coupons and Money Saving Apps
If there’s any time of year to use coupons and money saving shopping apps like iBotta and Target’s Cartwheel, the holidays are the time! If you’re lucky, you may be able to use a coupon and an app rebate/discount on the same item and save a lot of money!
8. Price Match
A lot of retailers offer price matching with their competitor’s stores, with their competitor’s websites, and with their own websites. Some, like Target and Walmart, even price match with Amazon! Take advantage of these policies to save money on holiday gifts!
9. Buy Older Electronics
One of the best ways to save money on holiday gifts is to buy older electronics. Last year’s models are often much cheaper than the newest versions, and have nearly the same features. If you know your gift recipient isn’t completely set on whatever the newest features are, then consider giving them some slightly older electronics.
10. Find Gifts in Your Own Home
If you own something that’s in good condition that you no longer want/need, but that you know a friend or family member would love, consider giving it to them. Maybe you’ve got a set of books from their favorite author, or a Kindle that you’ve barely used. There’s nothing wrong with choosing gifts from your current belongings, as long as you do so thoughtfully.
How do you save money on Christmas gifts?
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