Are you ready for the holiday season? It’s that time of the year when you want to shower your loved ones with sentiments of warmth and gratitude. Unfortunately, gift shopping can quickly become a budget-buster. The goal is to keep your wallet happy and bring joy to your loved ones, so we’ve got three holiday gift shopping savings tips for you! Read on to find out how you can make the most of your holiday budget and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
Start Early and Make a List
One of the best ways to save on holiday gift shopping and keep your wallet happy, is to start early. Waiting until the last minute could result in you paying full price for items or rushing to buy whatever is available, regardless of cost. Starting early gives you more wiggle room to find creative yet cost effective gifts. Maybe you like to give customized gifts like I do! Having more lead time gives you the ability to find, order and have them arrive on time.
Make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for and set a budget for each person. Starting early gives you more wiggle room to find creative yet cost effective gifts. It allows you to take advantage of seasonal sales, discounts, and special promotions. Don’t forget to seek out small local businesses to patronize over the holidays. They can offer some of the unique gifts you’re looking for along with the affordable prices you desire!
Use Cashback and Coupon Websites
Cashback and coupon websites can be your best friends during the holiday season. Fortunatley, websites like Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) and Honey offer cashback on your purchases, meaning you get a percentage of your money back on eligible purchases. Additionally, Honey can help you find the best online coupon codes, ensuring you get the best deals. Make sure to install their browser extensions to automatically apply coupons at checkout and earn cashback on your purchases. Here is a guide on how you can do this for Honey.
DIY and Personalized Gifts
While buying gifts can be convenient, it can also be costly. Consider adding a personal touch to your gifts by making them yourself. Handmade gifts not only show thoughtfulness but also save you money. You can create custom candles, knit scarves if you know how to knit, or bake homemade cookies and pastries. This should definitely amount to gift shopping savings! Websites like Etsy offer a platform for artisans to sell their handmade items if you prefer to buy, or you can find DIY inspiration on platforms like Pinterest.
People almost always appreciate personalized gifts. Look for websites like Shutterfly or Personalization Mall, where you can create customized photo albums, mugs, and more for every occasion. You can often find reasonably priced gifts that demonstrate you’ve put thought into the present. I love seeing the looks on the faces of persons I have just given a personalized gift to. It’s usually genuine expressions of excitement and gratitude. It really warms my heart!
So, no need to break the bank! You can ensure your holiday season is filled with joy, thoughtful gifts, and financial peace of mind by following these three holiday gift shopping savings tips. Start early, use cashback and coupon websites, and consider DIY and personalized gifts to make your budget go further while spreading holiday cheer.
What’s in your cup today? How about thoughtfulness and some soothing peppermint tea!