The holiday season is coming up fast, and with it comes a lot of stress! Planning, finding, and buying gifts can be very overwhelming. Christmas is supposed to be a relaxing time to spend with friends and family, but it can be impossible to enjoy with financial stress looming over your head. Here are 7 clever ways to save money while shopping this Christmas!
1. It’s the Thought That Counts
Don’t feel obligated to spend tons on the gifts you buy this holiday season. Even though it may seem cheesy, it really is the thought that counts. A nice card with a heartfelt message of good tidings can sometimes mean more than the newest electronic gadget. You can even make some of your Christmas gifts yourself like a blanket or baked goods.
2. Find Deals And Promotions
You are not the only person who likes saving money! There are resources online that you can use to find deals and promotions. These sites can help you find products at the lowest prices this year. The best part is that using websites that find deals and promotions for you doesn’t require any additional work from you. You’ll be able to shop stress-free and save money at the same time…a win-win in everyone’s books!
3. Shop Secondhand
Shopping secondhand is an excellent way to get gifts on a tight budget. Many secondhand items are like new! You never know what you’ll find when you go to a secondhand store, but be on the lookout for unique gifts!
4. Gift Your Time
Stuff is just stuff. Instead of focusing on what you’re buying for people, focus on the time you’re spending with them. Quality time with family and friends can perfectly show how much you care about them.
5. Shop Early
The longer you wait to shop for gifts, the more expensive they will be. Stores know people rush to get their gift shopping done last minute and will not hesitate to upcharge you! Don’t forget to take advantage of big seasonal sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
6. Combine Online Orders
Shopping online gives you access to many stores to browse for your gift shopping. However, if you want to save on shipping and processing fees, stick to one or two stores. You also may be able to get free or reduced shipping deals by placing larger orders from a single store!
7. Use Good Judgment
It can be a very difficult conversation to have with yourself, but remember that you don’t need to get a Christmas gift for every single person in your life. Many of us feel generous around the holidays, but use good judgment and consider just sending along a card or plate of cookies to everyone except the very nearest and dearest this year.
Hopefully, these tips have given you a good foundation to make this Christmas a slightly less stressful one! Remember that at the end of the day, a good gift is not determined by how much you spend on it. Sometimes just a warm smile and a “Merry Christmas” is all any of us want for the holiday. Happy shopping!
