Saving money and holiday shopping rarely go together, but this year you can make some simple changes to save some cash. From party planning to gift giving, there are ways to save on it all. Check out the five tips below to help keep money in your wallet this season.
Holiday Money Saving Tips
Make Your Own
Make your own gifts, party hors d’ouvers, and holiday decorations to save valuable money. Need a quick gift for co-workers? Create a pencil holder made from pencils! Hot glue unsharpened, decorative pencils around an empty tin can and tie a ribbon around it for a quick, easy craft. Planning on having guacamole and chips at your holiday party? Guacamole can be expensive, so mash two avocados and combine them with 1/2 diced tomato, 1/2 cup of yellow pepper, 1 Tablespoon of cilantro, 2 Tablespoons of olive oil, and a dash of salt and pepper for a tasty, fresh, homemade guacamole treat. Making your own can take a bit more time, but will save you money.
Buy In Bulk
Plan ahead and buy in bulk. Whether it is paper towels for the kitchen or packs of lip balm for stockings, when you buy in bulk you can usually save money. If possible, shop at warehouse stores that accept manufacturers’ coupons, as well as their own in-house promotional coupons.
Use Coupons
Couponing has become a trend among savvy shoppers and holiday shopping is no exception. Clipping coupons for party items, sales, and promotions throughout the holiday season can save you money while you shop for gifts. Retailmenot.com is a great site to check out for coupon promotions at some of your favorite online and brick-and-mortar stores. Watch your mailbox for store coupons and sale flyers too.
Thrifty Shopping
Need more place settings for your holiday dinner party? Check out the local thrift store to find china and just about anything else you might need. As the inventory is constantly changing, check back often to find great bargains on the items you want most. Stores like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are also great bargain shopping locations, as they stock name brand apparel, bedding, and accessories at a fraction of the cost of stores in the mall. Like thrift stores, their inventory changes weekly, so check back often.
Go Electronic
Online shopping can save you big this holiday season. Major retailers have carried over some of their biggest in-store promotions to their online sites. Free shipping, percentages off, and gift cards with a certain purchase amount are common this time of year. Sign-up for your favorite site’s promotional emails to make sure you are getting the best deals and coupon codes.
What are some of the ways that you save money during the holiday season? Share them with us below – it’s free to share!