The holidays are coming! So, here are 7 tips to save on holiday gifts now. Are you ready? Do you have gifts still to buy? If we are not careful, we can spend more than we may intend to on gifts.
This time of year is filled with holiday cheer, family gatherings, and the best deals of the year. But if you are anything like me then you want to stretch your budget even further this holiday season. Taking time to plan ahead can help us to stay within our budget and reduce added stress. It is a busy time and I hope to be able to enjoy it as much as possible with my family and friends and I hope the same for you as well.
I’ve put together a list of some tips that will help you save more money on your shopping this holiday season! No matter what your budget may be, there are ways to save. Let's dive in and see how to save money on gifts.
Tips to save on Holiday gifts
1. Make a list of all the people you are buying for.
2. Write down how much you are spending per person.
3. Add what you plan to buy for each person.
4. Look to see if there are any coupons and sales for items on your list.
5. Check ads for prices and price compare.
6. Make it a group event.
7. Adjust gift budget.

Make a list of all the people you are buying for
Write down each person that you will be buying a gift for. Do you have a list from last year? Look on that one to double check who all to purchase for. Is there anyone to add to it? Be sure to not forget anyone. You don't want to have an increase your budget for how much you spend at the last minute.
Write down how much you are spending per person.
Next, write down what you plan to spend per person. If you have one, look at your list from last year to see if there is anything that will be purchased again this year or any new ideas you could buy to help determine the amount you may spend.
If you do not have a list to look off of, now is the time to determine the amount you will spend.
Add everything together. That amount is what you will be spending this year. Determine if that number will fit into your budget to spend on gifts for the holidays. If it is not, go back through your list and make adjustments until you get to the number you are able to save for and then spend.
Add what you plan to buy for each person
It may make it easier for you when it comes time to purchase gifts to have some ideas already written down. This can save you time as well. This way you are not spending a lot of extra time searching for something to buy. You will already know.
- Ask those you are buying for what they would like to have.
- Has anyone on your list already mentioned something they may like to have?

Look to see if there are any coupons and sales for items on your list.
While shopping online or in store, check to see if there are any coupons or discounts. This can save you money and really help your holiday budget out as well. Are there any big sales coming up? If so, plan on shopping on those days for great savings.
Something extra and is a nice gesture is to check what return policies your stores have before purchasing gifts for those on your list. Including a gift receipt as well is helpful just in case an item may not fit or maybe they would prefer something different.
Check ads for prices and price compare
It is a good idea to check out prices before buying gifts. A lot of stores have ads online. Check them out and see if anything you are looking for are in them.
If they are not in the sale ad, check out prices on their site. This will help you to see if the gifts are in your price range. If they are not at one store, perhaps another one.
This will help you save time from going from store to store checking their prices. You then have the option to order them online or if you feel like experiencing shopping in person, consider calling ahead of time to see their product availability.
Make it a group event
There are different ideas to help save money in the area of gift giving. You could make it a group event. For example, do you have a group of friends that you exchange gifts with? How about start a new tradition that will help you all save some money? Here are some ideas where if you would still like to give each other a gift, it may be a little less expensive. Which of coarse means, more money saved. Ask the group if they would like to do something like this.
- Sock exchange
They could be holiday socks or any kind you would like to pick out.
- Book exchange
You could all wrap a book you enjoyed reading and no longer need. Another idea when you set a smaller budget per gift than you all usually spend is to buy a book for that amount.
- Food exchange
How about an "eat and drink" gift instead of buying everyone a physical item this year? You could cook or bake something that you all enjoy. Then put it in a festive box with tissue paper!

Adjust gift budget
If you are in need of or want to cut back on how much you spend per person even more, that is a great way of helping to save money. After all, it is the thought that counts. There are so many gifts to choose from within any amount of money you are aiming to spend.
Conclusion
Regardless of when you may begin your holiday gift shopping, these are great tips to help save money and to help you stay within your budget. This can help you to have a wonderful holiday season full of memories and gifts that won't break the bank.
These ideas could be just for this year or may become holiday traditions whether you need to cut back on how much you spend or not. I hope some of these tips can help you out.
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Reut shaviro says
Nice post 🙂
Amy says
Thank you!!