Okay, let’s talk about how to survive the holiday season and more specifically holiday shopping without completely draining your bank account. We’ve all been there – the pressure to buy gifts for everyone, the temptation of holiday sales, and the fear of overspending(especially with higher and higher prices). But fear not, my friend! With a little planning and some smart strategies, you can enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank.
1. Make a List (and Check It Twice)
Before you even think about hitting the stores (or clicking “Add to Cart”), make a list of everyone you need to buy for. Next to each name, write down a few gift ideas. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse buys. Stick to this list and you’ll be well on your way to a successful holiday shopping season. It’s very to say just, oh this is something that’s cool, but if it’s not on your list, it’s a no go so make sure that list covers everyone you need and everything they might want.
2. Use sites like CamelCamelCamel and Slickdeals to Your Advantage
Ever wondered if that “amazing deal” is really as good as it seems? CamelCamelCamel is a website that tracks price history for Amazon products. Before you buy something, check its price history on this site. You might be surprised to find that the item was cheaper just a few weeks ago! Slickdeals is another great website with various deals, coupon codes and more importantly message boards where helpful users post deals they find in various stores. Reddit can be another place to find solid deals, just search deals on reddit and you’ll find various subreddits where people discuss deals for things ranging from video games to clothing to toys.
3. Set a Budget and Stick to It
Before you start shopping, set a budget for your holiday spending. This will help you avoid overspending and keep your finances in check. Once you’ve set your budget, stick to it! It’s tempting to go over budget, but it’s important to be disciplined. You certainly don’t want to end up looking at your credit card bills after the holiday cheer and be stuck with post holiday fear. A good rule of thumb is to set a budget based off your annual, maybe something like 1-2% of your annual income going towards gifts. Just remember, that while credit cards may seem easy, if you don’t pay them off immediately, the 20-30% interest rate you’ll be paying can and will make any deals you find meaningless.
4. Shop Smart, Not Often
Instead of hitting the stores every weekend, plan your shopping trips strategically. Make a list of the stores you need to visit and the items you need to buy. This will help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary purchases. Shopping online is much easier and you can often find better deals without having to fight anyone off for the 3 items in store.
5. DIY Gifts
Homemade gifts are a great way to save money and show your loved ones that you care. Get creative and make personalized gifts like homemade cards, baked goods, or handcrafted items. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can save by making your own gifts.
6. Use Cash Back Apps
Cash back apps like Rakuten and Ibotta can help you save money on your holiday shopping. These apps give you cash back on purchases made at participating retailers. It’s a simple way to earn extra cash back on your holiday spending. Even outside of holiday season, using these tools can add up rather quickly.
7. Shop Off-Season
If you’re not picky about specific brands or styles, consider shopping off-season. You can find great deals on holiday decorations, clothing, and other items after the holiday season ends and that helps your holiday shopping season next year. On top of that, since items seem to get more expensive every year these days, maybe you’ll be saving even more money by shopping early and when it comes to things like decorations, re-using whenever you can.
8. Take Advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be tempting, it’s important to be strategic. Stick to that list of items you need and only buy them if they’re on sale. Avoid impulse purchases and stick to your budget.
9. Consider Gifting Experiences Over Things
Instead of buying physical gifts, consider gifting experiences. This could be anything from tickets to a concert or a cooking class to a weekend getaway. Experiences often create lasting memories and can be more meaningful than material possessions. However, keep in mind that those can be somewhat expensive so consider doing something that combines an experience and a DIY item. How about a memorable home cooked meal with a massage for your boyfriend or girlfriend instead of some trinket they won’t even remember a few months from now?
10. Don’t Forget About Yourself
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget about yourself. Make sure to take some time for self-care. This could involve taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or simply spending some time in nature. All these things don’t cost anything and will help you forget about the stresses that can come with the holiday season.
Additional Tips:
- Use Coupon Codes: Many online retailers offer coupon codes. Always do a quick google search before checking out to see if you can save some money.
- Shop Secondhand: Thrift stores and consignment shops are great places to find unique and affordable gifts.
- Cook at Home: Instead of eating out, cook at home. You’ll save money and have more control over what you’re eating.
- Decorate with Natural Elements: Use natural elements like pine cones, branches, and berries to decorate your home. This is a budget-friendly way to add a festive touch to your space.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t feel pressured to buy the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Sometimes, a heartfelt card is all that’s needed.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Say No: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the holiday season, it’s okay to say no to certain invitations or activities.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the holiday season without breaking the bank. Remember, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, not spending money.
A Psychological Perspective on Holiday Spending
Why do we tend to overspend during the holidays? Understanding the psychology behind our spending habits can help us make more informed decisions.
- Social Pressure: We often feel pressure to buy gifts for everyone on our list, even if we can’t afford it.
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Limited-time offers and exclusive deals can trigger a sense of urgency, leading us to make impulsive purchases.
- Emotional Spending: We may use shopping as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, or other negative emotions.
To combat these psychological factors, try the following:
- Practice Mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings as you shop. Are you buying something because you need it or because you want it?
- Take Breaks: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break from holiday shopping. Go for a walk, or do something else that you enjoy.
- Avoid Emotional Shopping: If you’re feeling stressed or sad, find healthy ways to cope with your emotions, such as talking to a friend or exercising.
By understanding the psychology behind holiday spending, you can make more conscious choices and avoid overspending.
Remember, the holidays should be a time of joy and relaxation, not stress and financial worry. By following these tips, you can enjoy the holiday season without breaking the bank. Happy Holidays!
