The holidays are a time of joy, giving, and togetherness—but for many, they also come with financial stress. Between gifts, decorations, travel, and entertaining, it’s easy to overspend without realizing it. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can enjoy the season and stay on budget. Here are the best holiday shopping saving tips to keep your finances merry and bright.

1. Set a Holiday Budget (And Stick to It)

Start with a plan—it’s your best defense against impulse spending.

• Total budget first: Decide how much you can afford to spend overall without going into debt.

• Break it down: Allocate amounts for gifts, travel, food, decorations, and events.

• Track spending: Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to log your purchases in real time.

2. Make a Gift List (and Check It Twice)

A clear list keeps you focused and prevents last-minute splurges.

• Assign a dollar limit per person: Stick to your pre-set amount to avoid surprises.

• Include extras: Don’t forget about teacher gifts, white elephant parties, or wrapping supplies.

• Prioritize meaning over money: Thoughtful, personalized gifts often cost less but mean more.

3. Start Early

Procrastination can cost you—literally.

• Shop throughout the year: Grab deals as you see them to spread out spending.

• Take advantage of early sales: Many stores start offering discounts before Black Friday.

• Avoid rush shipping: Shopping early helps you dodge costly expedited shipping fees.

4. Compare Prices Before You Buy

The same item can vary in price from store to store.

• Use price comparison tools: Apps like Honey, Rakuten, or Google Shopping make this easy.

• Check price history: Tools like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon show if a “deal” is a deal.

• Don’t forget local shops: Small businesses often run competitive sales during the holidays.

5. Use Coupons and Promo Codes

Never check out online without trying to save more.

• Use browser extensions: Honey and RetailMeNot can automatically apply coupons at checkout.

• Sign up for newsletters: Many brands offer a discount just for subscribing.

• Stack savings: Look for deals that let you use multiple offers (like free shipping + a coupon code).

6. Take Advantage of Cashback and Rewards

Your spending can earn you something in return.

• Cashback apps: Use Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fetch Rewards for online and in-store purchases.

• Credit card points: If used responsibly, cards with cashback or rewards can stretch your budget.

• Store loyalty programs: Sign up for discounts, points, or birthday rewards.

7. Give DIY or Experience-Based Gifts

A great gift doesn’t have to come from a store.

• DIY ideas: Homemade baked goods, crafts, or photo albums are personal and affordable.

• Experience gifts: Offer babysitting, plan a special day out, or gift a subscription box.

• Group gifts: Go in on a bigger item with family or friends to split the cost.

8. Avoid Buy Now, Pay Later Temptations

Those BNPL services can look appealing, but they’re sneaky.

• Be cautious with installment plans: They can lead to overspending or missed payments.

• Pay in full when possible: You’ll avoid extra fees and keep better control of your budget.

9. Plan for Next Year (Yes, Already!)

Smart saving doesn’t stop on December 26th.

• Set up a holiday savings fund: Automate a small deposit each month for next year’s festivities.

• Buy post-holiday deals: Stock up on discounted wrapping paper, cards, and décor after the season.

• Evaluate your spending: What worked, what didn’t, and how can you improve next year?