While the holiday season is a time of joy and excitement, it can also be busy and overwhelming. If the busyness of the season has caught up to you and you haven’t had time to get all of your shopping done, that doesn’t mean you have to bust your budget on last-minute gifts. There are plenty of simple ways to track your spending and save money this holiday season.
The first thing you should do is set a budget before you start shopping and track your spending as you go. Even though you’re shopping last-minute, it’s still important to stick to what you can afford. Make a list of everyone you need to buy for and assign a budget for each person. Then, you can list out what you’ll purchase for each person. Don’t forget to include things like postage and wrapping!
An easy way to ensure you get the best deals on all your gifts this season is to use websites to do price comparisons. This can help you find the item you’re looking for at the best price. Just don’t forget to look at shipping costs and times. You can also look around for last-minute sales, clearance items, and flash sales. As retailers approach the holidays, they know their selling season is winding down and are more likely to mark down items to ensure they’re moving their inventory. Just be aware that not all sales are really sales, and shopping around is still important.
Gift cards and digital subscriptions can also make great gifts. Many streaming services offer deals around the holidays for significant discounts. This is a way to give a gift that keeps on giving all year long, without breaking the bank. Many retailers offer discounts on gift cards during the holiday season, so keep an eye out for those deals to get more bang for your buck. If you decide to purchase a gift card, it can easily be attached to something inexpensive to make a more personal gift. For example, a coffee shop gift card in a mug can make a nice personal gift.
Don’t be afraid to check thrift stores and discount stores for great deals. Many people donate brand-new items to thrift stores just because they don’t have a use for them. Before gifting items from the thrift store, just make sure they are in good condition and clean!
Consider making homemade gifts. If you have a skill or hobby, think about how it might translate into a gift. Crafts, baked goods, photo projects, and other DIY projects are great gifts that show you care and can be a great money saver. Homemade coupons for services you can offer would also make a great gift for someone close to you. This doesn’t cost much but can be a huge blessing to others. For example, try providing coupons for free babysitting, a meal, or other chores.
Another homemade gift idea is to build your own inexpensive gift baskets. Items like popcorn, candy, and other treats can be put together to make a movie night basket. Or put together hot chocolate, soup, mugs, and fuzzy socks to make a cozy winter basket.
Some people think regifting items is taboo, but if done correctly, it can be a thoughtful way to give a gift while avoiding waste. If you’ve received something you know you can’t or won’t use, see if you can think of someone who would. Just make sure it’s in new condition and you aren’t regifting to the person who gave it to you!
The holidays can be a fun time, but they’re also busy with shopping, cooking, decorating, and socializing. Try to shop in stores during non-peak hours. Early mornings or late evenings are usually less crowded and may make you feel less stressed and overwhelmed. Just remember, even in the middle of the holiday hustle, there are lots of ways to save money and have a fun, thrifty holiday season!
Lesley Woodrum, WVU Extension Agent— Summers County