It's easy to overspend during the holiday season. From presents to travel to decorations and all that food, here are 17 ideas for how to save money during the holidays.
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Set a Budget
Figure out all the things you’ll need to purchase—gifts, food, decorations—and set a budget and stick to it. Be sure to think about little things that are easy to forget about such as charitable contributions, gas for travel and wine for a holiday party host.
By setting a budget you will surely save money during the holidays.
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Get Christmas Lists Early
The earlier you get your loved ones Christmas lists the earlier you can get shopping and hopefully find great deals. If you can brave the crowds, Black Friday is a great day to buy Christmas presents for a discounted price. And if you can’t handle the crowds, there’s always Cyber Monday to find gift deals online.
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Use Cash Only
It can be hard to keep track of spending when using credit or cards, so make a point to use cash only for holiday-related purchases. When the cash is gone, the shopping is over and saving money during the holidays is well underway.
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Start Shopping Early
The earlier you start shopping for the holidays, the easier it will be to resist overspending. And starting early allows you time to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, instead of having to shop at the last minute.
And this makes it more likely you’ll blow the budget and won’t save money during the holidays.
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Buy in Bulk
If you have a Costco or Sam’s Club membership, it’s smart and cost-effective to buy frequently used items like paper plates, napkins, paper towels and toilet paper in bulk during the holidays, especially if you are hosting holiday gatherings.
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Cut Back on Extras (For a Month)
To ease the strain on your budget, try cutting back on extras for a month. If you give up that $5 latte you have each morning for 30 days, you can save $150 which could go toward Christmas gifts. And if you do splurge on yourself in the days leading up to Christmas, make sure it’s worth the price.
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Go Potluck Style
Instead of serving a large holiday meal in which you’re responsible for all the food, ask guests to bring a dish to share. This holiday tip will not only save you money during the festivities, but everyone will enjoy tasting the variety of foods and sharing their recipes.
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Try Secret Santa
If you have a large family, try using the Secret Santa method for gifts this year. By only buying one gift, it will relieve some of the financial burden and can also be a fun, new tradition. You can find several different ways to do Secret Santa gifts online.
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Rethink Traditions
Holiday traditions should be memorable because they are fun, not because they’re expensive. Look for local Christmas festivals and performances, drive around to see Christmas lights. And go sledding or stay in and watch holiday movies or play board games together.
All of these activities are free or relatively inexpensive and will save money during the holidays. Here are ten things you should know about LED Christmas lights.
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Think Outside the Decoration Box
If you normally purchase a tree, save money during the holidays by making your own alternative tree and Christmas wreath. Whether you use reclaimed wood, craft supplies or even wine corks, an alternative tree can save you money and space while still being festive.
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Forget Traditional Christmas Cards
Instead of paying for Christmas cards and postage, try sending family and friends e-cards. Many websites offer free e-cards and some can be customized with your family’s photos and some even play music.
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Comparison Shop
When shopping for big-ticket items such as electronics, be sure to comparison shop. And take some time to research the items online and how much they cost at different stores so when you’re ready to buy, you know you’re getting a bargain.
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Think DIY Gifts
Never overlook the value of DIY gifts, they definitely save money during the holidays. If you have a gardener on your gift list, try making them a terrarium. And put together a photo collage, build a plant stand for a child.
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Intangible Gifts
Want to give a gift but have a very tight budget? Try making a meal or baking cookies for a neighbor, or offer a night of babysitting to new parents.
And you can even donate your time to shovel their driveway for a couple weeks
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Lighten Up on Lights
LED Christmas lights can save you money on electric bills. But those old incandescent lights can cost more.
Instead of going all Clark Griswold on your holiday light display, keep it simple and tasteful. Using fewer Christmas lights will save money during the holidays.
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Take a Trip
Travelers can often find great deals on hotels over the holidays. Depending on your family, you may be able to forgo gifts and instead get away for a few nights and relax by the pool, have a meal together at a nice restaurant and visit a free museum.
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Visit Discount Stores
When it comes time to wrap the gifts and stuff stockings, make a trip to the discount store. Dollar stores are a great place to load up on holiday wrapping supplies and tape. And they’re also a good place for stocking stuffers such as candy, ornaments and little toys.
Spread some holiday cheer with these DIY gift wrap ideas – ribbon you can make in your shop, ingenious wrapping paper storage tricks, and more.
By Rachel Brougham
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