Set a budget.
First and most importantly, when you begin your holiday shopping, you must establish a budget. How much can you afford to spend?
Make a gift recipient list and marry your budget with this list.
Once you have a budget, you should create a list of everyone you plan to shop for. From your children to friends and family, co-workers, teachers, bus monitors, USPS, UPS, and sanitation guys. Be sure to jot everyone down.
Coordinate a holiday gift exchange.
One way to stay within budget, especially with larger groups like family, friends, and co-workers, is to organize a Secret Santa or Holiday Gift Swap. Have all participants create a wish list, choose a budget, pick names out of a hat, and set an exchange date. Last year, we tried Elfster to facilitate an online gift exchange. It’s a great idea for families or friends that live farther apart.
Find what’s on sale.
Check out the sales flyers. Look out for coupons. Visit sites like Groupon, Livingsocial, or Retailmenot to see what bargains are available. Take advantage of free shipping minimums. Also take advantage of store pick up for online purchases (where offered) to lock down deals.
Read the online reviews.
Whether you are shopping online or plan to go to the store, you should always read the online reviews. The reviews make it so much easier to make informed purchasing decisions, from sizing information to packaging details to product quality to an ideal gift recipient.
Remember that the thought really does count.
Purchasing miniature baked goods, holiday lotto cards, and chocolates are gift ideas that don’t break the bank but are often a big hit. They show that you care. Do you craft or bake? Purchase mason jars and fill them with you favorite holiday treats to gift to your loved ones.
Use your store or credit card perks.
This is the time of year where you can rack up savings and cashback rewards. Do remember to still stay within budget and keep financing charges low by paying your balance off quickly.
In need of gift ideas? We have some great ones for you:
- Westchester County Mom Holiday Gift Guide
- Gifts for Kids
- Teacher’s Gifts
- The Gift of Experience
- Gift Advice for our husband/boyfriends/partners