10 pro tips on saving money while Christmas gift shopping

Christmas is one of the most beautiful and magical times of the year. This is an exceptional date full of reunions, family meals, and, above all, lots of festive decoration. We love nothing more than a house decorated with a lovely Christmas tree in the middle of the living room, a wreath on the front door, or some poinsettias by the kitchen.

However, it is true that Christmas also has a double side. At this particular time of the year, people spend more than the rest of the year, which has a considerable impact on the wallet. So, if you want to be more organized with your Christmas presents this year and save money, here are some ideas. Take note!

1. Plan all your expenses.

Although it may sound cliché, planning your budget before going Christmas shopping is essential. If you don’t, you’re likely to end up buying more gifts than you should and, therefore, spending more. The best thing to do is to plan everything before Christmas. Try writing down how much money you want to spend, how much you will need to save for the festive season, and who you expect to give gifts to. If you stick to a specific budget, you are more likely to spend less and more conscientiously.

Here is a pro tip: creating a folder with gift receipts is crucial. This way, you will know how much you are spending and, in addition, if you need to make a refund, you will be able to locate the receipts.

2. Go for discounts, not for ‘buy now – pay later’ offers.

It’s a classic, and the only thing you’ll end up doing is spending more. However, tempting the offers and loans may be, avoid them! In the end, you buy more, and with less head. All you end up with is a negative impact on your wallet. Take advantage of offers like Black Friday to buy those Christmas products at a reasonable price without paying later.

3. Watch out for shipping costs.

Sometimes shipping costs can make gifts much more expensive. Try to go for free shipping, or go to the nearest shop to pick up your gifts. Otherwise, you will increase the gift budget considerably.

4. Get creative with your gifts.

As well as buying ready-made gifts, you can opt for more original and even homemade options. This is a way of saving on Christmas gifts and also making them more memorable and personalized. Try to listen to your friends to find out what they need: if they say, “I wish someone could write my paper so that I have more time to enjoy holidays,” you should definitely gift them a discount certificate from a specialized writing agency.

Another option is to opt for giving experiences as Christmas gifts. Everyone loves them! You can accompany this type of gift with a personalized card or a homemade Sacher cake to make it even more special.

5. Even a wrap can be creative.

If there’s one thing you’re sure to spend on at Christmas, it’s wrapping paper or bags. Try wrapping gifts in a more homemade way. You simply have to be a little creative. You can try wrapping the gifts with kraft paper and then decorate with whatever you like or have around the house: red ribbons, photos, tags – anything you can find. Find out more ideas on how to wrap gifts, and succeed!

6. Play a game of ‘Secret Santa.’

If you have a large family, the best way to save on Christmas presents is to play the classic ‘Secret Santa’ game. This way, you can establish a budget between all of you, and you will only have to give a gift to one member of the family. What’s more, this option, which used to be done only with friends, is becoming more and more widespread in families, and it’s a lot of fun.

7. Buy your gifts online

Shop online if you have such an opportunity. Sometimes there are more deals online than in physical shops. Take advantage of discounts and the different platforms you can find online to buy what you want at a better price. Also, take advantage of discount codes that you can get through social networks to make gifts a little cheaper.

8. Go for second-hand items if a person is okay with this.

Whether you will gift clothes, accessories, or even decorative items, go for second-hand pieces. These pieces help you save money at Christmas and have a unique charm. And of course, you will be helping the environment! Of course, it is essential to know the person you are giving second-hand items to. Most second-hand items cannot be returned, so be careful while picking this option!

9. While going shopping, buy several gifts at once.

By doing this, you’ll save on transport, save time, and you can even get bigger discounts. Some brands often offer Christmas discounts for buying more than one product. Take advantage of these opportunities and, in this way, you will save on your Christmas gift bill.

10. Compare prices around the Internet.

The advantage of the internet is that you can compare prices. It is possible that a particular product is more expensive on one site and cheaper on another. The key is not to always go for the first price you see but to always shop around.