If you want to have a merry holiday without going deep into debt, then you’ll want to keep a few thing sin mind. Here are 5 holiday shopping tips that will allow you to buy plenty of gifts without the need for a second mortgage.
1. Do your research
Take the time to find the absolute best prices on the gifts that you would like to give. Scout sales, use coupon codes and printable coupons, and take advantage of free shipping deals online. Here is an example of how this really pays off. At one of my go to stores, a particular Pillow Pet was selling for $24.99 each. With a little research, I found the same Pillow Pet for only $19.99. With coupon codes, I got an additional 20 percent off and free shipping, bringing the price down to only $15.99, a nine dollar savings on just that one item!
2. Break out the change
If you are like most families, you have a jar or bank where you keep your loose change. Go raid it now. You may find that there is enough there to offset the cost of many of your gifts. If you get into the habit of picking up coins wherever you find them throughout the year, you may wind up funding your entire gift list!
3. Be creative with gift giving
Who says that you have to give store bought gifts each year? Service gifts, such as free baby sitting or house cleaning can be very much appreciated at no actual monetary cost. So can home made gifts, such as a gift in a jar, freezer meals, or a muffin of the month gift.
4. Shop outside the box
There are other avenues for wonderful gifts than traditional shopping. For example, you can get many electronics as refurbished straight from the manufacturer with warranty included but up to 50 percent off. Or you can shop for new in the packaging gifts at your local thrift store. Vintage accessories and clothing can be found at a consignment store.
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