The holidays are coming, and with rising costs everywhere, the pressure to spend feels heavier than ever.
You might be bracing yourself for a joyless, budget-stretched season or even thinking debt is the only way to make it special.
But what if you could have a festive, joyful Christmas without the financial hangover?
Don’t let money worries steal your holiday spirit!
In this guide, you’ll find clever, no-stress Christmas shopping hacks to save money while still making the season magical.
Ready to have a merry Christmas and keep your wallet happy?
Keep reading – these tips will change how you shop this season.
13 Christmas Shopping Hacks to Save You Money
#1. Take Advantage of Cash Back Stacking
Want to maximize your savings this holiday season? Get into cash-back stacking!
This is my #1 trick to save money throughout the year (and definitely during the holidays).
Start by shopping online through a cash-back portal like Rakuten.
You’ll earn money back on every purchase, like finding free money in your couch cushions!
But wait, it gets better: pay with a cash-back credit card for even more savings!
It’s like layering your discounts for a delicious savings sundae.
And don’t forget to install a browser extension like Honey, which automatically applies coupon codes at checkout to save you even more.
This is the cherry on top of your savings sundae.
Here is a breakdown of my recent savings when I was buying some vitamins I needed. (Yes, I use this trick all year long to save thousands of dollars.)
| Stacking Item | Savings Percent | Savings Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rakuten | 10% | $8.80 |
| Honey | 20% | $22 |
| Cashback Credit Card | 2% | $1.76 |
| TOTAL | $32.56 |
Before any of the discounts, my order total was $110. Honey found a coupon code for 20% off, saving my $22 on the spot.
With my new total being $88, I earned $8.80 cash back from Rakuten and $1.76 with my credit card, for a total savings of $32.56.
Yes, it really is this easy.
#2. Leverage Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes are the ultimate holiday gift hack when you’re trying to save money.
Here’s how you can win big: sign up for a free trial or discounted first month, and instead of gifting the whole box to one person, split up the goodies among several people.
A box of snacks? Boom, you’ve got stocking stuffers for the family.
Skincare products? Break it down into mini gift sets for your friends.
It’s like buying one gift and turning it into five! And the best part?
You can cancel the subscription after the first month to avoid any extra charges.
So, you’re scoring multiple presents for the price of one. Now that’s some Christmas magic.
Here’s a bonus trick: sign up for a free Swagbucks account and take advantage of the free trial offers they promote.
You’ll earn points just for trying them out, which you can then redeem for free gift cards or cash.
And as a welcome bonus, Swagbucks will give you $10 just for creating your account!
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#3. Check Out Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine for scoring holiday gifts without paying full price.
You can find everything from gently used toys to practically brand-new gadgets.
And because it’s local, there are no shipping fees or long wait times, just a quick drive to pick it up.
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can check out Craigslist, Freecycle, and other second-hand shopping sites to score more deals.
#4. Take Advantage of Gift Card Sales
Gift card sales are a sneaky way to give and get at the same time.
Here’s how it works: around the holidays, stores you already shop at often run promos where if you buy a certain amount in gift cards, you get a bonus card for free.
So grab a $50 gift card to give to someone, and boom, you’ve got a $10 card for yourself!
Or if you need a stocking stuffer, keep the $50 gift card for yourself and gift the $10 one.
It’s like rewarding yourself for being a thoughtful gift-giver.
You’ll knock out a present and pocket a little something for those post-holiday self-care splurges.
Alternatively, you can find ways to get discounted gift cards all year long to stock up so you have them ready when the holidays roll around.
#5. Pay Attention
Want to make holiday shopping easier and cheaper?
Pay attention! People drop hints about what they want all year, whether it’s your friend raving about a new gadget or your sister eyeing that cozy sweater.
If you listen, you can snag gifts they actually want instead of guessing and stressing.
And we all know when we don’t know what to get someone go window shopping a lot more and usually end up buying a lot of stuff we don’t really need.
The other benefit of paying attention is you might get clues about gifts months before the holidays.
This allows you to shop ahead and catch sales instead of scrambling at the last minute when prices might be sky-high.
#6. Give Delayed Gifts
Who says holiday gifts have to happen in December?
Consider giving a “delayed” gift – something fun to do in the spring or summer, like concert tickets, a weekend getaway, or even a dinner out.
Not only does this give you time to save up (because, let’s be honest, your bank account will probably look better in a few months), but it also spreads the holiday joy into the warmer months.
Plus, when everyone else is done enjoying their gifts, your recipient will still have something to look forward to!
#7. Do Group Gifts
Want to score an amazing gift without breaking the bank?
Consider organizing a group gift!
Get a few friends or family members to chip in for one fantastic present that’ll really wow the recipient – think a top-notch gadget, a spa day, or a weekend getaway.
It’s like crowdfunding your holiday cheer, and the best part is that you’ll all look like gift-giving rock stars without maxing out your credit cards.
Plus, you can use the “strength in numbers” approach to snag something way better than what you could afford on your own.
#8. Skip Physical Gifts
This holiday season, why not skip the physical gifts for parents or grandparents who already have everything?
Instead, offer the priceless gift of your time!
Plan a family dinner, a game night, or even a cozy movie marathon.
These experiences create memories that last far longer than any sweater or gadget.
Plus, let’s be honest – most parents and grandparents would probably prefer a home-cooked meal over another set of bath towels they didn’t ask for.
It’s a win-win: you save money, and they get quality time with their loved ones.
#9. Bring Up Politics at Thanksgiving Dinner
Are you thinking about how to save money on gifts this year?
Here’s a cheeky strategy: bring up politics at Thanksgiving dinner!
Nothing spices up turkey day like a heated debate about current events.
Sure, it might offend a few family members, but on the bright side, you’ll suddenly find yourself off the hook for gift-giving.
“Oh, Aunt Karen isn’t talking to me anymore? Guess I won’t be getting her that scented candle!”
#10. Reduce Your Circle
Are you tired of feeling obligated to buy gifts for every distant cousin or that one friend you haven’t seen since last year’s holiday party?
It’s time to reduce your gift-giving circle!
Take a good look at your list and start trimming the fat.
If you rarely see them and they never send you a gift in return, why are you stressing over what to get them?
This year, set a rule: if you wouldn’t invite them to your holiday dinner, they don’t make the gift list.
Instead, focus on those who truly matter and bring joy into your life.
This way, you can focus your energy and budget on meaningful gifts for the people who really matter.
#11. Spread The Cost Out Throughout The Year
Want to dodge the post-holiday credit card hangover?
Starting in January, spread the cost of gifts throughout the year!
Instead of scrambling for cash in December, save a little money each month for your holiday budget.
Treat it like a secret Santa to yourself by setting aside just $25 a month, and by the time the holidays roll around, you’ll have a cool $300 ready to splurge.
That’s enough for some seriously awesome gifts or even a little holiday cheer for yourself.
Plus, when the shopping season arrives, you’ll be sipping hot cocoa, not sweating over your bank account.
#12. Pick Up Free Gift Cards
Love the idea of saving for the holidays throughout the year but money it too tight?
Sure, you might be able to put away $10 a month, but you need more than $120 for gifts.
What should you do?
Why not turn your downtime into dollar signs by picking up free gift cards throughout the year?
You can play online games, take surveys, or use apps that pay you in gift cards for doing simple tasks – like answering questions or binge-watching videos (yes, please!).
It’s like getting rewarded for your procrastination!
Set aside a few minutes each day to rack up those points while scrolling through your phone or lounging on the couch.
Before you know it, you’ll have enough gift cards to cover your holiday shopping without spending a dime out of pocket.
#13. Give Scratch Off Lottery Tickets
Are you looking for a fun and affordable gift idea?
Consider giving scratch-off lottery tickets!
At just a couple of bucks each, they’re a cheap way to spread holiday cheer – and who knows, your friend or family member might just uncover a life-changing jackpot!
It’s like giving them a mini thrill ride; they’ll scratch, squeal, and maybe even scream with excitement (or despair).
Plus, you get the joy of watching their reactions as they reveal the numbers—it’s entertainment and a gift in one!
- Read now: Discover the best ways to make money for the holidays
- Read now: Learn how to turn unwanted gift cards into fast cash
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