I am super excited to share all of my affordable finds and frugal tips for this holiday season, so sit back relax, sip some hot cocoa, and enjoy!
Okay, so confession! I actually shop all year round for Christmas! I'm not even joking if you know me you know that I take Christmas very seriously! Now I know that sounds terrible because the holidays should be about spending time with loved ones and not about how big that box is under the tree. However, I have noticed a trend where people get so caught up in trying to find that perfect gift that the Holiday season suddenly becomes exhausting. Instead of coming back to work after Winter Break energized people are finding themselves beginning the new year feeling lethargic. As my inner circle has expanded so has my gift-giving list and after having one year where I spent way too much on last-minute holiday gift shopping I realized I needed to be more proactive.
For those of you frantically checking every site looking for that perfect gift for your loved one- PLEASE PAUSE and come up with a realistic budget! Credit Karma has taken a poll that shows that about 1 in 4 Americans will be in at least $1,000 of debt due to the holiday season. 😱 I say this as a friend do not get into debt for presents! The "Black Friday" sales are great, but they do not happen only once a year. If you look close enough you will find that 50% off sales happen year-round all the way up to Christmas Day and beyond the New Year. (cough cough January 6th has huge sales) Sometimes even bigger than Black Friday sales as you will find items on clearance with an additional percentage off sale! My Macy's shoppers know this by heart!
Just Breathe! Before you make your rounds whether in stores or online take a moment to make sure you know who's on your list. Like the man with the big beard says check that list twice! Santa is on to something. I find myself with at least 10 additional names on my list each year that really should not be on my holiday list. Especially, since I will not even be seeing them near or after the holidays. If you are struggling with removing someone from your gift-giving list, remember you can always send them a holiday card with a family portrait. I love these and hang them up on my refrigerator door each year!
Now, that you have shortened your list, make sure it is in order. When are you seeing them? I see some friends each year right before the holidays. I know that I need to get their gifts first. Even though, I will not physically be in the same location with these loved ones we are still planning a virtual party. With pandemic in mind, I want to make sure I send my packages out early enough for them to arrive in time. I really, really, really hate the postal service this time of year and have learned the hard way that it is much easier to take advantage of free shipping from stores or Amazon Prime. Yes, having a wrapped package is nice, but also unnecessary, trust me your loved ones have other wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree. Let's save some trees!
LASTLY, but most importantly! Please make sure you are taking advantage of all the rebate offers you can find! I have 3 different articles to use in combination or individually. (4 top saving rebate apps, web browser extensions, education/student discounts) For each gift guide I post, I will direct you to the best rebates to join and what you could earn.
Breakdown: Tips for saving this Holiday Season!
Make a budget! These "Black-Friday" sales actually happen all year.
Check your gift list twice and then minimize it.
With your new list - put loved ones in chronological order from when you will see them first.
Optimize your savings and make sure that with every transaction you are making, something is being returned to you!
My Gift Guides for this Holiday Season!
The Librarian
The Baker
The Health Nut
The New Influencer
The New Mom
The Furry Friend
YOU!
As I post these guides they will become hyperlinked here- So bear with me and stay tuned!
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