There is a reason why stores go all out trying to lure shoppers to the stores during the holiday shopping season and why stores are opening earlier and earlier on Black Friday. Most people buy holiday gifts for someone this time of year and that means that this is also the time of the year that the retailers make the most money.
It seems like the deals and incentives to shop at one store or another keep getting crazier, which can lead some to spend far more than they originally intended. Before you start shopping this year, be sure to check out these tips that will help you not get caught up and overspend this holiday shopping season.
Make a list and check it twice: The number one thing you can do before heading out to the stores this shopping season is to make a list of the gifts you need to purchase and stick to it. Stores will do everything in their power to get you to purchase more — by offering free gifts with purchase, special discounts based on how much is purchased or giving away door buster deals that are seemingly too good to miss — but the easiest way to get what you need and to save a little is to not overbuy.
I recommend brainstorming specific gift ideas long before you ever head out to the store and keep track of the items you need to buy on a spreadsheet. Consider everyone that you may need to shop for, including any possible family members, friends, or work associates so that there are not any last minute surprises. As items are purchased, check them off the list and move on. Having a game plan will keep you organized and save you money!
Shop the sales: Of course, shopping the sales is probably the most obvious way to save money this holiday shopping season. The sales will be frequent and start as early as Veteran’s Day on November 11 and continue right on through the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday.
In addition to the big sale dates, be sure to check the weekly circulars or store websites for any special discounts for any of the items on your shopping list because you never know when any one item may go on sale.
Compare prices: While I am sure that most of us have stores that we prefer and gravitate toward, during the holiday season you may want to check prices for the items you need at all of the stores in your area. If you find the item you want at one store, check the price match policy for your preferred store because many will offer to meet the prices of their local competitors. Additionally, watch for any further sales or discounts once an item has been purchased because some stores will offer a refund if an item goes on sale within a specific amount of time after purchase.
Use coupons: Aside from keeping track of sales, one of the easiest ways to save on holiday gifts is to use coupons. Retail coupons are available in myriad places. For instance, Coupons.com frequently releases coupons that are valid for kid’s toys, board and video games and movies and that can be used at any store. Some stores will offer printable coupons that can be used in-store via their weekly circulars or that can be printed off of their websites. These days, many coupons can be found via store apps as well. For instance, Target releases new in-store coupons that can only be accessed via the Target Cartwheel App, and those can be used in addition to coupons that can be printed off their website.
Purchase discounted gift certificates: A few years ago a friend told me that one of the ways she saves on holiday gifts is by purchasing discounted gift certificates and then using those to pay for holiday gifts. I remember being amazed, as this is something I never would have thought of doing but it makes perfect sense! There are a few ways to purchase discounted gift certificates, including finding gift certificate deals on sites like Groupon or utilizing a gift certificate reseller like Gift Card Granny.
It is not uncommon for grocery and drug stores to offer gift card promotions at this time of year where shoppers will get an extra gift card with a specific purchase, or receive cash back with the purchase of a specific dollar amount. Finding the gift certificates you want for less could take a bit of extra planning, but it could be a wonderful way to save even more on your holiday purchases!
While coming up with a holiday shopping game plan can take some of the spontaneity out of the season, it will go a long way in helping to ensure that you get the gifts you need without breaking the bank.
More from U.S. News
12 Habits of Phenomenally Frugal Families
10 Frugal Ways to Save This Fall
11 Ways to Save Time and Money
Tips for Not Overspending This Holiday Shopping Season originally appeared on usnews.com
