How to Beat Inflation and Save on Holiday Shopping

Can I beat inflation and save on my holiday shopping?

A: Yes, costs are up across the board, but steep price tags do not need to lead to a busted budget. You can beat inflation and save on holiday shopping this year. Here are five tips to get you started. 

1. Set a budget – and keep it

Make a clear budget for the holiday season, including all expenses you expect to encounter, and set a dollar amount for each. Don’t be afraid to set amounts that seem like a stretch. Challenge yourself to lower your holiday spending and find creative ways to make the season festive without landing in deep debt. You can do it!

2. Look for deals and discounts 

Despite rampant inflation, you can still find great deals and coupons to bring down the price. For example, electronic devices will go on sale in late November, while toys are always marked down the weeks just before Christmas. It’s also a good idea to sign up for alerts from your favorite retailers to find out when they’re hosting a sale. Finally, use cash-back apps like Ibotta  and Shopkick.

3. Give fewer gifts

Take a good look at your list of gift recipients and see where you can make some cuts. Do you really need to swap gifts with every coworker, second cousin and around-the-corner neighbor? To keep feelings positive, suggest a secret Santa exchange for social groups in your life so you only need to buy one gift for an entire group.

4. Give a gift card 

A gift card is a great way to give value at less cost. You can purchase discounted gift cards on sites like CardCash and Sam’sClub, with some cards slashed as much as 25%. You can also search these sites for cards to the retailers at which you plan to do your holiday shopping and then use the cards yourself. 

5. Give an experience

Think beyond gifts you can touch and add some experiences to your gift list this year. For example, you can “gift” a child with a free day off from school and treat your partner to an in-house spa night. Present these gifts as homemade “gift cards” wrapped in pretty ribbons.

Use these tips to beat inflation and save on your holiday shopping.