How to Plan Your Holiday Shopping and Save Money

Updated: November 16, 2022

Christmas is just around the corner and so is the biggest shopping season in the country.

Holiday bazaars are starting to show up everywhere, and stores are already advertising their yuletide promos and sale schedules.

With so many things that we need and want to buy for ourselves, for our family and for our friends, how do we make sure that we don’t go over our budget?

Below are some simple tips on how to maximize your cash and get the best you can afford this coming Christmas season.

Make a Shopping List

Get a piece of paper and write down at the very top the exact amount of money you can afford to spend this holiday season. Make it big and bold.

After that, proceed to write down your shopping list, while constantly minding the amount you just declared. This will help you stay realistic with your list.

Itemize Your Budget

Once you’ve made your list (and checked it twice), it’s time to assign the individual amount you’re willing to spend on each item while making sure the sum fares within your total budget.

Needless to say, you will probably have to compromise on some people and their gift values on the list. Just remember that “it’s the thought that counts” – always.

Plan Your Route

Shopping list – check; budget for each item – check. Now you need to list down the places where you’ll buy them.

Try to consider not only where those items are most affordable, but also places where you can buy several items at the same time.

Set Your Shopping Dates

You now have your what, who, how much and where – it’s time to decide your “when”. Just remember to shop as early as you can so you can avoid the Christmas rush.

From experience, the first week of December is the best time to shop for your gifts. Holiday promos and bazaars are already set, but there’s still less people around.

Stretch Your Budget This Holiday Season

That’s it! I hope you enjoyed these basic tips on how to properly plan your Christmas shopping.

It’s simple, easy and best of all – it helps you stay within your set budget.

And of course, don’t forget to consider making your own gifts, and if you’re okay with it – regifting some of the items you’ve received in the past.

Lastly, always be careful when shopping during the holidays. Bring only cash you need, don’t carry all your credit cards and have presence of mind wherever you are.

Coming Home Safe and Sound

Christmas shopping is fun – but it can also be tiring, specially when you have to commute or take public transportation.

While you can certainly rent a cab instead, the holidays are notorious for long traffic jams and if you’re not too careful, you could end up with huge fare costs.

Of course, you can always shop with a friend who owns a car, and just chip in on the gasoline expense.

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Photo credit: tanakawho