20 Ways to Save on Your Holiday Shopping in 2025
Don't worry we got your shopping hacks.
- Cyra Sanchez
- 5 min read
Offer down-to-earth tactics like using AI-powered price trackers, getting a jump on shopping, and leaning into cashback rewards. It invites consumers to be sustainable by buying secondhand or experiences rather than physical items. We list 20 of today’s technology-driven solutions with old-school advice for surviving the cash-crunched holiday season.
1. Set a Clear Budget
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Your holiday budget is like the blueprint for your festive spending. By pre-determining how much you want to set aside for gifts, travel, and other expenses, you’ll have a roadmap to follow. This method keeps your finances in check and prevents the dreaded post-holiday financial hangover.
2. Open a Dedicated Holiday Savings Account
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A treasure chest just for your holiday money. That way, you can automate deposits and avoid plundering them for non-emergencies. It’s a surefire way to keep disciplined and have a guilt-free holiday shopping spree.
3. Try the 52-Week Savings Challenge
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Make saving a fun, year-long game. Set up a small weekly saving plan, and let the savings accumulate painlessly over a few weeks (or months!) to build up a good holiday fund for yourself. This is an easy and satisfying way to achieve financial goals without noticing the pinch.
4. Cut Hidden Expenses
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Grab your magnifying glass and go detective on your monthly bills. Cancel subscriptions you no longer use, cook more meals at home, or shop for generic brands to find spare cash. Instead of letting the savings go to waste, redirect them to your holiday fund; it adds up quickly.
5. Sell Items You Don’t Use Anymore
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Another man’s trash is another man’s treasure! Try selling items you don’t use on eBay or Facebook Marketplace to declutter your home. It’s a win-win—you’re getting some extra cash and making room for the holiday haul.
6. Find New Channels for Income
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Why not monetize your skills with a side hustle? Whether through freelance work, tutoring, or selling handmade crafts, you can earn extra cash to fund your holiday shopping. The fact that you earned it makes the splurge even better.
7. Shop During Sales and Plan Ahead
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Early birds don’t just get worms; they get the best deals. Buying during mega-sales such as Black Friday guarantees discounts on expensive merchandise. Planning ahead keeps last-minute panic buying in check, which in turn helps avoid overspending.
8. Stack Coupons and Promo Codes
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Why get just one discount when you can stack on additional discounts? Use coupon apps or browser extensions (such as Honey) to stack the deals and promo codes. It’s an automatic way to save without having to try harder.
9. Use Cashback Sites and Apps
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Make technology work for your wallet. Cashback sites or apps give you money back on purchases, basically giving you discounts. It’s a simple way to make your holiday budget go a little further.
10. Give Homemade or Personalized Gifts
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Bring a little thoughtfulness to your holiday giving. Gifts from the heart or personalized items that won’t cost you the earth show you care. It’s a favorite, do-it-yourself alternative to store-bought gifts.
11. Take Advantage of Free Shipping Offers
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Why pay for delivery when many retailers offer free shipping for the holidays? Look for deals or shop on days when stores offer free shipping. It’s a tiny but gratifying way to save money.
12. Leverage Rewards Points or Miles
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Use those credit cards or airplane miles wisely. You can redeem them for gifts, flights, or accommodations to offset your out-of-pocket costs. It’s like using the free money you already earned to go shopping.
13. Use Buy Now, Pay Later Wisely
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Make the most of your budget by using Buy Now, Pay Later options with caution! These plans let you divide large purchases into smaller, interest-free payments. If you’re responsible, it’s useful as long as you avoid interest or fees.
14. Create DIY Decorations and Wrapping
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Let your creativity shine and save on holiday decorations. The possibilities range from making ornaments at home to wrapping gifts with newspaper or kraft paper. It’s fun, environmentally friendly, and easy on the wallet.
15. Compare Prices Online
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Turn check-in for price into your superpower tools such as Google Shopping or PriceGrabber. It allows you to compare retail prices to get the best deal. Two minutes here can save you thousands.
16. Shop with a List
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Channel your inner Santa, create a list, and check it twice. Sticking to a clear shopping list helps avoid impulse buys and keeps you focused on what you come out to get. This strategy is both simple and effective.
17. Limit Gift Exchanges
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Minimize gifting requirements by proposing a Secret Santa or gift exchange. Fewer people to shop for equals reduced stress and more meaningful gifts. It’s a tradition that’s easy on the budget but rich in holiday cheer.
18. Shop Local or Small Businesses
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Help out your community while scoring unique items. Items bought from local artisans or small businesses tend to be of higher quality and one-of-a-kind, which means you’re supporting the local economy.
19. Take Advantage of Credit Card Price Protection
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Certain credit cards include price protection, which refunds the difference if an item’s price drops after you buy it. That means you need to keep track of your receipts and monitor post-purchase prices. It’s a simple way to save in retrospect.
20. Set Up Gift Alerts
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Technology can be the bargain-hunting for you. Turn on price alerts for the products you’re interested in to be notified when they go on sale. It’s a pressure-free method of getting a good deal without price monitoring.