Sorry to be the one to remind you but Christmas is only 80 days away. For me that means it's time to start my Christmas list & check it twice. But just because you are shopping for others doesn't mean you can't do it frugally.
Here are some ways that I (try to) keep Christmas spending under control:
Both our debit cards have a FREE program that offers points for purchases. We save the points all year long and then buy a gift card to shop with. This year I have JCP, Footlocker & Walmart.
*Shop the clearance racks all year long
I'm always on the lookout for a good deal. If it's for the kids then I will buy a size or two bigger to make sure it will fit them. Slowly I start to fill up a tote or two without even realizing it.
*Use ECBs or RRs
My family might be strange but they enjoy getting "goody bags" that are full of HBA and other products I have picked up from the drugstores. Even if your family doesn't want shampoo as a gift there are lots of gift worthy items available - movies, small appliances, candy, etc.
*Shop online through Ebates
Ebates is a shopping site that gives you Cash Back every time you shop online. I like getting that rebate check from Ebates when all the shopping is done.
*Always check for a coupon or discount code
Retailmenot.com is my go-to site for checking on coupons or promotional codes. They make it very easy to search for the store in order to check for a discount. And since they allow their users to leave feedback you know which codes are legit.
*Use your Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a site that allows you to earn great prizes such as iPhones, iPods, concert tickets, gift cards, and more just for using them to search the Internet. A $5 Amazon eGift card is only 450 Swagbucks so in a typical month I have enough Swagbucks for TWO $5 gift cards all just for searching the Internet!
*Shop the Dollar Store or Target's Dollar Spot
These are the perfect places to pick up cheap stocking stuffers!
*Quality over quantity
Buy the one thing they really want instead of several items they may not. For example instead of buying 4 pairs of Wrangler jeans, I will spend that money to get my nephew one pair of jeans from Hollister. Yes they are more expensive but I'd rather spend the same amount on the ones he really wants.
*Regift
Very cliche but I've received gifts that I cannot use/wear/return so instead of letting it collect dust I try to regift it to someone who can use it.
*Check OCH daily
Because all the HOT DEALS are there!
What are some ways that YOU keep Christmas costs down?
1 comment:
We do a lot of homemade, food, or other personal items. FOr people that I don't know that well, a jar of apple butter that I have made along with some fresh baked bread is an economical yet personal way to say Merry Christmas!
Also, for the grandparents, I try to get the kids to add a personal touch to an otherwise cheap/plain item. For instance, instead of spending tons of money on a fancy picture frame, get an inexpensive one from Walmart and have the kids decorate it. It's useful yet personal.
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