Last Updated on September 19, 2020 by Ellen Christian
I’m sharing these money saving tips for holiday shopping because Christmas will be here in just a few months. This post has been sponsored by Coinstar who help me stay on top of my holiday savings. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
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Every year, Christmas sneaks up on me. I promise myself that I will start saving money and shopping in July. One day I look at the calendar and it’s November and I wonder where the time has gone. All of a sudden, I have a huge list of things that I need to buy and no extra money in the bank. These are a few of the money saving tips for holiday shopping that I use.
Money Saving Tips for Holiday Shopping
- Start early. It is easier to put away $5 a week every week starting in February than $50 a week every week starting in October.
- Check out the clearance section every time you shop. You can find some pretty amazing deals on clearance if you check consistently.
- Free samples make great stocking stuffers. Every time I see a free sample offer that I think my kids would enjoy, I set it aside and use it as a stocking stuffer.
- Homemade gifts can make wonderful choices for some people. Gifts in a jar, homemade beauty products, or even homemade Christmas cards are great ideas.
- Make a list and stick to it. It’s easy to go overboard and get “just one or two more things”. Make a list and then buy what’s on the list.
- Research the best prices online. You’ll save time and money if you check the prices at several online websites before heading out to the store.
- Shop Black Friday sales if you can. Some years, the crowds are just too much for me but you can find amazing deals on Black Friday.
- Cyber Monday is the online equivalent of Black Friday. Many websites have amazing deals on this day.
- Buy second hand. Not everyone will appreciate a second hand gift but some will. A vintage book from the thrift store or a cute set of China teacups from the antique store might thrill someone on your list.
- Turn your spare change into cash vouchers. Coinstar kiosks provide a range of services enabling consumers to transform what they have into what they want.
Coinstar has just announced four new no-fee card-to-coin eCertificate partners: Applebee’s, GameStop, The Home Depot, and Southwest Airlines. GameStop is always on my teens’ Christmas list so you know that I am going to be cashing in on that one. You can also:
- Turn loose coins into cash vouchers
- Deposit, withdraw and transfer funds to and from PayPal accounts
- Donate to charity partners like American Red Cross, the Ronald McDonald House, and The Humane Society
- Redeem coins and cash for other eCertficates or gift cards at retailers like Amazon, Old Navy, Toys“R”Us, Starbucks, and Nike, without an additional fee
- Use MyCoinstar, a free online account available through Coinstar, to track their coin counting history, receive exclusive offers from top brands, and get a sneak peek at Coinstar promotions
Have you started planning for the hoildays?
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
Hi there! I found your post on Pinterest. These are great idea’s. Christmas is over this year and i’ll start shopping early next year. I plan to do 2014 way different than the passed few years. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by, Leslie. I have that same plan for 2014!
I can’t believe Christmas is so soon! I was in Kohl’s the other day and was shocked to see the ornaments out. I love your idea of looking through the clearance section every time you’re at the store!
I have definitely been working hard to save and plan for Christmas this year. It always amazes me how much loose change adds up. I’ve been lucky enough to have won a few gift card giveaways this year so those will come in so handy for Christmas shopping.
Yep, I definitely have planned for the holidays. Many stores here already have their holiday toys and decor out now. No black friday sales for me. I like Cyber Monday better. The rebates from shopping online like through Ebates or Shopathome.com plus the cashback percentage from my credit card I’m set!
I hate trying to budget around this time of year. Good tips, thanks!
Seriously I was just thinking about this. It’s time to start planning for Christmas presents! I normally compare prices online and sales ads to get the best prices. The past couple years I have purchased most of my gifts online and it really helps with prices and convenience.
I do quite a few of these, but could do more. I love making cookies in a jar for my neighbors. I need to go from a list, too, or I will overdo it.
I buy all year round. Like you said about checking the clearance section. I have been buying on ebay used video games for the kids.
awesome tips!! i’m great at overspending so planning ahead is key for me.
Oh gosh, I haven’t even thought of the holidays just yet. I’m still on holiday myself, so kinda enjoying it. I usually start in November.
These are great tips. Thanx for sharing! I can’t believe the holidays are almost here.
Is it time to start thinking about holiday shopping already? Eek! Love these tips. I find that I do most of my shopping online since you can find deals & promo codes.
Not only do I research the best prices online, I buy almost everything online. I can’t deal with crowded stores, and actually I do most of my own shopping, except for clothes online. It is so much easier.