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Holiday shopping doesn’t have to feel like a high-stakes sprint through overcrowded malls and chaotic online sales. With prices rising and gift lists getting longer, it’s completely normal to want to keep things festive and affordable.

The good news? Saving money on holiday gifts is easier than you might think. With a little strategy, some smart timing, and a willingness to get creative, you can stretch your budget without too much hassle. Here are some practical ways to score thoughtful gifts while keeping your wallet in a good mood this season.

Use Those Black Friday Sales: Black Friday is still the Super Bowl of bargain hunting, with big retailers slashing prices to outdo each other. Stores like Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Kohl’s often discount toys and popular gifts by 50-percent or more. Check prices online or use your phone while shopping to make sure you’re truly getting a deal, and remember that many retailers start rolling out sales the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
Check Out Clearance Sections: Clearance aisles are treasure hunts waiting to happen, especially in December when stores slash prices on everything they overstocked. You can often uncover non-seasonal items for up to 90-percent off, including toys, home goods, and accessories. Dollar General, CVS, Walmart, and Target often run surprisingly great clearance sales if you’re willing to poke around a bit.
Use Credit Card Rewards: If you have a cashback or points-based credit card, you might be sitting on free money without realizing it. Many shoppers forget about unused rewards, even though they can trim a big chunk off your holiday spending. You can also rack up new rewards while you shop, helping you save on any last-minute gifts that pop up on your list.
Stack Freebies, Coupons, And Rebates: Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens offer loyalty program deals that pair perfectly with manufacturers’ coupons for extra-low prices. Dollar General also lets you stack digital coupons and cash-back offers, which can make stocking stuffers incredibly cheap. Apps like Ibotta, Fetch, and Shopkick offer rebates that give you money back after you purchase certain items.
Shop Secondhand Stores: Thrift stores and secondhand apps are gold mines for lightly used toys, books, clothing, or even brand-new items still in the box. Young kids won’t care if something isn’t fresh off the shelf, they just want something fun to play with. Check places like Goodwill, Mercari, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, and toy-specific resellers for major savings.
Turn Your Hobbies Into Heartfelt Gifts: Handmade gifts add a personal touch that store-bought gifts can’t match. If you love a hobby, gifting something you’ve created can feel extra meaningful for both you and the receiver. You could also give personal gift certificates for lessons in cooking, knitting, or any skill you’d love to share.
Give Experiences, Not Things: Sometimes the best gift doesn’t come in a box…it comes in the form of time spent together. Take your giftee to a museum or a fun local event. Experiences create lasting memories long after gifts break or get forgotten.

Source: AARP

Bob Delmont