Christmas is coming, and we all know that spending money on gifts for friends and family is part of the tradition. But sometimes, you might wonder where to start when planning your Christmas international shopping list.
At least one in three Americans will spend more than $1,000 this year on their holiday gifts, according to a recent survey by the personal finance website WalletHub. Many people will want to give something like a smartphone or tablet, but what else should they consider? The answer depends largely on your time before Christmas, your budget, and other factors.
There are tons of ideas to save money and create awesome presents. Additionally, there is a lot of pressure to get those perfect presents. If you don’t have the time or energy to shop around, here are some holiday budgeting tips that will help you with choosing an appropriate gift:
Tip 1: Shop Online
If you plan on spending a lot of money on gifts this year, shop online instead of heading to the mall. Holiday online shopping is convenient and easy, plus you avoid paying sales tax, which can add up quickly. Plus, you can browse thousands of stores and compare products side by side.
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Most sites offer free shipping, so you don’t have to worry about having to wait weeks to receive your purchases. Many retailers offer discounts during the holiday season, so you can score big savings without feeling guilty.
Tip 2: Stock Up On Groceries
Instead of hitting the grocery store after work on Black Friday, stock up on groceries beforehand. By stocking up early, you will avoid the crowds and end up saving money. Plus, you can enjoy the whole experience without worrying about rushing into the checkout line.
Plus, you can take advantage of seasonal specials, such as 50% off produce, 10% off dairy and 15% off meat. Also, be sure to check weekly flyers for sale announcements, where major chains sometimes offer additional deals.
Tip 3: Join A Groupon Club
This is one of the tips for shopping on a budget. Groupon offers daily deals throughout the entire month of December. If you sign up with one of their email newsletters, you’ll get an email every day with exclusive discounts. You can also purchase individual deals directly from the site. These are great if you want to give a gift card or make a small purchase at a local restaurant or retailer.
Tip 4: Buy A Gift Card Instead Of Giving Cash
Gift cards are holiday shopping trends. Gift cards are perfect for giving to someone who doesn’t like to spend cash – they can use them however they please. Plus, you won’t have to deal with wrapping paper and bows, two things most people hate doing. However, it’s important to choose a gift card wisely.
Try using a gift card website that allows you to see what percentage of the value has been used, and then decide whether the person would rather use that amount or keep the card. It might seem wasteful to buy a $100 gift card and only use $20 of it, but in the long run, you’re not wasting any money. Plus, if you do happen to forget to pay off the full balance before the expiration date, there’s no late fees.
Tip 5: Find Free Activities
When searching for activities for the holiday break, look for free events around town. For example, some libraries hold craft workshops, while others host holiday movie nights. Many museums hold special shows, including live performances of Nativity scenes. And many parks hold special outdoor concerts right before winter break. Not only is attending a free event fun, but it helps you save money, too.
Tip 6: Stay In Your Hometown
This is the another best way to save money on online shopping. Take advantage of it if you don’t mind being stuck at home all day! Use the time to catch up on chores around your house, read books and magazines, or even just relax and watch movies. Plus, why pay for parking if you’re planning on going out anyway? The added bonus is that you avoid the lines at the malls and other crowded retail areas when you stay home.
Tip 7: Make A List With The Kids
In addition to making a list of gifts you need to buy, make a list of all the places you need to go on the weekend. Set aside time each night to complete tasks together, such as putting presents under the tree, hanging the lights and decorating the Christmas tree.
Then, reward yourselves by eating dinner outside or taking a bath together. When the kids know what needs to be done, they’re more likely to do it themselves. Don’t forget to include fun family traditions and special memories on your lists as well.
Tip: 8: Track your Spending
Tracking your spending over the holidays is key to keeping yourself on holiday shopping on a budget. There are several apps available on both Android and iOS devices. Some allow you to track your spending, while others keep you aware of how much money you’ve spent. Choose one carefully based on what information you care the most about.
Tip 9: Look At What’s On Sale
You may think that buying the cheapest items possible is always best during the holidays, but it is only sometimes true. Instead, look at sales online, in stores and through social media. Many retailers offer deals on popular products, so if you aren’t already looking for something specific, consider checking those international shopping sites first. If you find something you like, purchase it knowing that you can get it cheaper later.
Tip 10: Decide Whether To Buy Or Rent
Renting vs Buying gifts can be stressful. But, it’s important to remember that renting is often easier than buying. While this may sound obvious – why would you rent a car if you could drive it yourself – it is also very true for many other purchases. For instance, instead of purchasing a new dress for your daughter’s birthday party every year, you can rent a dress from an outlet store. This will cost less, and you’ll still feel good sending her a present she truly wants.
Tip 11: Ask Friends For Help
It might seem silly to ask friends or neighbors for help with international online shopping, especially if you have plenty of cash saved up. However, asking someone else for help is a great way to lessen stress. You can start by discussing which items you need, then work together to determine where to buy them. It doesn’t matter who does the research or goes to the actual stores; it’s important that everyone involved feels comfortable with their choices.
Tip 12: Cut Back on Expenses
If you want to save money on gifts this season, cut down on unnecessary spending. Save money on something other than expensive meals at restaurants. Instead, cook a meal that the whole family loves at home. Get rid of old clothing and donate it to your local charity.
Consider using coupons to save on things like groceries and gas. And, once you finish your gift shopping, turn off the lights in rooms you won’t use for weeks, months or even years.
Final Words:
These are holiday shopping guides. Now that you’re ready to shop for holiday gifts, you just need to decide what you want to give. The ideas in this article should help you narrow down your list. Remember, though, not everything has to be perfect — even when giving gifts is a challenge!
Just try to focus on the joy of helping others celebrate the happiest day of the year. Now that you’re finished reading our guide, we hope you enjoyed it, and have some amazing ideas for finding the perfect holiday gift. Happy Holidays!
