7 Hacks to Slash Holiday Shopping Bills by 50% (Tested in 2025)
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring a lot of financial stress. Between buying gifts, hosting parties, and traveling, it’s no wonder that the average American spends over $1,000 during the holiday season. But what if I told you that you could slash your holiday shopping bills by 50%? That’s right, with these 7 hacks that have been tested and proven effective in 2025, you can save big on your holiday spending and still have a great time. So put on your Santa hat and get ready to learn how to save big this holiday season!
1. Start Your Shopping Early
The key to saving money during the holiday season is to plan ahead. This means starting your shopping early, preferably in the summer or early fall. This gives you plenty of time to compare prices and take advantage of early bird sales. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the stress of last-minute shopping and paying premium prices for gifts.
Tip: Use Price Comparison Websites
One of the best ways to save money when shopping for holiday gifts is to use price comparison websites like PriceGrabber or Google Shopping. These websites allow you to compare prices from different retailers and find the best deal on a product you’re looking for. You can also set up price alerts to be notified when the price drops on something you want to purchase.
2. Make a Budget and Stick to It
It’s easy to get carried away with holiday shopping, especially when you see all the amazing sales and deals. But if you want to slash your shopping bills by 50%, it’s important to make a budget and stick to it. Start by making a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for, and assign a budget for each person. This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.
Tip: Use Cashback Apps
Cashback apps like Rakuten and Honey can help you save even more money while holiday shopping. These apps offer cashback on purchases made at select retailers, which can add up quickly. Plus, they usually have special holiday promotions, so keep an eye out for those to save even more.
3. Take Advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are known for having some of the best deals of the year, and they can save you a ton of money on your holiday shopping. Keep an eye out for early Black Friday deals, as well as online-only deals on Cyber Monday. And don’t be afraid to stack coupons and promo codes to save even more.
Tip: Plan Your Shopping Route
If you plan on hitting the stores on Black Friday, make sure you plan your route ahead of time. This will help you save time and avoid the chaos of trying to find parking and navigating crowded stores. It’s also a good idea to research store hours and popular items beforehand so you can prioritize your shopping.
4. Get Creative with Your Gifts
Who says you have to spend a lot of money on gifts to show your love and appreciation? Get creative with your gifts and opt for something homemade or personalized instead. Not only will it save you money, but it will also make your gift even more meaningful.
Tip: Consider Secret Santa or White Elephant
If you have a large group of friends or family, consider doing a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange instead of buying gifts for everyone. This will save you money and also make gift-giving more fun and exciting!
5. Skip the Gift Wrapping
Gift wrapping can add up quickly, especially when you have a lot of gifts to wrap. Instead, consider using alternative methods like wrapping gifts in old newspapers, cloth, or reusable gift bags. You can also get creative and use items like pinecones, twine, and foliage to decorate your gifts.
Tip: Look for Free Shipping Deals
If you plan on ordering gifts online, look for retailers that offer free shipping. This will save you money on shipping fees, which can add up if you’re ordering multiple gifts.
6. Shop for Non-Traditional Gifts
Instead of buying material gifts, consider giving experiences or making a donation to a charity in someone’s name. This not only saves you money, but it also allows you to give back and spread joy during the holiday season.
Tip: Take Advantage of Free Holiday Events
There are usually plenty of free holiday events happening in your community, from tree lighting ceremonies to holiday markets. These events are a great way to get into the holiday spirit and make memories with your loved ones without spending a dime.
7. Keep an Eye Out for Post-Holiday Sales
Just because the holiday season is over doesn’t mean the deals are done. Keep an eye out for post-holiday sales where you can score big discounts on holiday decor, wrapping paper, and more. Stock up for next year and save yourself some money in the long run.
Tip: Don’t Spend Just to Save
While post-holiday sales can be a great way to save money, make sure you’re not buying things just because they’re on sale. Only purchase items that you actually need or were planning on buying anyways to avoid overspending.
By following these 7 hacks, you can slash your holiday shopping bills by 50% and still have a joyful and budget-friendly holiday season. Remember, planning ahead, being creative, and taking advantage of deals and promotions can save you a lot of money in the long run. Happy shopping and happy holidays!
