While we may hesitate acknowledging it, the holiday season is fast approaching. Although we’re still in late summer, time will fly and before we realize it, the holidays will be upon us. Unplanned holiday expenditure could lead to a hefty financial burden, so it’s crucial that we start preparing for the season ahead to ease our wallets.
WHY START NOW?
Typically, the holiday sales kick-off right after the back to school deals taper off. Not every store follows the same timeline, but a discerning eye can spot some solid bargains. So, now is the ideal moment to start scanning for holiday essentials if you haven’t begun already.
Some of us are already embarking on a holiday shopping spree, and retailers are well aware. Consequently, they offer enticing sales which can be either beneficial or deceiving. At times, retailers inflate the original price to make the sales look more compelling. Hence, if you’re searching for a specific item, it’s advisable to cross-check its price in multiple stores (preferable when not on sale). By knowing the real price, you’ll be equipped to evaluate whether a sale deal is truly worth seizing.
Starting your holiday preparation now will not only save you financially but will alleviate stress as the holiday season draws closer. Instead of rushing later, you can leisurely purchase all you need over time, saving money along the way and enabling you to relish the holiday season in a relaxed manner.
PLANNING
The key to economical holiday preparations is prudent planning. Sure, some last-minute gifts might be unavoidable but if you consistently gather gift ideas throughout the year, you can substantially save in the long run.
One strategy I employ is to maintain a wish list of what my kids want for the next holidays, starting right after the current season. I’ve found Amazon’s Gift Wish List to be particularly helpful. Sometimes, I’d ask my kids directly, while at other times, they can themselves add their preferred items to their respective Amazon wishlists. Sharing these lists with friends and family ahead of time not only simplifies my shopping but enables them also to plan better – a win-win for everyone!
However, I don’t restrict my shopping to Amazon. I utilize their wishlists to scout for the best prices across various sites with the help of useful apps / extensions. I can’t declare a definitive winner, as significant savings largely depend on the specific product and the platform it’s offered on.
My go-to tools for best deals include:
– Ebates
– Gumdrop
– Honey
– Ibotta
– Wikibuy
While sometimes Amazon provides the best price, other platforms may offer the same product for a better deal at other times.
One habit I’ve developed is to verify item prices on my phone while shopping in physical stores. Surprisingly, I often find wishlist items on clearance sale at a lower price than online stores. Never underestimate the value of meticulous planning and handy mobile apps!
QUICK TIP
I’ve discovered that children’s consignment sales are a treasure trove for holiday gifts for kids. While it might sound odd initially, these semi-annual sales provide an array of options beyond clothes and shoes.
From games, toys, purses, backpacks, lunchboxes, bikes, scooters, camping equipment, sports gear, to furniture and appliances, my regional consignment sales have it all. Consequently, I stock up potential gifts for my children and even for adults throughout the year. Many have a fall/winter version happening around September/October, thereby offering a splendid opportunity for early holiday shopping. The significant cost savings on these items make them an absolute steal!
PREPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The best time to gear up for the holidays is undoubtedly now, as yesteryears are in the past. An early initiation of a holiday savings strategy, followed by unhurried shopping throughout the year, has proven to be the best money-saving approach for me.
Once you have a clear mind about what you need, start scouting for those items leisurely. Here’s my tried-and-tested action plan for saving money, time, and stress:
1. Draft the items in an Amazon wishlist
2. Use handy apps/extensions like Ebates, Gumdrop, Honey, Ibotta, and Wikibuy
3. Stay informed about the original retail price of the item
4. Keep a lookout for year-round sales and coupons
5. Stock up and save!
If you succeed in these steps, you’ll witness substantial savings on your holiday expenses. For me, the real essence of the holidays is to cherish quality time with loved ones, without the stress of how to finance the celebrations or the fear of sinking into holiday debt.
So, if shopping in advance and grabbing fantastic deals can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable holiday season, I’m all in!
What’s your best time to start preparing for the holidays and save big?
