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Looking for ways to save money on Christmas gifts? In this post, I’m sharing 21 ways to save some money this holiday season!
Christmas is such a fun and exciting time of year, but it can get expensive fast.
I’m always looking for new ways to save money, especially this time of year. I know you want to give nice, thoughtful, meaningful gifts, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money.
You can give great Christmas gifts on any budget!
These are my favorite ways to save money on Christmas gifts!
21 Ways to Save Money on Christmas Gifts
Make sure to use Rakuten when you shop online to get free cash back. It’s so easy to use! Sign up here and get a welcome bonus.
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Make DIY gifts
Making homemade and handmade gifts is a great way to save money on Christmas gifts! If you are crafty, choose a few friends or family members who would appreciate a handmade gift, and make a DIY gift. Just make sure you aren’t spending more on craft supplies than you would a store bought gift.
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Give baked goods
Christmas is a great time to give baked goods as a gift. For coworkers, groups of friends, or distant relatives, make a big batch of Christmas goodies for gifts. You can find nice Christmas tins or treat bags at Dollar Tree to wrap these up in. Baked goods are also a great gift because they are consumable and won’t create clutter.
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Ornament Exchange
See if your group of friends, coworkers, or extended family is up for an ornament exchange instead of passing out gifts. An ornament exchange can be made into a game, or played as Secret Santa. And it saves everyone money!
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Agree to $10 gifts
Talk with your friends or family early, before anyone has started holiday shopping, and see if everyone would agree to do $10 gifts. Setting a limit early helps everyone stay on the same page, and not worry about seeming cheap. It’s also fun to see what you can find for $10!
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Dirty Santa
I think Dirty Santa is a great idea for a few reasons. If everyone just has to bring one present to a party, that saves everyone a lot of money. You also don’t create clutter for people that just don’t have room for a lot of gifts. And, it’s a lot of fun! Instead of just ripping through gifts, you make a game of it. Every time I’ve played Dirty Santa, there are a lot of laughs, conversation, and lots of fun.
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Play Pass the Gift game
Do a quick search for rules for a “pass the gift” game – there are several ways to play. The idea is that everyone brings one gift, and you play a game to see who ends up with what. It’s fun and saves everyone money by buying just one gift.
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Draw names
Sometimes, drawing names from a hat is a great way to save money on Christmas gifts. It’s fun to have a secret and be searching for a gift for just one person. I personally prefer Dirty Santa or a game over this, because we usually end up asking what people want.
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Cookie Exchange
A cookie exchange is a great way to save on buying Christmas gifts. This would be fun for a girl friend’s get together. You could pair this with an ornament exchange, or just have everyone bring a plate of cookies. Then, everyone gets to take home a plate of assorted cookies.
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Shop with Ebates to get cash back
When shopping online for gifts, make sure to shop through Ebates to get cash back. They have a great browser extension that alerts you when you are on a site that offers cash back! You can sign up here to get a $10 welcome bonus.
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Shop with Ibotta to get cash back
Another great way to get cash back on Christmas gifts is to shop through the Ibotta app. You can also get cash back on groceries and holiday travel. Sign up here and get $5 when you upload your first receipt!
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Search for coupon codes
Anytime you shop online, always search for coupon codes. Many websites have a deals page, a banner at the top with a code, or a popup. You can also do a google search for store + coupon code.
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Check Retailmenot
Retailmenot.com is a great website for coupon codes. They will list coupon codes by store, so be sure to check there to see if there is a coupon for what you are purchasing.
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Use Honey
Honey is a browser extension that finds coupon codes on sites you are visiting. Honey will automatically add the best coupon code to your cart.
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Shop Black Friday
Black Friday can get pretty crazy, but there are some great deals out there. You definitely have to be a morning person, and organized to make Black Friday work. Find the best deals at each store and map out a plan. It could be a crazy day, but you could save lots of money!
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Shop Cyber Monday
If online shopping is more your style (me), shop Cyber Monday deals. You usually get Black Friday deals without leaving your computer. And pajamas.
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Look for free shipping deals
I can’t stand paying for shipping charges. Look for free shipping days that you can pair with a coupon (and cash back) for the best deal.
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Shop ahead of time
Shop early and look for the best deals. You’ll have more time to shop around and get the best prices. The most expensive gifts will be the last minute ones.
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Buy in bulk
If you find a great deal on a pack of something, like cute ornaments or candles, buy them in bulk and split them up into individual gifts. These smaller gifts are perfect for teachers, friends, or last minute gifts to grab.
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Shop all year round
One of the best ways to save money on Christmas gifts is to shop year round. You can grab deals when you see them, keep them in a closet, and shop from your closet when you need gifts. This way, you aren’t spending a big chunk of money at once.
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Make gift baskets
You can find nice baskets or buckets for cheap at Dollar Tree, T J Maxx, or the Target Dollar Spot. Fill these with small gifts to make a fun gift that’s budget friendly. You could put together a color themed basket, a favorites basket, a snack basket, a spa basket, or a sports bucket.
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Shop after season sales
A great way to save on gifts is to shop after season sales when things go on clearance. Shop after Christmas this year when decor and gifts go on clearance for next year.
These are my favorite ways to save money on Christmas gifts. You can great creative and save a lot of money and still give great gifts.
Think outside the box with ways to save money on Christmas gifts this year. You might plan a party game instead of gifts, a cookie exchange, or set a price limit on gifts.
Whatever way you decide to save, remember what Christmas is really about. And it’s not the gifts.
Spend time with friends and family, have a good time, and keep some money in your pocket.
Make sure to use Rakuten when you shop online to get free cash back. It’s so easy to use! Sign up here and get a welcome bonus.
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