19 Ways To Spend Less On Gifts

We all wish we were multi-millionaires at Christmas and that money was no object when buying gifts.

Millionaire

Unfortunately, most of us do not have unlimited funds (however much we fantasize about winning a lottery), and we could all use a few tips, and a few hundred extra dollars, on how to spend less on gifts for Christmas.

Saving money

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Here are a few suggestions. This list is by no means exhaustive so feel free to share your tips with the rest of our readers.

My Idea

1. Make a list of those lucky People who will get gifts from you. [spacer height=”20px”]
2. Send an email asking for Wish Lists by the end of October (it will take them weeks to get back to you).[spacer height=”20px”]
3. Start in early November.[spacer height=”20px”]
4. If you don’t get a wish list, think about what those people love, then brainstorm a gift in that category.[spacer height=”20px”]
5.  Forget spending a set amount on each person. It should be more about a special thoughtful gift than about the cost.[spacer height=”20px”]
6. Do a little Research. Search online for the product or similar products.[spacer height=”20px”]
7. Search online for flash Sales, Black Friday sales, Christmas sales. You may get some great ideas for gifts. [spacer height=”20px”]
8. Order Online to avoid the stress of parking and battling the crowds. Sit back on your couch and get all your shopping done in a few hours. Check for shipping costs (free is good). You’ll be smug as a bug in a rug when, in early December, you smile sweetly as you tell your Christmas-stressed friends, “Oh, I have all my Christmas shopping done.”[spacer height=”20px”]
9. Do some House Shopping. Most of us have more stuff than we need. See if there is a suitable gift just sitting right in front of you, or tucked away in a back shelf.  [spacer height=”20px”]
10. Trade in old Electronics at Walmart or Best Buy.[spacer height=”20px”]
11. Always search for a Coupon Code online before the final purchase of any item online. Some companies may release coupon codes that are exclusive for customers on social media or subscribers.[spacer height=”20px”]
12. Check your Reward Points. Instead of letting them expire, you could use them for gifts.[spacer height=”20px”]
13. U.S. Readers, mark your calendar for December 16, Free Shipping Day. See the hundreds of participating stores at  Freeshippingday.com. Not only will they offer free shipping, but often a discount, too (in past years 20% off). Gifts are guaranteed to arrive by Christmas.[spacer height=”20px”]
14. Canadian Readers, subscribe to Red Flag Deals for all the best sales in every category, and individualize the subscription to your city: Red Flag Deals[spacer height=”20px”]
15.  Check Educational sites or do a search for for great gifts for kids that entertain and teach a skill at the same time. Try Scholars Choice or Little Passports to name a few. [spacer height=”20px”]
16. Books always make great gifts when they are from a category loved by the receiver.[spacer height=”20px”]
17. Everyone, young and old, loves a soft cuddly white Blanket/Throw. [spacer height=”20px”]
18. The most practical gift of all time: a gift certificate to a Grocery store or Gas station.[spacer height=”20px”]
19.  Take your winter Vacation over Christmas to avoid having to shop altogether.[spacer height=”20px”]
    
    Penny Pincher
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    And, of course, my own shameless plug:
    For a great unique gift, you can buy the book, Travel To Little Known Places on the left side panel of this page, or here: Travel To Little Known Places.