Creative Ways to Save Money on Gifts for the Holidays

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The holidays are just around the corner–for some, they are already upon us. For those of you shopping right up to the final deadline, you’ll need to get creative in order to save money on your gift shopping. Stock up on coffee and candy canes to give you the rush you need to get through your shopping, and try some of these creative ways to save money on your gifts this year:

  1. Use Your Old Gift Cards
    Many of us have old gift cards sitting around the house from any number of retailers. Every holiday seems to bring in more of them, and we don’t always have the time to make good use of them. Those old gift cards can become your ticket to a budget friendly holiday season–regifting the cards themselves is one option, or you can use them in lieu of cash when you go out shopping.
  2. Unleash Your Inner Artist
    The greatest holiday gifts of all are those that come from the heart. Money can buy a lot of things, but it can’t buy your personal creative touch. Crafting your own gifts is a great way to save money and give your loved ones something they’ll remember for ages. Everything from creative works of art, to handmade candles, to delicious holiday baked goods, can be a great gift for anyone on your list this year. And what’s even better, you can tailor your gifts for each individual to make something truly special and unique.
  3. Use the Best Shopping Apps
    Smart phones have forever changed the way we communicate with one another and browse the internet, but they’re making a huge impact on shopping as well. Some of the most popular apps of the holiday season are those that can be utilized as shopping aids. An app like RedLaser can turn your phone into a portable price comparison guide, scanning bar codes and finding the best prices in the area for you. Never underestimate the power of your phone as a bargain hunting tool.
  4. Cut Out the Expensive Wrappings
    This may seem like a negligible expense, but you’d be surprised to realize how much you really spend on gift wrapping every year. Whether you’re buying rolls of wrapping paper and bags of bows from the supermarket or having your gifts wrapped at the store, you’re spending more than you have to. Simplify the wrapping process by taking a different route this year, and use things that you already have in the house.
  5. Hunt for Coupons
    Coupon clipping was once a necessity for shoppers everywhere, and it has evolved into something wholly new in the age of technology. Check out web services like Groupon and Coupon Sherpa to get the best online discounts promotions sent directly to your email or smart phone and make the holiday shopping process much easier and far cheaper. Saving money this holiday season will depend on your ability to make creative use of all the resources available to you. Happy shopping!

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