How I Celebrated The Holidays For Under $500
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Use gift cards received throughout the year. Save gift cards you receive throughout the year and then use them on gifts. I also cashed out points and got gift cards for gifts too. Some of my fave points programs or ways to earn cash:
Fetch, get 3000 points on sign up. Enter my referral code, R3QDP, during signup and you’ll get Fetch points.
2. Inventory wrapping paper, decorations, etc. My go-to's for wrapping paper and supplies are buying on clearance the year before. Last year the holiday clearance was sparse, so here are more tips for saving.
Costco and Sam’s Club sell big rolls of wrapping paper that are only $10 each. A really great deal, especially if you wrap a lot of presents.
Hallmark.com also has a Crown Club, sign up for free here. It is easy to earn points and they regularly email $2 coupons and sometimes mail them. Recently I was able to get BOGO wrapping paper plus could use a $5 off coupon, with free shipping.
3. Do Less Baking. Back in the day, our grandmothers made 10 kinds of old-fashioned cookies. Many people no longer have the time to do this. Consider picking one or two holiday favorites. Another way to keep the cookie tradition alive is to host a cookie exchange with friends.
4. Use Payment Plans. If you are short on cash this holiday season, try one of several payment plans that offer options with no interest charged. I have used Klarna, Sezzle and Affirm and have had positive experiences with all of them.
5. Stock up on pantry necessities. For example, Target has had Betty Crocker cookie mixes, Betty Crocker boxed potatoes, and more at really good prices lately. Match up with coupons for more savings.
My go-to for holiday staples are Sam’s Club, Costco, Meijer and Target. My friends also like Aldi’s too for rock bottom prices on basics like flour, sugar and more.
Plus don’t forget online shopping to make life easier! Get started below with free cash to spend on groceries:
6. Shop Early Holiday Sales. Many big-box retailers have started their holiday sales now. Target, Amazon, Best Buy, Sam’s Club and more are offering deals now. Take advantage and avoid supply chain shortages.
7. Taking advantage of $10 off $10 coupons. I received coupons from Kohl’s and JCPenney a few weeks ago which were $10 off $10 any item. I found (2) really nice gifts at both stores and used the coupons.
8. Spend less on stocking stuffers. I had stocked up “end of Christmas sale” last year and am always on the lookout for small gifts. I love the Target Bullseye section for more deals, usually $5 and under.
9. Order holiday cards early. This year I ordered my cards in October. Though it felt weird to order holiday cards before Halloween, I received an awesome Shutterfly deal in my e-mail that I had to use. I received free cards and only paid shipping.
10.Regift…creatively. That’s all I’m going to say. My family might be reading this!
11. Consider only buying gifts for kids. Perhaps for the adults, make handmade gifts- homemade fudge is always a winner!
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