Five money saving hacks for holiday shopping that will cut your spending in half — or more

Doing the majority of your shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a great idea, but you need a list — and a budget — before heading out.

A voice note, piece of paper, spreadsheet, bullet journaling — it really doesn’t matter the format — but a list can help you stay on budget, score better deals and track how much you want to spend on each person.

Make sure to research prices to ensure your estimates are reasonable, then, identify all the extras you need for the season: tickets, booze, extra groceries and gas, outfits, babysitting, baking supplies. All these can add up quickly.

Is it going to fit your budget? You might find your tally overwhelming and overbudget.

That’s where these money saving hacks come in handy:

Use up gift card balances and loyalty points

You probably have these stuffed in drawers or the back of your wallet, or deep in your inbox.

Prepare to use all your gift cards, even those smaller balances you may have forgotten about.

Some people have work perks or rewards points through their employer that they can convert into gift cards. Get on top of those orders now as physical gift cards could take a few weeks to get to you — and perhaps even longer with the recent Canada Post strike.

If you’re collecting points at your favourite retailers, it’s time to cash them in and put those toward your holiday needs, including for the groceries you need to stock up on for entertaining.

The gift that just keeps on giving

There’s classy and unclassy regifting.

Classy regifting is where you give something that is still new, hasn’t been used or opened, and that the person you’re giving it to would actually enjoy.

Do not regift partial gift card balances, personal hygiene products, packages that have been opened, damaged or are missing a part and where tags have been cut off.

And don’t regift the same thing back to the person that gave it to you!

If these nearly new items laying around won’t work for anyone on your list, now is the time to try for a refund, or exchange the item for something that would make sense. Sometimes, even if you’re past the returns policy deadline, you may still be able to get a store credit.

Shop the deals like a professional

Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are in-store and online, and you can start your price comparisons right now as most retailers (even local ones) are advertising offers in flyers and on websites.

When the big savings event happens starting Nov. 29 through to Dec. 2, load your cart, apply any special coupons and avoid the “add-on” pop-ups when you click to pay, unless the add-on is something that is on your list.

Beware, though, that expedited shipping costs can be expensive and should be avoided, especially since you hopefully won’t need any of these items “urgently.” And double check that you’re not accidentally paying in a foreign currency.

Big ticket items like televisions, furniture, tech and appliances, cars, new and refurbished, go on sale in a significant way during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Do your research and get ready to negotiate by presenting a competitive offer!

Food and drink tastes so much better when it’s on sale

Even grocery and liquor stores have Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales!

I think this goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway; it’s expensive to go out for meals during the holidays specifically because there are SOOOOOO many events you’d need to attend.

You can still have great quality food and drinks at home without breaking the bank.

Stocking up on items you know you’ll cook or bake during the holidays. If a cut of meat is on sale, buy it and freeze it. Same goes for baking supplies. When there’s a deal on butter, sugar or flour, add it to your cart.

You can typically reduce your grocery bills by 20 to 30 per cent with a discount grocer. And you can save at local markets, too, by buying what’s in-season and from local growers.

My pro tip during this time of year is to meal plan the events you’ll host or will attend, and then get your ingredients. Price match and use coupons. Even make your events a potluck!

When it comes to booze, buy what’s on sale and check your cupboard before heading out as you may already have a few bottles in house.

DIY your decorations and gifts

Rather than buying new decorations, see what you have on hand, then craft away.

This is especially fun with young kids. And, if you’re really crafty, make people gifts.

My sister-in-law and I were talking about swapping DIY baking-related gifts this year with each other. Mine includes something I got second-hand for her on Facebook Marketplace. On that note, the second-hand market is a really amazing place to buy quality gifts at a fraction of the price.

You might even consider selling some items you don’t use anymore on Kijiji and put that money toward the holidays.

Budgets are tight, and it might be a good idea to downsize the holiday shopping list altogether; stockings vs. gifts for the adults, cancelling travel plans, swapping party dresses with friends rather than buying new, doing a Secret Santa gift exchange rather than presents for everyone.

And maybe just say ‘no’ to events that are too expensive and ‘yes’ to the ones that cost nothing like going skating or strolling through a holiday market during nonpeak hours when it’s free.

The idea is to maximize the fun and savings, and minimize your costs.

You’ll be less stressed by doing so and can enjoy the holidays even more.

This article was originally published in The Star. Lesley-Anne Scorgie is a Toronto-based personal finance columnist and a freelance contributing columnist for the Star.