What’s the most unique or quirkiest way you’ve saved money during the holiday season?

For me, it was doing my Christmas shopping the day AFTER Christmas.  Say what you want, but there are some awesome deals and I’m sure I saved about 50-60% if not more.  Typically, if I know I’m not going to see someone until after Christmas that’s usually when their gift is purchased.

I learned the art of buying throughout the year from my godmother.  She has things stashed all over the place that she collects throughout the year when they are on sale.  Her biggest struggle is finding them all when it’s time to start putting gifts together. She’s one of my favorite persons to receive gifts from because you get a very eclectic grouping of items and, often, you’ll recall the shopping excursion where you ogled the very same item or saw her buy it thinking it was for someone else.

Honestly, my favorite gifts to put together AND receive are the ones from the heart – whether it’s homemade or a sentimental card.  This holiday season for my family we will be focusing on the reason behind the season rather than having a “I want” or  “I need” attitude.

5 Ways to Save This Holiday Season

But when gift shopping, here are a few tips to help cut down on your final total. I’d love it if you’d chime in with your own ideas in the comments:

Online Shopping. During the holiday seasons, online retailers offer great incentives and flash sales.  Check your favorite deal saving site regularly (I enjoy Hip2Save and SouthernSavers) for “get ’em while it’s hot” deals.  Be careful on overspending – as it’s easy to start buying things you don’t truly need because of rebates or super low prices.  Create an online shopping budget and stick with it. Once it’s gone – you’re done.

Use cash back websites like Ebates.com to earn money back on your online shopping.  Many banks, also, offer this service.  Remember to check the fine print because there are often limitations on what is eligible for cash back and what isn’t.  Typically you may have to wait up to 8-10 weeks to receive your funds in your account.

Use a list and keep track of your spending.  Keep track of who you’re shopping for and how much you’ve spent.  Seeing it in black and white will help you stay on track and, hopefully, within your budget.

Avoid impulse buys.  This is where most of us overspend.

Give back to someone less fortunate. Whether it’s donating a toy to the Salvation Army or food to a local pantry. Help someone out this holiday season.

I hope these ways to save this holiday season come in handy. I would love for you to share your favorite holiday savings tips in the comments below.