As we inch closer and closer to Christmas many consumers are getting into the hustle and bustle of the season. Holiday shopping is at its peak and we’re all in a rush to finish everything we can before the holiday gatherings commence. If you celebrate Hanukkah then you’re job is probably done while the rest of us stress out over the next week about gifts we might have forgotten.
No matter what holidays you’re celebrating, this time of year is always stressful and it’s easy to get caught up in the rush and attempt to take the easy way out. That easy way out though is usually costly. Find out how to save money and skip the holiday extras like…
- Gift wrapping service. Ever notice how gift wrapping stations just so happen to be situated right next to the cash registers? You can save time by having your gifts wrapped while you shop, but you won’t save money. Skip it! For extra savings ask for complimentary boxes from the retailer.
- Overnight shipping.Time constraints are causing money people to pay extra to get their gift out on time. Overnight shipping, 2-day shipping, or weekend shipping can end up costing you almost as much as the actual gift. Avoid this by seeing if you can have the item delivered to the store for pick-up or if another nearby store carries the same item. In some cases traveling a bit further might be cheaper than paying for it to be shipped out in time.
- Holiday cards for everyone. You want to give a little something to everyone, even if it means just giving them a card. Save a tree and send an eCard instead! Or you could also print some out yourself instead of buying the pricey boxed card sets being sold everywhere. If it is a holiday tradition consider buying the boxed card sets during the post-holiday sales to save a little money.
- Extended warranties. Usually pitched to you when you’re buying a gift this is one offer you have learn to say no to. If you’re worried about it, ask if the warranty can be purchased at a later date and let the recipient choose if they need an extended warranty or not.
- Christmas dinner. Depending on how many relatives you may have over it could be a dinner that goes well into the hundreds. We have provided some ideas for Thanksgiving on a budget, you may want to use those tips if you’re hosting Christmas dinner as well.
If you’re still out getting your shopping done remember to keep these few extras that you want to avoid in mind.
