The 10 best money-saving tips for the holiday season
The holidays are a time for celebration and joy but can also be an expensive time. For this reason, we've put together 10 easy tips to help you save money during this holiday season.
1. Track your spending
Make a plan and stick to it! Planning your spending is key if you don’t want to stress out about money. Use a budget tracker, make a list (like Santa) & stay within your spending limit.
2. Organize a Secret Santa
Instead of buying everyone gifts, organize a Secret Santa. Then you'll have a set budget, and you only have to buy something for the person you've drawn. With drawnames' Secret Santa generator, you can draw names easily.
3. Give practical presents
Ideally, the perfect gift is something they'll use and not end up in the closet. Choose practical gifts you know they will enjoy! Things like socks, shower gel, towels etc. The drawnames gift finder lets you select the perfect gift for any family member, friend or colleague in the right price range.
4. Exchange wish lists
The best gifts are those that are wished for and our survey showed that 33% of respondents find it useful when someone has a wish list. You can get someone something they'll love by exchanging a wish list instead of guessing or spending money on something they don't want.
5. Get crafty and make gifts yourself
If you're looking for something personal and memorable, why not make your own? Pinterest is full of craft ideas, from homemade soap to personalized jewellery. You can even make your own wrapping paper! The fun part is that you can tailor your gifts to suit the person you're buying them for.
6. Regift
Perhaps you still have leftover gifts from last year or a gift certificate that is still valid. Just make sure to read up on these rules before giving them as a gift - because it could be awkward if you give it to the person who gave it to you.
7. Swap or rent clothes
Clothing swaps and rentals are smart ways to save money and be eco-friendly. You may be able to exchange clothes with family and friends or rent the outfit of your dreams instead of buying it.
8. Make a shopping list for holiday food items
It's dangerous to shop when you're hungry and unprepared. Easy tip: make a shopping list and stick to it. Supermarkets work very hard to get you to buy on impulse, so creating a list helps you avoid extra purchases.
9. Organize a potluck dinner
Your holiday dinner will be more affordable if you host a potluck dinner. Let your guests bring food and drinks too. It's a great way to get together, share everyone's favorite dishes, and save money!
10. Reuse wrapping paper
If you have leftover holiday wrapping paper from last year, use it this year, or choose neutral wrapping paper like brown packing paper. Brown paper is cheap, and you can also decorate it with glitter, ribbons, and stamps to make it more festive.
We hope these tips inspire you to enjoy the holiday season more, even if you're on a budget.
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PS: Do you have any #savingtips for the holidays? We'd love to hear your ideas! Send us an
email at help@drawnames.com, tweet @drawnames or message us on Facebook.