If you aren’t prepared, shopping for the holidays can get quite expensive.

We’re here to help you keep your holiday budget in check with advice for making the most of the season without breaking the bank. There are many great ways to save big on your holiday shopping. These tips and tactics can help you give holiday gifts your friends and family are sure to love!

Tips for Saving Money at Christmas

1. Make a list. (Check it twice!) This will be your guide for the holiday season. Include the names of everyone you need to buy gifts for and how much you would like to spend on each person.
2. Start shopping early. The earlier you begin shopping, the smaller the financial hit will be when the holiday season rolls around. Have a dedicated space to place all the gifts you purchase early and consider wrapping them ahead of time for easy storage away from prying eyes.
3. Make your gifts. There are plenty of amazing gifts you can make at home. Everything from handmade soaps, candles and crafts to infused liquors, baked goods and clothing can hit the mark and make excellent gift options.
4. Shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Both brick and mortar and online retailers often offer significant savings on these days to entice shoppers to make their holiday purchases early.
5. Redeem rewards and rebates. Far too often, people get caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, parties and decorating that they forget to take advantage of the rebates and rewards available to them. That's like letting money fly out the window. Additionally, places usually offer discount codes that will help you save big on your shopping right away.
6. Use and stack coupons. While some retailers exclude coupons during the holidays, others apply them liberally. Stores like J. C. Penney and Bath and Body Works, for instance, not only allow you to use coupons, there are some days when you may be able to stack them with exceptional sales during the holiday season. Use them wisely.
7. Use apps or shop through sites that offer money-back. If you are going to shop online, some websites allow you to earn cashback rewards on all the holiday shopping you do that originates on their website. While this usually helps with a payout after the holidays, it is money that is going back into your pocket. Additionally, they offer discount codes that will help you save big on your shopping right away.

There are many great ways to save big on your holiday shopping. These will get you off to a nearly perfect start while helping you score some massive deals!