15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Christmas This Year (2026)

Trying to make the most of easy ways save money? You are in the right place. Below we break it down in plain English, with practical tips you can actually use.

Key Takeaways

• 15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Christmas This Year Advertiser Disclosure Our readers always come firstThe content on DollarSprout includes li...
• When you read our content and click on one of our partners’ links, and then decide to complete an offer , whether it’s downloading an app, o...
• Our ultimate goal is to educate and inform, not lure you into signing up for certain offers.

15 Simple Ways to Save Money on Christmas This Year Advertiser Disclosure

Our readers always come first

The content on DollarSprout includes links to our advertising partners. When you read our content and click on one of our partners’ links, and then decide to complete an offer , whether it’s downloading an app, opening an account, or some other action , we may earn a commission from that advertiser, at no extra cost to you.

Our ultimate goal is to educate and inform, not lure you into signing up for certain offers. Compensation from our partners may impact what products we cover and where they appear on the site, but does not have any impact on the objectivity of our reviews or advice.

If you're struggling financially or working toward bigger goals this holiday season, know that you don't have to spend a fortune to give your loved ones a special Christmas. Here are some simple ways to save money on Christmas shopping for your entire list.

Written by Trinity Owen Last Updated: April 25, 2024 Reviewed by Ben Huber

1. Home
2. Money Management
3. Save Money

Some of the links on DollarSprout point to products or services from partners we trust. If you choose to make a purchase through one, we may earn a commission, which supports the ongoing maintenance and improvement of our site at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

When I think of Christmas, I think of sipping hot cider at my grandfather’s house, watching my little cousins play with their new toys, and spending time with my dear ol’ dad.

But when you’re struggling to get by or working toward bigger financial goals like paying off debt or saving for an emergency, all you can think about sometimes is how to save money on Christmas. It’s hard to stay on track with your goals when the temptation to spend is all around.

According to a recent US News & World Report survey, 42% of people expect to go further into debt for holiday spending.[1] A humbling trend when considering that the average consumer reports that they’re likely to spend 5% more than they did in the previous year.[2]

But there’s good news: debt isn’t the only option. Here are some savvy ways to save money on Christmas shopping while still checking off everyone on your list.

1. Earn cashback on holiday purchases

If you’re committed to purchasing Christmas gifts for your loved ones, you can absolutely do so without breaking the bank. It also lets you when you scoop up rewards each time you shop online.

If you shop at Walmart, Macy’s, Kohl’s , or any popular retailer, really , odds are you can save in several different ways. Browser extensions and cashback apps are two of the most simple.

Related: 17 Festive Ways to Make Extra Money for Christmas 

2. Use discount gift cards

Any time you’re shopping online (or in-store), don’t forget to look for discounted gift cards on popular gift card exchanges.

The premise is simple: people don’t want or need a gift card from a particular retailer, so they sell them for cash.

For example, someone has a $100 Lowe’s gift card they know they’ll never use. They then sell it to a site like Raise.com for $85. They get cash for the card, even if it isn’t at face value, and they go on their merry way.

Raise will then flip the gift card , for more money, of course , to interested parties that need a Lowe’s gift card.

If you know you’re going to make a purchase from a specific retailer, quickly search one of these sites to see if you can snag a discounted card.

The flat discount rate you see highlighted in green in the image above is just what Raise is currently offering for Lowe’s, but those percentages can reach as high as 30% at other retailers.

In this example alone, you can get the advertised 2.7% discount, plus an additional 10% off since it is your first gift card purchase. All of a sudden, a $100 Lowe’s card only sets you back $87, and that’s before you use a browser extension and/or cashback credit card on the eventual purchase.

3. Be wary of marketing tactics

Neuromarketing has made tremendous advances in the last twenty years. Unfortunately, you , the unsuspecting Christmas shopper , are typically the victim of those advancements.

Advertisers use all sorts of tactics to get consumers to open their wallets.

One-time offers, BOGO deals, free shipping on orders over “X”, time-sensitive “deals”, flashy colors and beacons on websites, remarketed coupons sent to your email, or that pesky Facebook ad you keep seeing.

They’re all designed to get you to spend, not save, money. Advertisers recoup the savings they offer you in one of numerous dozens of ways. They’re the ones coming out ahead here. Resist the temptation to spend more on things you normally wouldn’t have bought just because something seems like a deal.

Related: 5 Signs You May Have a Shopping Addiction

4. Go for practicality over cost

If money is tight, then purchasing needed items for each person on your list will allow you to put something under the Christmas tree while still respecting the budget.

Unwrapping a new toothbrush, gloves, or slippers can be just as exciting as unwrapping a new toy. It’s the surprise element and the love behind the gifts that most children truly appreciate.

“Needs” that make excellent gifts:

• Gloves
• Slippers
• Socks
• Scarves
• Clothing

• Personal care items
• Shoes
• Fruit
• Snacks
• Educational books

5. Write down your own “nice” list

Just like Santa does, curate your own list of people who make the “nice” list. Metaphors aside, writing things down lets you you save money on Christmas in several ways.

First, it’s more likely you won’t forget about someone. Awkward.

Second, a list allows you to plan your purchases ahead of time. A secret weapon against impulse spending, especially if you have the tendency to overspend.

Lastly, a list lets you you visualize who will be getting a gift and set an anticipated budget for each person. Rather than browse through stores and pull the trigger on the first item you find, no matter the cost, having a preset budget guides to the plausible gifts that fall within that range.

6. Celebrate Christmas for 12 Days

Christmas gifts don’t have to be wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree. In fact, spending quality time together as a family, couple, or friends can be even more meaningful than presents.

If you plan free family gatherings, movie and game nights, and celebrate the magic of Christmas for multiple days, everyone will feel like Christmas is much more than just one day.

Spend time together as a family. Go Christmas caroling, drink hot cocoa, and tell Christmas stories. Christmas is far more than opening a few presents on one morning of the year.

Here are some other affordable or free activities to spread over 12 days of Christmas:

• Make and decorate Christmas cookies together
• Drive around neighboring towns and enjoy Christmas lights
• Go window shopping at the mall
• Make DIY crafts and gifts for family and friends
• Decorate your house for Christmas
• Read Christmas stories
• Watch Christmas movies
• Go Christmas caroling at the nursing home
• Write letters to Santa or visit him at the mall
• Have a Christmas-themed family game night
• Watch f

  Final Thoughts

  Before you check out, double-check easy ways save money against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

  Originally published at dollarsprout.com.