Sleigh Your Holiday Shopping With These 5 Expert-Approved Budget Hacks
In the final weeks before the holidays, you’re not just dashing through the snow — you’re dashing through the malls, the art markets and the open tabs full of sales on your computer — all in pursuit of the best deals. From gifts to decor to everything that goes on your holiday table, the pressure to spend big is high. But that doesn’t mean you have to drive a one-horse open sleigh through your budget.
With smart shopping tips, you can ensure that both your holidays and your bank account feel merry and bright. Instead of visiting Santa’s workshop for the answers, we turned to Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, the founder of Making Sense of Cents and a budgeting expert, to share the holiday shopping advice that will help you get through the season without overspending.
1. Focus on Value Instead of Price Alone
Schroeder-Gardner wants you to rethink how you define a good deal. Sure, getting a big percentage off a given item sounds like great savings — but that’s only true if you’re getting a discount on something you actually meant to buy.
Don’t let marketing copy put sugarplum visions in your eyes, since some retailers may temporarily inflate original prices before dropping them down again to boast about a “holiday sale.”
“I like to check price history using tools like CamelCamelCamel to see if the current price is actually lower,” she said. “You'll want to be careful with ‘was $99, now $49’ marketing because those original prices can be inflated. If it’s on your shopping list already and it’s the lowest price it’s been in the past few months, it’s probably a real deal.”
She cautions that if you didn’t need this item before the sale, it’s not really savings — it’s just spending.
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2. Be Proactive
Ideally, you started your holiday shopping while Halloween decor was still in the stores (no, really) or in early November, before the candy cane crush of shoppers really revved up. Schroeder-Gardner says some of the best deals appear in early Black Friday previews and Cyber Week sales, when retailers are trying to front-load demand.
But if you haven’t started by now, you’re not out of luck. Schroeder-Gardner recommends focusing on retailers’ mid-December promotions, signing up for last-minute coupon codes, and using price-tracking tools to spot any short-lived dips. Many stores launch “last chance” deals between Dec. 15 and Dec. 20 to clear inventory before shipping cutoffs — meaning you can still snag meaningful savings without panic-buying.
She also signs up for email alerts from stores where she shops to get exclusive coupon codes or early-access opportunities that may stack on top of these mid-December markdowns.
3. Know Where To Find the Best Deals
When asked if there’s a winner in the great debate about whether you’ll find better holiday deals online or in brick-and-mortar stores, Schroeder-Gardner says it’s essentially a draw.
“In-store vs. online depends on what you're buying,” she said. “Electronics and household items often have better online deals, but clearance clothing or stocking stuffers are sometimes cheaper in-store (and there are usually more items available ).”
This means comparison shopping isn’t optional; checking both channels ensures you’re not leaving savings on the table.
4. Shop Local for Unexpected Discounts
“Shop local” isn’t just a catchy slogan. For Schroeder-Gardner, it’s also a way to score discounts and opportunities you simply wouldn’t find at big-box retailers.
“Local stores might have deals like ‘spend $50, get $10 back’ promotions, bonus gift cards or bundles that big-box stores don’t,” she said. “Plus, many are willing to negotiate or give you unadvertised discounts, especially if you shop in person.”
As the holiday season barrels forward, you could certainly do worse than visit local merchants, check out makers markets or other craft fairs, or browse small-scale sellers online.
5. Create a Holiday Budget Spreadsheet
Whipping out Excel or Google Sheets isn’t just a great way to list everything you’re planning on purchasing for the holiday — from gifts, food and decor to travel — it can also help curtail impulse spending.
“Every time you see something you want to buy, add it to the list instead of immediately purchasing,” Schroeder-Gardner said. “This gives you time to compare prices, stack coupons and decide if you really want it.”
She adds that you can also use your spreadsheet to track what you’ve actually spent on everything, enabling you to budget more effectively next year.
“The more intentional you are, the easier it is to avoid going overboard or buying things just because they’re on sale,” she said.
The Bottom Line
The holiday season may be about peace on Earth and goodwill toward all people — but it’s also about showing some goodwill to your budget. By being intentional about where and when you shop, proactively seeking out deals, shopping local, tracking your purchases and learning the difference between a real deal and real hype, you can sleigh your holiday budget this season.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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