credit: Freedigitalphotos.net by imagerymajestic
Now I know that my last post put Black Friday and consumerism in a negative light. However, I honestly don’t have a problem with people trying to get a good deal. I know many people have to buy presents for friends and family during the holidays, so it really helps if they can get a bunch of things at low low prices. The consumerism mindset that bothers me is when people buy things for the sake of buying it, or buy things they really don’t need. I don’t have much shopping to do, but I will get some gifts for my immediate family and I am also participating in Secret Santa at work. So for those trying to save while shopping during the holiday season, here are a few things that I do:
Use a Shopping Portal
A shopping portal is a program that rewards you for shopping. They are generally run by companies that get a commission for sending you to the retailer’s website. The retailer gives these companies a referral fee for sending them business, and in turn, the portal gives You a portion of the fee to entice you to use it. There is really no reason I can think of NOT to use a shopping portal if you’re shopping online. There is no cost to you for using it.
One popular shopping portal is Ebates. If you sign up, you will get a $5 check. Currently, Ebates is running a special bonus during the holidays where you will earn $50 if you refer 2 of your friends who, in turn use the shopping portal and spend at least $25. They usually only give $5 for a referral.
Other shopping portals include Bigcrumbs and Topcashback.
Different shopping portals offer a different percentage cash back. Want to find the highest cash back? Go to Evreward.com .
Use a Cash Back Credit Card
If you have the Chase Freedom Card, they are offering 5% cash back on purchases at select department stores and at Amazon. With the Target Red Card, you get 5% off the purchase. Note: If you use a shopping portal and the Target Red Card, you will get 5% off the purchase for using the Target Red Card in addition to the cash back earned from your purchase for using the portal.
Coupon codes
Before buying anything, always search online for a coupon code or a printable coupon (if you’re going to a physical store). You can often find a coupon for free shipping or a discount for the store. If the store doesn’t offer free shipping, check to see if “ship to store” is an option to avoid a shipping fee.
Get a Discounted Gift Card
You can go to Cardpool.com to purchase discounted gift cards to various stores. For example, you can get 20% gift cards to Burlington Coat Factory and 25% off gift cards to Ann Taylor. Before you go to Cardpool to buy a gift card, go to Topcashback to get cash back for purchasing the gift card. Another site that sells discounted gift cards is Raise.com.
I will receive a referral bonus if you sign up for Ebates, Bigcrumbs Topcashback using the above links and make a purchase.
What are other ways to save when shopping during the holiday season?
Simple and straightforward advice that works. We do most of what you’ve written, and we refuse to pay retail. Sometimes I do wish the gift giving marathon would just stop, mainly because I hate encouraging consumerism with family.
Cash Cow Couple recently posted…Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard Review – Pros and Cons
I’m lucky that we don’t really have to give much gifts in our family. The only gifts I have to buy are for my wife, my son is too young but I’m sure my wife will like to get something, and my parents I give them cash (that’s what they want). I also have the holiday grab bag at work.
I’m from a huge family, so shopping could be really expensive. We avoid this issue by doing a gift exchange each year. The holidays are still really special, it just costs much less and we all usually end up with something that we really like.
Michael | The Student Loan Sherpa recently posted…The Golden Rule of Student Loan Consolidation
I think a family gift exchange is a great idea…it cuts down on the amount of gifts you have to get. We’ve mostly stopped giving gifts to adults, except for maybe immediate family. I actually prefer not to get gifts…it just adds more clutter since I don’t really want anything (well the things I want probably won’t fit in a gift box…like a house!)
I am all about the coupon codes.
Anytime I buy anything online, I always google to see if I can find a coupon code beforehand.
jefferson @See Debt Run recently posted…Amazon Prime Review – Worth the $79 Price Tag?
Definitely…no reason not to use them!
Honestly I probably saved the most shopping on Black Friday instead of other days. I got a ton of stuff at Kohl’s for a pathetically low price, plus $45 to spend in the future, all from my computer! I also know the prices were significantly lower because I was looking at the same products just a few days before ordering. I think being conscious of sales – and making sure they are actually sales – is key to saving money this time of year.
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted…3 Things That Motivate Me To Work Hard In My 20s
That’s true…it is good to know what prices are for certain items you’re looking at otherwise the stores will trick you into thinking it’s a great deal when it really isn’t.
I agree with DC about making sure you’re actually getting something for the sale price, as well as getting a quality item and not something stores are putting on sale to get rid of. I always use coupon codes when I can, and I am excited about the 5% cash back on Amazon. My dad just gave me access to his prime account, so I am going to attempt to get all my shopping done on there this Christmas.
E.M. recently posted…Luxuries Worth Spending On
Yea Amazon is great and cool that you can get 5% cash back also. My wife has a prime account…I think it was a discounted membership because she was a student. That 2 day shipping which sometimes is next day shipping is awesome.
I check for coupon codes before buying anything- holidays or not. When checking out I pull up a new window and search “product or service x” promo code. 9 times out of 10 I find something.
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life recently posted…Citibike Savings
I know, there is almost always a coupon code, especially during the holidays! It is so easy, I don’t know why everyone doesn’t do it.
All the money you’ll be saving on gift buying will be your Christmas gift to yourself! Another key to saving, I think, is to be as patient as possible. Sure, there’s some timing element that’s involved because good deals can come and go. But, you don’t want to be “backed into a corner” and paying full price by waiting until the last second (especially if the person wants or needs something specific).
Mr. Utopia @ Personal Finance Utopia recently posted…Parents – Is Gaming Bad for Your Kids?
That’s right, a penny saved is a penny earned right? I’m pretty patient and I’ve gotten great deals by waiting. I think one item I had been researching was a gold box deal of the day on Amazon at a deeply discounted price. But it is hard to be patient during the holidays if you need to get a certain item to give as a gift.
I do most of my shopping online and I really don’t buy anything unless there is a offer or sale going on. I’m a big fan of Ebates and Mr. Rebates.
Yep, shopping portals are great to earn some cash back. I hate buying something when it’s not on sale, I don’t have a coupon code or can’t use a shopping portal!
Haven’t had a chance to post about this on my site yet, but here’s a great way to save money:
http://millionmilesecrets.com/2013/12/01/american-express-amazon-25/
If you have an Amex card you get a $25 statement credit (free money) for registering the card with this promotion and then spending $75 or more on Amazon by 12/31. Hard to beat a 33% discount on already great prices!
Brad @ RichmondSavers.com recently posted…Stress-Free Cooking Installment 1: Soy Chicken Recipe
Another reason why I need to get an Amex card. My wife used the Amex this past weekend on Small Business Saturday.
I tend not to buy that much online at the moment but this is probably because my Christmas shopping budget has been cut hugely! I do like to check for coupons though just in case I can get some money off on the item I’m planning to purchase.
Hayley @ A Disease Called Debt recently posted…Save money at Christmas: Christmas necessities
Good idea to check for coupons…you’ll often find them and save a decent amount.
I like Ebates and definitely like coupon codes. Only problem is every time a package shows up at my house it means the wife bought more stuff from Amazon
charles@gettingarichlife recently posted…Why I Want To Keep Up With The Joneses
Haha, I know the feeling!
This really looks very tempting and a great way to save and get the best deal out of rewards and coupons to be used for holiday shopping. If one is really wise and patient enough, Christmas shopping does not really have to be a pain in the pocket.
Jen @ Frugal Rules recently posted…What Was the Last Thing You Put in Your Nose?
It definitely pays to be wise and patient when you’re looking for deals.
Haven’t heard of Ebates – we’ll have to check that out! We are huge into our cash back rewards card, though. Right now we’re saving up the rewards for travel monies. Woohoo!
Laurie @thefrugalfarmer recently posted…November 2013 Recap
You definitely should check it out. Travel rewards sound great…it’ll be great to go on vacation with the family.
Interesting. We use cash back credit cards all of the time, and I’ve gotten into the habit of searching for coupon codes. Haven’t used the other methods though. The reality is that it’s often pretty easy to find ways to save a little money as long as you’re willing to do a little research and potentially be a little patient.
Matt Becker recently posted…What to Look For in a Disability Insurance Policy
Yep, it pays to do some research before you buy something. Actually being patient and researching the product is also a great way to stay away from impulse purchases.
I’ve never used a shopping portal before, but it sounds like something I should check into.
There’s always a part of me that is wary of the subtle impacts of such strategies though, as they make it seem like I am ‘winning’ against retailers while there is evidence that retailers are doing most of their sales in this short period at the end of the year. If the empirical evidence points to the retailers winning in aggregate, how sure am I that I am the exception…the one guy who’s pulling one over on the stores?
Done by Forty recently posted…November Net Worth Update
Yea I can see how you might think you’re getting a great deal and “winning” against the retailers. But I don’t really do much shopping unless it’s something I need or I’ve planned the purchase so might as well get the best deal possible.
Great tips! I just recently stared using Ebates on stuff I would buy anyway (like bridal party gifts), so hopefully it’s worth the small effort to go on to the site first and then purchase.
anna recently posted…November Updates – Debt Repayment, Fitness/Running, and Wedding
I think it’s worth it. It’s not too hard to do and you get a couple bucks back (maybe more depending on where you shop and how much you spend).
I recommend installing the Honey extension on Chrome. For most websites, it automatically can search for coupon codes for me when online shopping which is awesome. It doesn’t often work for Amazon, but it worked when I bought wedding registry gifts for a friend at JCPenny!
Tara @ Streets Ahead Living recently posted…Would you buy something you don’t exactly need?
Interesting…thanks for the tip! I’ll have to try it out.
All adults in our extended family have agreed to not buy gifts for other adults. We still give gifts to the younger generation. We use all the tools you listed, as well as shopping on the days with the largest discounts. I will be buying my wife an expensive blender this year (she like to make smoothies and has worn out her old blender. I have been waiting for the price to drop, but nothing yet. If it doesn’t come down by the last day to have it shipped by Christmas, I will just have to pay the retail price of $500. Oh well.
P.S. Don’t tell my wife what I am getting her. 😉
Bryce @ Save and Conquer recently posted…Gas Clothes Dryer Repair
I think that works out better. It is not only hard to figure out what to buy for another person, but tough on your wallet as well. Different story for the little ones. Don’t worry…it’ll be our secret. Hopefully, you’ll be able to score a deal.
Good list! I’d add the tip of using technology to your advantage. If you have a smartphone, use an app like RedLaser to do instant price comparisons on all holiday shopping to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Also, you can use it to get the item price matched at stores like Best Buy, Target and Home Depot.
Kyle | Rather-Be-Shopping.com recently posted…6 Holiday Budgeting Tips to Prevent Overspending
Thanks Kyle! Good idea with RedLaser to comparison shop especially since the stores you mentioned price match.
Good tips. I hate paying full price. I always google for a coupon code before I buy anything online. Ebates and shopathome have saved me a good deal of money over the past year (on things I needed to buy anyway) which I love.
KK @ Student Debt Survivor recently posted…My Real Housewives of NJ Best Friend
I haven’t heard of shopathome, I’ll have to check that one out too.
I’ve used quite a few coupon and daily deal sites to save money on the gifts I buy my family. Fortunately I don’t have that many people to buy for, which makes it much easier to save money. We do tend to get each other fewer, more expensive gifts, but that makes it easier to save money as a whole because you only need to find a sale on one or two items.
Daisy @ Prairie Eco Thrifter recently posted…Unhappy With Your Job? How to Make Yourself Happier
That’s a good thing. I don’t have that many people to shop for…shopping for people is expensive and stressful. I never know what to get.
Great tips here! My favorite idea is using cash back credit cards. However, some people can go overboard there. Thanks for the great read…see ya around!
Jrod @ Jrod Writes recently posted…Are Rewards Credit Cards A Danger To Society? Published on ModestMoney.com
Thanks. Cash back credit cards are great, but not if you can’t control your spending.
You know, i completely agree. Overspending on Cash back cards is horrible. Ohh yea, I’m probably doing all my holiday shopping on Amazon, there’s no black Friday deal that hits as hard as their every day deals for me. Thanks for your response man, I’ll see ya around.
Jrod recently posted…I’m Back! Did You Miss Me?
My cash back card gets 5% cash back at Amazon!
Good tips to get some deals online. Ebates did not work for me, I used it on about 4 separate purchases, and they stated that a check was on the way. ITs been 3 years and I still have not recieved the check. I stopped using them. I will research the discounted gift card program, thanks.
EL @ Moneywatch101 recently posted…What are my values?
Really, that’s too bad. I haven’t had a problem with not receiving a check from them. Did you every contact them? Maybe they might be able to explain what happened…well maybe not 3 years later though!
Sometimes when you leave your cart full and don’t check out, you will get an email with a discount offer if you come back and close the sale. I found it out by accident but now often try it if the purchase is not urgent.
Pauline recently posted…Making enough money for retirement
Very interesting. Thanks for the tip Pauline, I will try that next time.
I try to do most of my shopping online at places that offer free shipping (but not the kind that makes you spend $50 first to get it). Amazon Prime is a great option as you get all the added value of the streaming movies (so you can cancel your cable). A quick google search before completing a purchase online to check the pricing is always a great way to find the lowest prices.
Brent recently posted…Christmas Money Challenge: Make an Extra $1,000 in Two Weeks
Yea, I don’t like the spending requirement to get free shipping and I hate paying for shipping. A lot of stores have a ship to store option like Best Buy and Walmart so that works. Amazon Prime is also pretty cool…their shipping is extremely fast.
I never use any of the methods you mentioned except coupon codes. Every time I am making a purchase online I have to search for coupons before I check out. I will definitely check out the other methods you gave.
Demaish @ Borrowed Cents recently posted…Ways in which winter weather can really break the bank
Definitely check out the other methods. And checking for coupon codes is so easy, I don’t know why everyone doesn’t do it.
I’m definitely using my credit cards to earn cash back for not just Christmas items, but everything!
Tonya@Budget and the Beach recently posted…How I Made 10k in Side Income
Good for you! I know people who don’t maximize their cash back rewards and I can’t understand why. However, if you’re someone who is bad with credit cards, then that is a good reason.
Nice! Great tips! I’ve never used eBates. Looks like it’s available in Canada as well. I will have to look into that.
Anthony @ Thrifty Dad recently posted…Use email alerts and save
Yes, I have seen eBates available in Canada! If you’re going to be buying stuff online anyway, why not use that too.