4 Ways To Save On Holiday Shopping Before Christmas

The Thanksgiving leftovers are gone, Black Friday is over, and the dust has settled after Cyber Monday — but that doesn’t mean the deals are done. Holiday shopping is in the home stretch, and with six of the top 10 days for shoppers falling after Cyber Monday, there are still plenty of savings to be had in December.

As shoppers make a list of who and what to shop for, setting a budget can help prevent overspending. Shoppers looking to make their dollar go further this season can also follow these four tips.

Stack Promotions to Take Savings Further

If shoppers are looking to pile on the savings this season, then stacking deals is the easiest route to the deepest discounts. One way consumers can ensure that they aren’t missing any of the best deals is by downloading browser extensions that seamlessly add all available savings to online shopping carts. Not only is that a great way to save money, but it saves time during a busy season when shoppers don’t necessarily want to continuously dig for deals.

Additionally, discounted gift cards can provide extra savings with favorite stores or brands. And they don’t have to be used solely to purchase gifts, either; they are a great way for shoppers to buy the items they’ve wanted for themselves. With savings of up to 25 to 30 percent off the value of the gift card, discounted gift cards can be combined with storewide offers and sales for even more savings.

Lastly, cash back offers should not be overlooked. With everyone spending more money than usual this season, shoppers who meet minimum-spend thresholds can take advantage of these programs to get a little cash back in their wallets. Online cash back offers can be automatically applied when consumers go through deals and savings websites, eliminating the hassle of yesteryear’s mail-in-rebate programs.

Pay Attention to Category Discounts

Not all categories are discounted the same; just because you see a discount, doesn’t mean it’s the best time to buy.

Toys, generally, are at their lowest prices during the first two weeks of the month, making it a great time to purchase. Sales on electronics like TVs, smartphones and other gadgets start on Black Friday but typically continue all the way to the Super Bowl. Also, expect to see heavy discounting on winter clothing as retailers wrap up the year and get ready to make way for spring fashion come February.

Have an In-Store Strategy

Research online, but don’t be afraid to go in-store this month. Some retailers are providing extra incentives for shopping in their brick-and-mortar locations during the holiday season, with deeper discounts than can be found online, free gifts with purchase and doorbuster deals on certain days.

In addition, consumers shouldn’t forget to check with their favorite retailers and brands to see if they offer “buy online, pick up in-store” options. Most retailers have jumped on this trend, and it’s a way for consumers to avoid shipping fees or delivery woes during the busiest time of year.

Hit the Post-Christmas Circuit

The holidays might be over on Dec. 26, but this is the perfect time for shoppers to purchase the items they didn’t receive — or make those gift cards they did receive count for more. Retailers tend to offer end-of-season discounts on remaining inventory as they get ready to clear the shelves for the coming new year. It’s also a great time for consumers to stock up on anything holiday-related for next year, including stockings, pajamas, decor and more.

With a little planning and smart searching, shoppers can continue to cash in on the savings this season and well into the new year.

Marissa Tarleton is the chief marketing officer at RetailMeNot.