Holiday shopping can always be a challenge when you’re on a budget, but shopping this year will be extra difficult for many Americans. As tariffs drive up prices and we continue to face economic uncertainty, finding a great deal on holiday gifts becomes more important.
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According to the BMO Real Financial Progress Index, Americans will spend an average of nearly $2,800 this holiday season, which is an $1,000 increase over 2024 spending. Sixty-three percent of Americans reported that tariffs heightened their stress and 70% of Americans are trying harder to follow a budget when shopping this year.
Fortunately, there are several holiday shopping tips you can use to find the best deals on gifts and other holiday essentials.
Shop Early
Andrea Woroch, consumer and money saving expert at AndreaWoroch.com, encouraged consumers to start their holiday shopping now, since shopping early offers multiple benefits. When you shop early, you can spread out your spending, plus you can take advantage of early deals.
Additionally, she explained that many retailers purchased holiday merchandise before the tariffs kicked in to keep prices from skyrocketing. It’s possible that some goods that need to be ordered could be impacted by higher tariff prices later in the season. “Moreover, the early ordering could lead to a supply shortage so you don’t necessarily want to wait around,” she said.
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Sign Up for Free Loyalty Programs
Signing up for retailers’ free loyalty programs can also pay off. Woroch explained that many retailers offer free loyalty programs in which as a new subscriber, you’ll get a coupon to save more on your first purchase. Other perks may include features like free shipping both ways.
Confirm a Deal Is a Deal
It may be tempting to quickly buy an item that’s on sale during the holidays, but sale discounts aren’t always as good as they might initially seem. Carls suggested that shoppers use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon products; these tools can help you check and confirm if a deal is actually a deal.
Shift Your Gift Ideas
This year is a good time to start thinking outside the box when it comes to gift giving. Carls explained that experience gifts and subscriptions are two potential ideas that aren’t tariff-sensitive, meaning you can get a great value on these purchases without worrying about supply chain shifts driving up prices.
Keep Track of Your Purchases
When you’re shopping for multiple people, it can be easy to lose track of what you’ve purchased and what you’ve spent. Woroch suggested using an app like Santa’s Bag to track your purchases. The app allows you to monitor who you’ve bought for, what you’ve bought and how much you’ve spent, so you can avoid overspending. Old-fashioned pen and paper can also work.
Track Prices for Price Matching
Consider whether the stores you’re buying from offer price matching and price adjustment policies, since sale prices can change significantly during the holiday season. Woroch recommended using the ShopSavvy app to compare prices when you’re shopping in-store. If you find a lower price at a competitor through the app, ask a store manager to price match your purchase.
Some stores will also offer price adjustments, meaning if an item you buy goes on sale later, they’ll refund you the difference. “Target’s Holiday Price Match Guarantee goes into effect from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, so if you buy something early and notice it goes on sale for even more money off later, you can get a price adjustment,” Woroch said. Just be sure to carefully track the price you paid and any subsequent sales so you can take advantage of those savings.
Create New Traditions
While shopping strategically can help you save money, holiday shopping may ultimately be expensive this season. Woroch suggested creating new traditions this season that focus on making memories, not buying things. For example, baking and decorating holiday cookies in your PJs can be a more affordable alternative that still makes the holidays extra special. It’s a tradition you can follow year after year, even during times when finances are tight.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Must-Know Holiday Shopping Tips To Save You Money Despite the Tariffs
