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7 Genius Ways to Save This Holiday Season

Black Friday came and went and you’ve already put a serious dent in your holiday bottom line. (Oops.) Don’t worry: There are still plenty of ways to save…and still give thoughtfully to your mom, sister, mailman and whoever else is on your list.

25 Days of Holiday Savings


woman with shopping bags
Twenty20

Make A Christmas List

As in, actually put pen to paper and plot out exactly what you’re planning to get so that you keep your eyes on the prize when the holiday music is blaring and the “under $25” table is calling. A targeted list will spare your wallet from a lack of impulse control and give you time to comparison shop for the things you really want.

woman at grocery store
Twenty20

And A Grocery List

It’s all too easy to over-estimate the number of people you’ll be entertaining and the amount of champagne you’ll be drinking. Instead, map out holiday meals at home, so you can accurately plan what you’ll need and check your cabinets for things you already have. (Alternately, do your food shopping online; apps like Instacart offer holiday discounts and grocery delivery in an hour or less.)

woman shopping on ipad
Twenty20

Shop Online—then, Pick Up In Store

It’s a bit of a Catch 22: You try to holiday shop at the mall only to learn they don’t have what you’re searching for. But when you shop online, the shipping costs more than the gift. Split the difference and shop online, but pick up in store. Loads more retailers—everyone from Bloomingdales to Target—are offer this option at checkout to save on delivery costs.

package outside door
Twenty20

Take Advantage Of Free Shipping Day

Save the date: Friday December 14th is the last day to shop online with guaranteed arrival by Christmas Eve without paying rush fees.

writing a holiday card
Twenty20

Send Digital-only Holiday Cards

You want to send good tidings, but the cost of holiday cards and line at the post office—is zapping your goal to spread merriment and joy. A slew of online sites offer elegant and inexpensive digital alternatives. We love Paperless Post’s designer cards and photo-centric options.


christmas tree lights
Twenty20

Don’t Discount The Dollar Store

If you want to deck the halls, but don’t want to break the bank, your local dollar store should be your number one stop. There, you’ll find everything from holiday lights to ornaments to holiday-bedazzled serving platters.

woman on laptop
Twenty20

Install Honey

This Chrome extension combs the internet on your behalf for promo code eligibility, then applies the savings automatically before you check out. We recently used it to save $17 at Boden and $3.50 at Sephora.



Rachel Bowie Headshot

Royal family expert, a cappella alum, mom

Rachel Bowie is Senior Director of Special Projects & Royals at PureWow, where she covers parenting, fashion, wellness and money in addition to overseeing initiatives within...