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.
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7 Genius Ways to Save This Holiday Season
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.