Catch me tomorrow morning on WTHR Weekend Sunrise at 7:45 AM! Here’s a sneak peak of some of the money saving tips I’ll share.
So it’s the final countdown. We have just a little over a week remaining before the big day. If your stockings are not hung plumply by the fireplace with care it. is. going. to. be. OK. Don’t panic and don’t drive crazy {what is it with people driving insane this time of the year?!}. Instead listen to my Royal Wisdom on how to shop without overspending, overindulging or overbuying.
1) Stocking Stuffers, Think Practical NOT Cheap. Again, this might be a little reverse pyschology but the dollar store or section of your favorite store isn’t always your best bet when it comes to Stocking Stuffers. The last thing anyone wants is to pick up a bunch of broken junky toys on January 1 and throw them away. Instead, think of needs your little prince or princesses might have and stuff the stocking with those. Say perhaps a new pair of knitting needles or a pair of preschool scissors {just throwing those out there, no need to think that’s what you’re getting Princess Eldest and Youngest} or a toothbrush or even a favorite snack are a better bang for your buck that 5 $1 toys that will be trashed. So perhaps spend a bit more on something with some staying power than a flashy yet disposable gift. For adults, go with a $5 gift card to a favorite dining destination or simply a handwritten note which is invaluable.
2) Shop Through a Cash Back Website. While there are several of these online, Ebates is my favorite. These sites are simply a portal that you click through to get an online “rebate” {hence Ebate}. The percentages vary by store but you get a $10 gift card simply for signing up & making your first purchase of $25 or more {probably will come in January so don’t count on it for a gift}. From Apple to Kohls, from Bath and Body Works to Toys “R” Us and everything in between, it’s probably on Ebates. Even better, Ebates has all of the current coupon codes available by site so you can maximize your savings. And if you refer others, you have the potential to make a little cash, too. Bonus. Literally.
3) FREE Shipping on December 17th. Tomorrow is the last day for most online retailers to guarantee delivery by Christmas Eve. And so over 1000 online retailers will be offering FREE Shipping. Don’t get malled. Sit in your jammies and let your purchases come straight to your door {or office}. Again, maximize those purchases by using Ebates and getting Free Shipping with Cash Back, too.
4) Holiday Cards. Think it’s too late to send out cards? Think again. I LOVE this deal from Cardstore that ships your personalized photo cards for you for ~$0.69/ea which is 70% Off {don’t forget this price includes your stamp & the craziness of going to the post office this time of the year} and yet again if you go through Ebates you also get 7.5% Cash Back, double bonus. You can also sign up for a 14-Day Free Trial of Smilebox and put together an online Christmas letter and go the e-route. Just don’t forget to cancel the subscription so you don’t inadvertently get charged.
5) Amazon. I love Amazon. Where else can you buy everything from jewelry to electronics to groceries and deodorant {not that you should be giving anyway deodorant for Christmas although it is practical and might really come in handy for someone}?! I’ve posted so many great deals from Amazon lately that I went cross-eyed after awhile. Craft Kits $5 & Less, DVDs for Less than $5, Costume/Dress Up Deals for Less than $10, Great Stocking Stuffers & Kids’ Gifts: $5 & Under, American Girl Craft Kits & Toys $10 & LESS to name a few. I look for them to roll out a couple of more wow-y, zow-y deals {if past deals are a predictor of future deals}. Stay tuned closely to Queen of Free on Facebook & Twitter this week to see what I can dig up for you.
6) You Might Be Finished And That’s OK. I think there’s a temptation to get whipped into a frenzy during the last week before Christmas thinking you haven’t bought enough for everything or for everyone. Revisit your budget {remember when we talked about those back in November?}, write down the items you’ve purchased, and if you’ve met your list and come in under budget that’s ok. You don’t want to hate yourself in January simply because you’ve been told you need to shop, shop, shop by the advertisers. Donate the leftover money in your budget and have a peaceful happy holiday. Know when to say when. 🙂
What do you do to keep your head straight, save money, and give generously in the week before Christmas?
*This post contains affiliate links. So while you score a great deal on your last minute Christmas shopping, you also help the Royal Family fund their 3-6 month emergency fund. And for that we royally thank you.
