Gifts, decorations, and special meals can make Christmas time quite expensive. Use these 7 tips to save money during the holidays and stay on budget.

1. Set a Holiday Budget

Knowing how much money you can spend is the first step to save money during the holidays.

How to do it:

• Write down all your holiday costs: gifts, food, decorations, and fun activities.
• Decide how much you can spend in each category.
• For example: If your budget is $500, you might spend $200 on gifts, $100 on food, $50 on decorations, $50 on fun and entertainment, and $100 for anything unexpected.

If a simple spreadsheet feels like a struggle, try an app like Quicken Simplifi or Monarch Money. These tools can help you manage your budget not just during the holidays, but all year long.

2. Make a Gift List and Stick to It

Impulse shopping can quickly blow your holiday budget, so creating a gift list in advance is one of the most effective ways to stay on track. Start by writing down everyone you plan to buy gifts for, and set a spending limit for each person.

Once you have your list, stick to it. Avoid wandering the aisles or browsing online for “just one more thing,” which can add up faster than you expect. Before making a purchase, check prices online using tools like CamelCamelCamel or other price comparison websites to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.

Try the following: let’s say that you already know you want to get a blue Christmas sweater for your father. You find an online store with the perfect model. Since you have some time before the holidays, you create an account on the store’s website and add the item to your cart without buying it immediately. Sometimes leaving items in your cart for a few days can trigger the store to send you a discount code or special offer.

You can also add notes to your gift list, like links to stores or reminders about which items you’ve added to your cart. Keeping your list organized in this way helps you stay on track, avoid last-minute stress, and make sure every gift counts.

3. Shop Early and Look for Deals

Waiting until the last minute usually costs more, so shopping early is one of the easiest ways to save money during the holidays. Even in November, you can find great discounts thanks to Black Friday and other seasonal promotions. Of course, not every “sale” is a real bargain. Some stores raise prices first and then add a discount tag. But many deals are genuine and can help you save if you plan your shopping in advance.

To make it easier, sign up for store newsletters to get early sale alerts. You can also use tools like Honey or Syrup, which automatically find and apply coupon codes when you shop online. 

For example, buying a $50 gift during an early sale this month could save you $15–$20 compared to waiting until just before Christmas.

4. Make DIY or Personalized Gifts

Homemade or personalized gifts are often cheaper and more meaningful than store-bought items. People usually appreciate personal gifts more, and here are some ideas you can try:

• Bake cookies, brownies, or holiday treats
• Create photo calendars, mugs, or framed prints
• Knit scarves, hats, or mittens for friends and family
• Make scented candles or DIY beauty products like bath salts or scrubs
• Prepare homemade jam or marmalade in decorative jars

YouTube and TikTok are full of videos that will help you along the way. Keep in mind that your friends and family will definitely appreciate personal gifts more than expensive store-bought items.

5. Cut Down on Holiday Extras

Decorations, gift wrap, and holiday parties can add up quickly, but even small savings can make a difference. Saving $50 on decorations, for example, could cover one or two gifts.

Instead of buying everything new, try upgrading the decorations you already have by adding ribbons, lights, or small ornaments to give them a fresh look. 

For holiday greetings, consider creating digital cards using tools like Canva or Fotor, which offers ready-made templates you can personalize. This way, you can make a thoughtful and festive impression on your loved ones without spending extra money.

Try a friend-and-family shared meal, where each guest brings their favorite dish. This reduces food costs while keeping the celebration fun and communal. These simple strategies can help you keep your holiday spending under control while still creating a festive atmosphere.

6. Plan Your Meals and Avoid Waste

Food is one of the biggest holiday expenses, and it’s easy to overspend without realizing it. Between special ingredients, family dinners, and last-minute grocery trips, costs can quickly add up. A little organization makes a big difference.

How to do it:

• Plan your menu early. Decide what meals you’ll make and how many guests you’ll have. This helps you buy only what’s needed.
• Use a meal-planning or grocery app. Tools like Mealime, Paprika, or AnyList can create shopping lists automatically based on your recipes. During the busy festive season, this makes it easier to buy everything in advance and avoid extra trips.
• Write a detailed shopping list. Once you have your plan, stick to your list at the store and avoid picking up “just-in-case” items.
• Buy in bulk when it makes sense. Stock up on items like flour, pasta, or canned goods that you can use after the holidays too.
• Freeze leftovers. Save extra food or ingredients so nothing goes to waste. You’ll thank yourself on a busy January evening.
• Limit your menu to a few standout dishes. Instead of making too many courses, focus on one or two main meals. This can save a lot and reduce stress in the kitchen.

7. Take Advantage of Cashback Offers and Matched Betting

Many credit cards and stores offer cashback or rewards for purchases. Of course, they aren’t doing it out of generosity. These offers are designed to get you used to spending, keep you loyal, and sometimes even carry you into debt. But who says you can’t take advantage of them? By using cashback strategically, you can get 5–10% back on purchases or use apps and websites to earn extra money while shopping for gifts.

Matched betting works in a similar way. Sportsbooks give out bonuses and promotions to encourage betting. They are not expecting you to be smart and take advantage of them. However, you can follow a step-by-step method and turn these offers into calculated profit. It’s completely legal and you can use these bonuses to boost your holiday budget and cover expenses like gifts, decorations, or holiday events without touching your main savings. 

Never placed a bet before? No worries! NinjaBet gives you all the necessary tools and step-by-step tutorials. With just a few hours a week, you can earn a nice side income for gifts or holiday treats.

Matched betting turns offers and promotions that are meant to benefit sportsbooks into strategies that benefit you.

Take your holiday savings even further, with a free trial of NinjaBet that will give you a chance to save some extra money during the holidays and make this season even more enjoyable.

Click the link below and start your FREE trial. 

ℹ️ Matched betting is not gambling, but it still requires careful execution. Always read the terms of each promotion.