Every year, it’s a race to find the perfect gift, to shop for it, and of course, to stay within budget. Holiday shopping is a joy for some and a stressful time for others. Can we simplify the process and save money? Sure. Starting with these simple tips.
Make a list (and a budget!)
It's no surprise that Christmas comes around every year, on the same date. The holiday season can not only be anticipated, but also budgeted for. It's always a good idea to set a budget, not only for gift purchases, but also for groceries, clothing, travel and entertaining.
Not sure where to start? Option consommateur offers an easy-to-use budget grid . You can also download an app (most are in English), such as Mint , Fudget and Spendee , which will help you stay on track.
Psst! In order to properly identify expenses, you must first make a list of purchases. This is the first step!
Plan ahead
Have you started your shopping? According to a Deloitte survey, one in three Quebecers (37%) plan to shop earlier this year and nearly half of them (46%) believe that this will give them better deals.
Planning ahead is actually a good strategy. It allows you to think more carefully about your purchases, in addition to avoiding potential supply problems and crowds in stores.
While some purchases can be made at the last minute, others need to be planned. This is the case for baby and children's clothing , whose range of sizes and styles is gradually decreasing. Have you bought your Christmas pajamas? Don't delay!
The same goes for seasonal accessories. We also plan ahead for the purchase of baby equipment and furniture, especially if we want to take the time to shop, compare models and make a group gift for future or new parents, for example.
Christmas pajamas from the Mayoral company
Monitor promotions
Are you a bargain hunter? As tradition dictates, Black Friday (November 25) officially kicks off the holiday shopping season with tempting discounts. However, today, sales are staggered from mid-November to mid-December and fluctuate over time.
According to forecasts from the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), consumers will be even more on the lookout for sales and discounts this year in order to cope with inflation.
How to hunt for discounts? A good tip is to follow your favorite stores on social networks or subscribe to their newsletter, in order to know the discounts of the day or to have access to promotional codes.
Another way is to regularly check the Sales and Demo Sales sections on retailer websites. In November, you will find discounts from suppliers and manufacturers.
Join a loyalty program
One way to save money is to join a loyalty program and use the points or bonuses you accumulate to purchase gifts.
Did you know thatthe Les Amis de Charlotte reward program ? It is a cash back program (2%) on any purchase made in store or on the online store. For example, a purchase of $500 will earn $10 in cashback. Cashback is available when a minimum of 200 points, or $4 in cashback, has been accumulated.
Loyalty programs are also popular for food purchases, at the SAQ, or for gasoline, in particular. Think about it when entertaining and traveling during the holidays!
Involving children
From an early age, children can participate in shopping and holiday preparations. It's even a great way to teach them the value of money, sharing and effort.
Take advantage of rainy Sundays to make cards and decorative ornaments with the children, which they can then wrap and give as gifts.
Make craft gifts as a family! Prepare recipes in a jar, cookies, a photo album, friendship bracelets, etc.: there is no shortage of ideas. Make it a craft activity and choose objects that will please (and that are adapted to the manual skills of the children). You will show your child that thoughtful gifts are sometimes more appreciated than expensive gifts.
An idea for your teens: ask them to offer their time. An evening of babysitting, shoveling a neighbor's driveway, and a meal cooked with an aunt who lives alone. Sometimes, time is what is most precious and appreciated.
Photo credit: Petit Lem
Happy Holiday Shopping!
