On a Budget? Here Are 8 Things You Can Still Always Buy for the Holidays
Written by
Martin Dasko
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
The expenses can get overwhelming during the holiday season because it always feels like there’s something more to spend on. Even though the expenses can feel like they’re piling up, the good news is that you can save money in the long term by making certain purchases during the holidays.
What are things that budget-conscious people always buy during the holidays?
DIY Supplies
This applies to crafts and other supplies that you could use for other projects throughout the year. You can often purchase supplies such as crafts, glue, tools and other items for your DIY projects during the holiday time, when there are more sales. Even though many people will complete more projects during the holidays as gifts, you can purchase these supplies for work that you have to complete throughout the year.
Holiday Supplies
“Snag heavily discounted Christmas supplies and decorations post-holidays,” suggested Jessica Morgan, the founder of Canadian Budget. “Effective planning slashes decorating costs significantly.”
Many financial experts have stressed the importance of buying holiday supplies right after the holidays. That week before the year’s end, you likely can find various holiday-related items discounted. If you have storage space at home, you can get ahead of your holiday supply shopping for the next year.
Because most holiday supplies are timeless, you can save money by planning in advance. You can load up on gift sets, wrapping paper, holiday decorations, ornaments and other related items. This is one less expense for frugal people during the next holiday season.
Gifts That Are on Sale
You can get ahead of shopping for birthday gifts and other occasions by looking for discounted items during the holiday season. You could find deals on timeless gifts and other accessories you can hand out the following year. For example, you can get ahead on someone’s birthday gift if you find something on sale during the holiday rush.
Travel Deals
While holiday travel can come with exorbitant costs, you can take advantage of purchasing vacation deals during holiday sales. You can plot out your 2024 travels by taking advantage of holiday discounts. Many vacation platforms will offer deals and future discounts because they know people will want to purchase travel as a gift. You can invest the money in your travel for the next year by finding deals here.
Digital Subscriptions/General Subscriptions
If you want to try out a new gym or software, you can take advantage of holiday deals. You also can look out for deals on current subscriptions that you’re paying for. Frugal people realize that many subscription providers will offer holiday discounts to entice new users.
This is why it makes sense to review your subscription list to see whether you can land a better deal on anything. You may also land a significant discount if you pay for the service up front with any annual deals you find. The holiday season could be the perfect time to review your subscription plans.
Activities You Want To Try
Similarly to the previous point, you can use holiday shopping as the perfect opportunity to find a deal on an activity you’ve been planning on trying. For example, if there’s a new dance studio that you want to try out in your community, you can look out for holiday deals.
Many local businesses will offer gift packages and discounts during the holiday season to attract new customers. By spending money on these items during the holidays, you’ll have activities and things to look forward to in the coming year.
High Ticket Electronics
Electronics are often top holiday sellers, so many retailers offer discounts. You could find the perfect deal if you’ve been meaning to upgrade your living room television or laptop. You also might discover many marked-down electronics if you wait until after the holiday rush.
Outdoor Accessories
You might need a new snow shovel or upgraded outdoor accessories. The good news is that you can look for deals around the holidays with random sales to entice customers.
You could discover that local retailers are trying to unload rakes, lawnmowers and other outdoor accessories that are out of season. By purchasing these items a season ahead, you’ll find a better price and be ready when the time comes.
Some purchases are worth making during the holidays to save money in the long run. By spending the money on these items now, you won’t have to worry about the expense next year.
More From GOBankingRates
