As we approach the 2024 holiday season, consumers are feeling the pressure of high inflation, rising living costs, and economic uncertainty. While gift-giving remains a central part of holiday celebrations, many are looking for ways to make their holiday shopping more budget-friendly without sacrificing quality or joy. With new trends and tools emerging, it’s easier than ever to stay within a budget while still finding thoughtful and meaningful gifts. Here’s a guide to smart holiday shopping tips, along with real examples and strategies that can help you save.
1. Leverage “Buy Now, Pay Later” Services Wisely
In 2024, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services continue to grow in popularity, especially among budget-conscious shoppers. Platforms like Afterpay, Klarna, and PayPal Pay in 4 allow consumers to spread the cost of purchases over several months without interest if paid on time. This trend has become a go-to option for shoppers who want to buy gifts without the financial strain of a lump-sum payment upfront.
Example:
Let’s say you’re purchasing a tech gadget, such as the Amazon Echo Show 8 (priced at around $169). Instead of paying the full amount in one go, you could break it down into four equal payments of $56.33 using a BNPL service, making it more manageable within your monthly budget.
Tip: While BNPL services are convenient, ensure you have a plan for making payments on time. Missing payments could result in late fees and affect your credit score.
2. Take Advantage of Holiday Sales Early
Another major trend for holiday shopping in 2024 is the extension of sales well beyond Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Many retailers, both online and offline, are starting their holiday promotions as early as October to capture early-bird shoppers. This trend, often referred to as “Black November,” allows shoppers to spread out their purchases and avoid the last-minute rush, giving them more time to find deals and compare prices.
Example:
Retailers like Amazon, Target and Walmart have embraced the early sales trend by launching “Deal Days” in late October, offering significant discounts on items such as toys, electronics, and home goods. For instance, Target might offer a 50% discount on select LEGO sets, reducing the price from $50 to $25. Amazon Prime days are also good for deals.
Tip: Sign up for retailer newsletters and follow their social media accounts to get early notifications about upcoming sales.
3. Shop Secondhand and Sustainable Gifts
In 2024, sustainability is a significant focus for both retailers and consumers. More people are turning to secondhand marketplaces and sustainable products to reduce waste while saving money. Platforms like Poshmark, ThredUp, and Facebook Marketplace offer gently used items at a fraction of their original price, making it easier to shop for unique and eco-friendly gifts.
Example:
For a fashion-forward friend or family member, you might find a brand-name handbag on Poshmark for half the retail price. A purse originally priced at $150 could be purchased for $75 or less in like-new condition.
Additionally, many shoppers are opting for gifts with a sustainable edge, such as reusable products (like Bamboo cutlery sets) or eco-friendly personal care items from brands like The Body Shop, which offer holiday gift sets made from ethically sourced ingredients.
Tip: Check the condition of secondhand items carefully before purchasing, and always ask the seller for additional photos if needed.
4. Use Cashback and Rewards Programs
Cashback apps and rewards programs are essential tools for budget-conscious holiday shoppers in 2024. Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fetch Rewards offer cashback on purchases from major retailers. Additionally, credit card rewards programs are becoming increasingly generous with holiday bonuses, allowing you to earn points or cashback on everyday purchases that can be redeemed for gift cards or discounts.
Example:
If you’re shopping online at Macy’s, you can activate cashback on Rakuten and earn up to 10% back on your purchase. So, if you spend $200 on gifts, you could receive $20 back, which could be used towards future purchases or added to your holiday budget.
Similarly, if you use a rewards credit card for your holiday shopping, you could accumulate points that can be redeemed for travel, cash, or gift cards—perfect for offsetting some of the holiday spending.
Tip: Always compare cashback offers across different platforms to maximize your savings and make sure to read the fine print on how to redeem points or rewards.
5. DIY and Personalized Gifts
In 2024, many shoppers are turning to DIY (Do-It-Yourself) gifts and personalized items as a way to stay within budget while creating something meaningful. The rise of creative platforms like Etsy and Shutterfly makes it easier than ever to design personalized gifts that feel unique and thoughtful, without the high price tag.
Example:
Instead of buying expensive store-bought candles, you can create your own custom-scented candles at home for a fraction of the cost. With DIY kits available for around $20, you can make multiple candles that would cost $25+ each at a boutique. Similarly, on Shutterfly, you can create custom photo calendars or photo books for under $30, using pictures from family vacations or special moments throughout the year.
Tip: Start early with DIY gifts to ensure you have enough time to gather materials, complete the projects, and avoid rushing at the last minute.
6. Buy in Bulk and Split Costs
Another smart strategy in 2024 is buying items in bulk and splitting the costs, especially for gifts that can be grouped together. Retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club offer significant discounts on multi-packs of popular holiday items such as toys, food baskets, and personal care sets. You can then split these bulk purchases across multiple people, maximizing savings.
Example:
If you buy a pack of gourmet hot chocolate sets at Costco for $40 that contains five individual sets, you can split them as separate gifts, bringing the cost of each gift to only $8—much cheaper than buying individually wrapped gifts for $15 or $20 each.
Tip: Pooling resources with friends or family members to buy bulk gifts is a great way to reduce overall costs while still giving high-quality presents.
7. Digital and Experience-Based Gifts
With the rise of digitalization, experience-based and digital gifts are becoming a budget-friendly alternative in 2024. Offering subscriptions, services, or experiences often costs less than physical gifts but delivers lasting value. Services like Netflix, Spotify, or even Audible allow you to gift a subscription for a few months, while platforms like Airbnb Experiences let you gift unique virtual or in-person experiences.
Example:
A three-month subscription to Spotify Premium costs about $30, but it offers endless music streaming without ads, making it a great gift for a music lover. Similarly, gifting an Airbnb cooking class or virtual experience might cost as little as $20, but it provides a memorable and interactive experience.
Tip: Look for discount codes or bundle deals on digital services during holiday promotions to save even more on experience-based gifts.
Conclusion
Holiday shopping on a budget in 2024 doesn’t mean compromising on quality or the joy of giving. By taking advantage of BNPL services, shopping early during extended sales, exploring secondhand and sustainable options, using cashback and rewards programs, and getting creative with DIY gifts, you can make the most of your holiday budget. Planning ahead and using smart shopping strategies will allow you to enjoy the festive season without overspending.