There are the go-getters who already have their holiday gifts purchased, wrapped and hidden away just as the leaves start to fall—and then there are the rest of us. As the countdown closes on the December holidays, the last-minute scramble begins. Yet while these eleventh-hour purchases can be stressful and potentially budget-busting, they don't have to be.
Even when time is short, there's ample room for thoughtfulness and originality in gift selection. By approaching last-minute shopping with a mix of resourcefulness and fiscal responsibility, you can find meaningful presents that don't break the bank. Here are 11 tips to help make the holiday season merry and bright—without accumulating a sleighful of debt.
1. Decide Who You Actually Need to Buy For
Now's the time to check that list twice to see where to trim. Even if you typically exchange gifts with someone, it may be time to end that tradition if it seems more transactional than meaningful. You also could check with your friend group to see if they'd be open to replacing the tired ornament exchange with an experience, like a holiday performance or light festival.
2. Make the Most of Discounts and Apps
To get more bang for your buck, make sure you're always maximizing your savings. Start with a credit card that racks up cash rewards, and sign up for loyalty programs from all your favorite brands. Then, follow the brands on social media and opt in for email and text alerts to catch flash sales or exclusive discounts.
Finally, add some extensions to your browser:
- Honey and RetailMeNot offer the latest discounts and coupons.
- Rakuten and Ibotta allow you to earn cash back on purchases.
- Price.com lets you compare prices across sites, and CamelCamelCamel offers Amazon price history charts and drop alerts.
3. Think Thoughtful Rather Than Spendy
The best gifts spark a genuine “that's just what I always wanted!" How to elicit that response? Pay attention to clues they might drop about items for a hobby or sprucing up their house or wardrobe.
Once you've homed in on some ideas, avoid dashing through the mall with other last-minute shoppers or paying exorbitant shipping fees. Instead, visit small businesses in your area. Their salespeople are typically eager to help shoppers like you find the perfect unique gift. And often they'll gift wrap it too, eliminating one more thing from your to-do list.
4. Let the Pros Pick a Perfect Gift
Sometimes coming up with the idea is the hardest part. Look for inspiration in curated lists of last-minute presents from reputable gift guides, blogs or social media influencers. These lists are often carefully crafted to include a range of creative gift ideas catering to different interests and budgets. By leveraging the expertise of others, you can save time and mental energy while still finding a great gift at a price point that works for you.
5. Don't Get Stung by Last-Minute Shipping
Clicking “buy now" may seem like the easiest way to cross gifts off the list, but it can come at a substantial cost. As the holiday deadline nears, shipping costs skyrocket, adding unexpected expenses.
If you're not last last minute, see if your preferred retailer is participating in National Free Shipping Day on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Or consider sending the gift at regular speed and present the recipient with a picture of the gift, wrapped creatively (see below for some ideas). They'll get the thrill of a post-holiday package and you'll avoid expedited shipping that gets you nothing but a lighter wallet.
6. Go for a Gift Card
There's a reason gift cards are a perennial favorite for both giver and recipient. They're a no-brainer for the giver in terms of convenience, and recipients appreciate the chance to select something they truly want or need while avoiding the hassle of returns and exchanges. However, while these are a go-to last-minute gift, the costs can add up.
Start by checking around to see if you have unused cards in your drawers—big score—or if you can shave off a little bit by buying them at a discount at sites like Raise or CardCash. The most popular cards hold their value best, of course, so if your friend has a more obscure favorite store, you could be in luck with significant savings.
7. Regift the Right Way
Yes, we said it. Sometimes the best gift is already in your house. Regifting can be a handy way to manage last-minute timing and budget issues, but only if it's truly the right present for the right person. Make sure it's new(ish) and aligns with the recipient's interests and tastes. (Find more hints on regifting etiquette here.)
8. Dress Up a Gift So It Doesn't Look Last Minute
Nothing says "last minute" like a regifted gift bag. Instead, focus on a creative presentation that takes any present—even a gift card—up a notch. Spruce up kraft paper with biodegradable glitter for sparkle without an environmental impact, or add fresh touches like a sprig of holly or a pine cone. Add a handwritten note on beautiful paper or create a custom tag using a photo of you and the recipient.
If you're giving a gift card, consider packaging it in a related fashion, such as a coffee card in a special mug or one to a sporting goods store in a sleeve of golf balls.
9. Give of Yourself
As the Grinch realized so aptly in Dr. Seuss' classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" what if the holiday doesn't come from a store? Gifts of service (think cooking a meal or helping an elderly relative organize pictures) offer a meaningful alternative to traditional presents, with no shopping required. Your wallet will avoid a hit while your relationship gets a boost.
10. Think Really Last Minute—Like, After the Holiday
Holiday festivities are barely finished when the app and email sales alerts start lighting up your phone. And we all know that bleak feeling of the celebrations being over in a blink. One way to extend the holiday—and your budget—is to plan a post-holiday gift exchange. That way, you can take advantage of the inevitable end-of-season sales while having a joyful occasion to look forward to.
11. Make a Promise Instead of a Purchase
Don't have time or patience to continue shopping? Make it easy on yourself—and your December bills—by wrapping up an “I owe you" for brunch with your buddy in January or a summer expedition to the zoo with your nephew. Create and wrap up a fun gift certificate so they have the delight of opening while reveling in the anticipation of a future outing.
Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping With Confidence
A last-minute gift doesn't need to look last minute. With a little thought and creativity, you can choose the perfect gift while amplifying the value of your spending. Being mindful of your budget, even as the holidays draw near, can help you avoid that dreaded feeling of financial regret after the celebration is over.
If you're feeling tapped, this could be a good time to look ahead to future holidays and regularly set aside funds in a separate bank account so the money is ready and waiting when the time is right. The first step is to automate your savings by directing a certain amount of each paycheck to a gift account. The best places to put it are those that offer attractive interest rates that help your funds grow even faster, such as a high yield savings account, money market account or certificate of deposit (CD).
As for helping you with your procrastination? That's for Future You to solve.
Want more ideas for saving throughout the season? Check out 14 Grinch-Free Ways to Save Money This Holiday Season.
