Want to learn how to save money during the holidays?
It’s the holiday season, which usually means gift shopping, parties, and lots of festive food! 
Between gifts, travel, decorations, and entertaining, holiday expenses can grow quickly. The average person spends roughly $1,000 on gifts alone, not including other seasonal costs. To avoid stress and overspending, this guide offers practical, realistic ways to cut holiday expenses and also suggests ways to earn extra money over the season. Combining spending control with income-boosting ideas is the best approach to enjoy the holidays without financial strain.
How to save money during the holidays
1. Start with a holiday budget
Begin by setting a realistic holiday budget. Review any money you’ve already set aside and list likely expenses so you don’t overspend. Include items like:
- Gifts
- Transportation and travel
- Food for potlucks and parties
- Postage for cards and mailed gifts
- Wrapping supplies
- Decorations and holiday lights
Detailing these categories helps you create a practical spending plan and keeps surprises to a minimum.
2. Give fewer gifts
Cutting down on the number of gifts you buy saves both time and money. Consider giving one thoughtful gift per person, or shifting emphasis to experiences or time together. Remember, holidays are about connection—quality counts more than quantity.
3. Scan grocery receipts with Fetch Rewards
Receipt-scanning apps like Fetch Rewards let you earn points for purchases you already make. Snap photos of receipts from groceries, clothing stores, restaurants, and gas stations, then redeem points for gift cards to retailers where you can buy holiday items. It’s an easy way to stretch your budget.
4. Get cash back when you shop
Cash-back services let you earn a percentage of your online purchases back as real money. Before you click to shop, check a cash-back provider to see if your chosen retailer participates. Over many purchases, the savings add up and can offset holiday costs.
5. Cut back on regular spending
To free up money for holiday expenses, reduce routine spending for a few months. Ideas include:
- Eating out less
- Switching to more affordable entertainment options
- Changing to a lower-cost phone plan
- Shopping for a cheaper car insurance rate
- Temporarily cancelling a gym membership or subscriptions
Small monthly savings can be redirected to your holiday budget.
6. Do Secret Santa
Organize a Secret Santa exchange among family or coworkers so each person buys just one gift. To make it fun, set a theme—movie night, games, or travel items—to keep things affordable and meaningful.
7. Shop early
Start shopping well before the rush. When you wait until the last minute, you’re more likely to pay full price or make impulse buys. Early planning lets you compare prices, find deals, and avoid stress.
8. Use credit card rewards for travel
If you responsibly use rewards credit cards, redeeming points can cover flights or hotels and reduce holiday travel costs. Understand card terms and avoid carrying balances to keep rewards beneficial.
9. Save on gift wrapping
Wrapping supplies add up. Save by reusing paper and ribbons, combining gifts (wrap a small item inside a blanket you’re also giving), or using simple, reusable bags and boxes.
10. Buy secondhand
Thrift stores and consignment shops often have excellent, gently used items—clothing, books, toys, and home decor—at a fraction of new prices. Secondhand gifts can be unique and eco-friendly.
11. Celebrate with an experience
Gifting experiences—like tickets to an event, a cooking class, or a special outing—creates lasting memories without adding clutter. Many experiences are low-cost and highly appreciated.
12. Donate to a charity
Donate to a cause that matters to the person you’re gifting for. Donations or volunteering as a family can be a meaningful alternative to material gifts.
13. Give your time
Your presence is often the best gift. Simple gestures—coffee dates, walks, or uninterrupted time together—are free and valuable.
14. Find free holiday activities
Many communities offer free seasonal events—tree lightings, parades, or concerts. Check local event calendars and social media to find budget-friendly outings.
15. Don’t overextend yourself
Be realistic about what you can manage. It’s fine to say no to obligations that drain your time, energy, or finances. Focus on traditions that bring you joy, not pressure.
16. Remember, it’s okay to cut ties
If relationships are consistently stressful or one-sided, you’re not obligated to maintain costly traditions for everyone. Protect your well-being and prioritize people who uplift you.
17. Make cards
Handmade holiday cards are personal and budget-friendly. Crafting cards can also be a fun family activity and a meaningful keepsake for recipients.
18. Give handmade gifts
Homemade gifts are affordable and thoughtful. Ideas include:
- Home-baked cookies
- Mixes for baking or soups
- Photo magnets
- Bath bombs or sugar scrubs
- Homemade candles
19. Return unwanted gifts
If you receive gifts you won’t use, return them when possible. Use refunds or store credit to purchase items you actually want or to add to your holiday fund.
Find ways to make additional holiday spending cash
In addition to cutting expenses, earning extra cash makes the season more manageable without dipping into savings or using credit. Consider seasonal or one-time opportunities below.
1. Find a seasonal holiday job
Retailers, delivery services, and event companies often hire temporary staff during the holidays. Seasonal positions provide fast income and flexible hours.
2. Make quick cash selling things
Sell unneeded items—clothing, electronics, books—through thrift stores, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or a yard sale. It’s a fast way to generate spending money.
3. Walk dogs or pet sit
With more people traveling, pet-sitting and dog-walking are in demand. Advertise locally or use pet-sitting platforms to find short-term gigs.
4. Get paid to share your thoughts
Paid survey sites, focus groups, and review platforms let you earn small amounts in your spare time. While not large sums, this income can help with gift purchases.
5. Find one-time gigs on Craigslist
Look in the local “Gigs” section for quick jobs—yard work, cleaning, moving help, or event support—that pay immediately after completion.
6. Become a house sitter
House sitting can provide paid work or a free place to stay while homeowners travel. Duties usually include reliable check-ins, plant care, and mail collection.
7. Sell items on Etsy
If you create handmade or vintage items, selling on Etsy can be profitable during the holiday shopping season. Popular items include printables, custom crafts, and unique gifts.
8. Get rewarded for being online
Reward sites let you earn gift cards or cash for activities you already do online—shopping, searching, and taking surveys—offering extra savings on holiday purchases.
How do I save this holiday season? In conclusion
There are many smart ways to save for the holidays: set a budget, limit gifts, shop early, reuse and repurpose, choose experiences over things, and find seasonal ways to earn extra money. With thoughtful planning, you can enjoy meaningful traditions without going into debt. Holidays are about the people you share them with—not the amount you spend.
How much do you spend during the holidays? What do you do to save money during the holidays?