🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.
1. Check Your Closet Before Buying A Holiday Outfit
Pause for one second before you grab that sparkly new dress, because girl, your closet might already be hiding a gem.
Trust me, I once “needed” a new sweater only to find 3 with tags still on them, and that hurt my soul a little :/
Before you even open a shopping app, do this:
Closet Deep Dive: Try on 3 outfits you already own and snap mirror photos to see what actually works.
Accessory Switch Up: Add bold earrings or a red lip to make an old outfit feel brand new.
Friend Swap Night: Trade one holiday piece with a bestie for a fresh look without spending a dollar.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It:Open your closet tonight, pull out 5 dressy pieces, mix and match them into 2 full outfits, and take photos to lock in your holiday look before you shop.
How I Made It Easy: Consider a full-length over-the-door mirror to quickly try outfits without turning your bedroom upside down.
2. Plan Your Holiday Meals Around Store Sales
Grocery prices during the holidays can feel personal, like why is butter acting fancy all of a sudden?
Instead of building your menu first, flip it, check weekly ads, and plan meals around what’s already on sale.
Next time you grocery shop, focus on this:
Sale-First Planning: Pick your main dish based on the best meat deal of the week to cut your biggest cost.
Bulk Side Dishes: Choose 2 affordable sides like rice or potatoes that stretch for leftovers.
Coupon Stack: Use digital coupons on top of sale prices for instant savings at checkout.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It:Open your grocery store app, scroll through this week’s ad, and write a simple meal plan using only discounted items before making your list.
How I Made It Easy: Consider using Capital One Shopping to compare grocery prices online before heading out.
3. Buy Gift Cards At A Discount Before Shopping
Here’s a sneaky little trick, babe, buy gift cards at a discount and then use them to shop.
It sounds small, but grabbing a $100 card for $90 feels like you just found money in your coat pocket, right?
Before you click “buy now,” try this:
Discount Gift Card Sites: Purchase store gift cards for less than face value to shave dollars off instantly.
Stack With Sales: Use discounted cards during holiday promotions for double savings.
Track Remaining Balance: Keep a note on your phone to avoid leaving unused money behind.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It:Search for discounted gift cards from a trusted site, buy one for a store you already planned to shop at, and use it for your next gift purchase.
How I Made It Easy: Consider Raise.com to find discounted gift cards from popular retailers.
4. Set A Cash Limit For Holiday Shopping Trips
Ever walked into Target for one thing and walked out with 12, including a candle you did not need?
Bringing cash only changes the whole vibe, because once it’s gone, it’s gone, no emotional swiping allowed.
Before your next shopping trip, set this up:
Envelope System: Put your holiday budget in one labeled envelope to see your limit clearly.
Receipt Check: Subtract each purchase from your total on your phone after every store.
No Extra Swipes: Leave credit cards at home to avoid “just this once” moments.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It:Decide your total holiday budget tonight, withdraw that exact amount in cash, and place it in one envelope labeled “Holiday.”
How I Made It Easy: Consider using SoFi to keep your holiday money in a separate checking space before withdrawing it.
5. Skip Expensive Stocking Stuffers And Keep Them Simple
Stocking stuffers can spiral fast if you treat them like mini shopping sprees.
Simple candy, cozy socks, and cute little notes hit just as hard without draining your wallet.
Keep it cute and controlled like this:
Dollar Cap Rule: Set a $5 max per stocking item to stop random splurges.
Practical Picks: Add things they’ll actually use like lip balm or fuzzy socks.
Handwritten Notes: Slip in a sweet message that costs nothing but feels priceless.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It:Write down 3 small useful items per person, set a strict dollar limit, and stop shopping once the list is complete.
How I Made It Easy: Consider a simple holiday budgeting spreadsheet from Etsy to track small gift expenses.
6. Compare Prices On 2 Websites Before Buying A Gift
One site can look like a deal until you check another and realize you almost overpaid.
Spending 2 extra minutes comparing prices can save you enough for coffee, and yes, that matters 🙂
Before you check out, remember this:
Two-Tab Rule: Open the same product on 2 different websites before paying.
Check Shipping Fees: Look at total cost including delivery, not just the item price.
Use Cashback Offers: Activate cashback tools for small bonus savings.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It:Add your item to the cart on one site, open a second tab to compare the same product, and choose the lower final total before paying.
How I Made It Easy: Consider installing Capital One Shopping to automatically compare prices while you browse.
7. Make A Holiday Party Budget Before Sending Invites
Hosting feels magical until you check your bank app the next morning.
Setting a party budget first keeps the fun high and the regret low, and that’s the goal, right girl?
Before you text invites, lock this in:
Guest Count Cap: Decide how many people fit your budget comfortably.
Simple Menu Plan: Choose 1 main dish and 2 easy sides instead of a huge spread.
Decor Limit: Reuse decor from last year before buying anything new.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It:Set a max dollar amount for the party, divide it between food, decor, and extras, and promise yourself not to go over it.
How I Made It Easy: Consider using PocketSmith to create a quick holiday party spending category.
8. Use Free Holiday Events Instead Of Paid Activities
Not every holiday memory needs a ticket price attached to it.
Free tree lightings, neighborhood parades, and church events bring the same sparkle without the swipe.
Swap pricey outings for this instead:
Community Calendar Search: Check your city’s website for free holiday events.
Library Programs: Attend free story time or craft days for kids.
Neighborhood Walk: Drive around to look at holiday lights with hot cocoa in hand.
Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: making life easier and sharing what works. I created ''Like Mom Said'' after one too many moments of realizing: "My mom was right about this." Turns out, a lot of that old-school wisdom still holds up... it just needs a modern spin. Think of me as your friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand.)
