How To Get Your Holiday Shopping Done Early: 9 Tips for a Stress-Free December

The holidays. That magical time of year when we somehow forget the chaos of last-minute shopping only to repeat it annually. But not this year. This year, you’re going to crush holiday shopping like the efficient, money-saving champ you aspire to be. Here are eight tips that’ll get you through the entire process — from brainstorming gifts to getting them all wrapped up. Get it done with time to spare (yes, really)… and without exploding your budget, too.

1. Give Fewer (But More Thoughtful) Gifts

Think fewer gifts, less stress and more fun. Try suggesting a Secret Santa or White Elephant-type party with family and friends. Explain the benefits of each person only needing to put their energy into one thoughtful gift. Many people welcome new traditions that lead to reduced stress and more relaxation during the holiday season. And since you’re spending money on fewer people, you can still splurge for the people left on your list while still spending less than your original budget. Everyone wins. Here’s how to start saving money, even if you don’t have room in your budget.

2. Create a Gift List (with a Backup Plan)

Winging it is a terrible strategy. Write down everyone you need gifts for, along with reasonable ideas and a budget. This will save you from buying “emergency” scented candles at full price on Christmas Eve. No one wants another lavender candle. Have a fail-safe backup ready, like an Amazon gift card. While shopping for everyone else, keep an eye out for those “giftless” folks. If nothing jumps out? Gift card it is. Done. And if you’re running low from last year, make sure to add wrapping paper to the list. Another money hack? Spend less on these dumb things.

3. DIY Gifts. Because You’re Creative (Right?)

On a super tight budget this year? Handmade gifts say, “Time is money, but I have more time than money and I love you.” If you can wield a glue gun or dabble in woodworking, you can churn out thoughtful gifts for pennies on the dollar. Stick to simple, foolproof DIYs and Set aside some crafting time on the calendar. No one enjoys panic-bedazzling t-shirts when they could be eggnogging with the Hallmark channel. Need a budget? Here’s how to make one, step-by-step.

4. Experiences: Stuff Is Overrated

Pick out some people who would rather be gifted experiences instead of things—because memories don’t need wrapping paper. A movie night, a cooking class or even just a homemade coupon for a “free babysitting session” goes a long way. Bonus: No one has to fake enthusiasm for a coaster set. Here’s how to start saving money, even if you don’t have room in your budget.

5. Bulk Gifting for the Win

When you’re going to a work party, hosting a holiday party or in charge of stuffing stockings, why shop for 20 individual gifts when you can buy one big box of something and distribute it like a festive Oprah? (“You get socks! You get socks! Everybody gets socks!”) Add some small, cheap gift ideas to your list that you can plan on buying in bulk. When it’s time to shop, don’t go off the rails. Stick to your list and your budget. Looking for another money-saving life hack? These companies give you food and other products for free.

6. Start Shopping ASAP, Snag the Deals

Now that your gift list is nailed down, you can start shopping early when the deals are still hot and the shelves aren’t barren. Stick to your list and plan out which items you’re going to purchase on Black Friday, Cyber Monday or whatever bizarrely named Tuesday sale your favorite store cooks up. No, you don’t need to wait for December to shop—you’re better than that. Make your money work harder for you with one of The Penny Hoarder’s top picks for savings accounts.

7. Let the Discounts Come to You

Don’t plan on spending hours looking for discount codes—the internet can do the heavy lifting. Install a browser extension like Honey or Capital One Shopping to be automatically notified of promo codes and free shipping offers. If you like doing your shopping in person, head to discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, the dollar store, and even your favorite thrift store to find hidden gems for ridiculously low prices. Whether you choose to shop online or in person, don’t forget to sign up for cashback apps like Rakuten or use credit card rewards points to get a little something for yourself while shopping your gift list. It’s not selfish—it’s just smart. Got a birthday coming up? These 117 places will give you free stuff on your birthday.

8. Head Local for Your Favorites

You might have things on your gift list that you could buy pretty much anywhere—like jewelry, ceramics, knitwear, bath and body products, etc. Make them more unique for a few of those special humans on the list. Hit up local markets or small businesses to find that handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift. Guess what? You’re now a chilled-out hero because your loved ones will appreciate the effort over “Amazoned it at 2 a.m.” Want more money-saving tips like this? Here are eight more you should try.

9. Wrap It Up Early, People

Wrapping gifts as they arrive is the final secret to staying ahead of holiday madness. No scrambling for tape or hiding in a corner on Christmas Eve with shreds of wrapping paper everywhere — just wrap it, label it and bask in your organized brilliance. Even better? Check if any of your online or in-person shops offer free or cheap gift wrapping. Wrangle your budget with one of The Penny Hoarder’s picks for the best budgeting apps in 2024.

Here’s to a Panic-Free December!

Getting your holiday shopping done early and on the cheap isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. You’ve got this. So, pour yourself a hot cup of coffee (or eggnog, no judgment) and get cracking. Your wallet and your future, chilled-out self will be grateful. Make your money work harder for you with one of The Penny Hoarder’s top picks for savings accounts.