When the “ber” months arrive, Filipinos are known to get into the Christmas spirit as early as September. Christmas is the most important and longest-lasting holiday in the Philippines because it always puts everyone in a wonderful, joyful, and giving mood. This is also the time of year when people gather with their friends and family to give thanks for the meaningful relationships they have. And what better way to show your love for your loved ones than by giving them gifts? But, pause for a while, it is important to list down the things you should buy in order to take the most of the best buys for Christmas and how to save money in Christmas shopping.
Gift-giving has always been a part of the Filipino Christmas tradition, from the office monito-monita to giving presents for all your nieces and nephews. There’s something special about picking out a gift, wrapping it in Christmas paper, and giving it to someone. Seeing the recipient’s face light up with delight when they open their gift also makes you feel warm and happy. However, if you overspend on gifts, the Christmas feels can financially burden you. Despite your best intentions, you could find yourself drowning in debt by the New Year.
It’s a normal dilemma for every Filipino of wanting to give everyone a gift but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money. It happens every year because most of them do not plan ahead of time for gift-giving, everything is done at the last minute! Fortunately, there are many things you can do to avoid overspending during the holidays.
So, it is preferable to be prepared rather than to be sorry and stressed later. Here’s a quick guide on how to save money in Christmas shopping this year:
1. Have a shopping plan
Can’t stress enough how this step one is the most important factor in how to save money in Christmas shopping. Having a plan may sound like you’re becoming a “control freak,” but it’s more about being strategic and resourceful with your time and money.
A shopping plan may include:
- A list of people for whom you will be purchasing gifts
You’ll save a lot of time this way because you’ll already have an idea of what to get someone instead of just remembering names and interests when you’re already at the shopping center.
Further, having a list of individuals who will receive a gift from you helps to cut down on unnecessary spending. This list is a lifesaver for those of you who are easily distracted!
- Do a quick research
Do yourself a favor and conduct a quick internet listing of the items you intend to purchase. It’s better to double-check everything before going directly to the shopping mall. You need to make a canvas of things you will buy. Through the internet, you can check the prices, stores, and inventory. And who knows, if you’re lucky enough, the gift you’re trying to look for might be available at a lower cost in a store near you, thanks to the internet. Or that perhaps the demand for a particular gift you’re looking for is so high that you must purchase it right away. Quick research provides you with more options and backup options, saving you time in the long run.
- A budget list
Aside from ensuring that you don’t forget any inaanak on your list, a shopping plan can also assist you in tracking whether you’re still within your budget so you can easily adjust accordingly.
Creating a budget specifically for this gift-giving season is a great way to avoid overspending on Christmas gifts. You can use it to keep track of your spending and make wise purchasing decisions. It’s easy to overspend during the holidays, especially when you’re surrounded by people who aren’t afraid to spend more.
However, this is an excellent opportunity to put your budgeting skills to the test. When you can stick to your budget and save more money during this season, controlling your future expenses will be easy.
2. Shop Early
Purchasing gifts months prior to the holidays can save you a lot of money and keep you out of the Christmas shopping frenzy! Shopping for gifts during the holidays can be stressful. Purchasing gifts in advance has several advantages.
Advantages of shopping early:
- You don’t have to worry that the item you’re looking for might be already sold out.
Given the number of people trying to buy gifts for their loved ones, popular Christmas items can quickly sell out in stores and online.
- You can still buy the item at its original price.
It’s also possible that the price levels of certain products will rise as a result of increased demand.
- You can still allocate your budget wisely
Shopping early is a brilliant way to effectively stretched out your finances and ensure that everyone on your list has a present.
- You won’t have to go into crowded malls
Or you don’t even have to lose sleep waiting for that item you saw online to go on sale or looking for other gifts. Your chances of getting the perfect gift are also higher because they most likely haven’t received it yet.
3.Shop online
Some people believe that the best holiday gifts can only be found at the mall, but many of these items even the best deals are also available online! Search for discounted gifts using your favorite e-commerce apps! Online shopping has become much more convenient as a result of 24-hour access, the emergence of online shops, and the convenience provided by the latter.
The benefit of shopping online is that you can avoid not only traffic and paying for gas or your commute but also going back and forth between aisles and waiting in long lines at the cashier. Instead, all you have to do is browse their catalog, with just a few clicks on your smart device, you can now select the items you want and pay for them.
Finally, shopping online allows you to have your gift shipped right away—simple, it’s quick, and hassle-free!
Here are some online stores to consider:
- Shopee
- Lazada
- Zalora
- BeautyMNL
- eBay PH
Read also: Shop for Last-Minute Christmas Gifts from the Comfort of Your Home
4.Take Advantage of the Holiday Sales
It is common knowledge that malls in the Philippines normally hold sales during the holiday season. This type of shopping event is also attended by nearly every store in the mall. As a result, you can get great deals on many items such as clothing, gadgets, appliances, and grocery store items. You should take advantage of these holiday sales because they allow you to buy gifts in bulk for a low cost. Ingredients for traditional Christmas dishes are also packaged together, making them less expensive to prepare.
Pros and Cons of taking advantage of the holiday sales
- Keeping track of major sale dates is extremely beneficial if you want to get the most out of your shopping budget. You also don’t have to wait for Christmas weekend sales or 12.12 to begin shopping for holiday gifts. You can shop as early as 11.11 and get great deals
- On the downside, waiting for these dates and for stores to fill your orders may take some time. Also, the items that you want might already sell out due to high demand.
But, this doesn’t run counter to the idea that earlier mentioned about shopping early in how to save money in Christmas shopping because malls conduct monthly discount sales that you can still take advantage of.
5. Give fewer gifts
As mentioned earlier, one of the spirits of Christmas is the gift-giving of people. But if the people around you truly love you, they would understand if you can’t give any material gift at the moment. Sometimes, spending quality time with your loved ones is more precious than buying out material possessions to them that sometimes may not last for long. Not everyone needs a gift this year. You may opt to send your messages of comfort and joy to some people on your list through a thoughtful card. This is one of the most effective ways how to save money in Christmas shopping.
If you’re used to blasting a significant amount of money during the holidays, now’s the time to start cutting back. After all, you don’t always have to spend a lot of money or give expensive gifts to feel like it’s Christmas. You can still spread joy and goodwill with your friends and family while engaging in new money-saving holiday traditions. Here are three ideas for low-cost Christmas activities to get you started:
- Group gift purchasing and payment
- Instead of eating out, host a home potluck.
- Visiting and taking part in local Christmas events
6. Set a limit
Do not be tempted to overspend simply to impress family and friends. Maintain your budget! First and foremost, you do not need to spend that much money. We want you to understand and accept that truth. Don’t spend more than you can afford this season or any season. Moving money about in your budget is the first stage in this process; you should spend less in some categories in December to make up for the extra Christmas celebrations.
7. Buy items at bundles
Gifts that come in bundles or groups are the best. Why? Because they are not only cost-effective but also time-efficient.
Assume you need to give gifts to three people who share similar interests. Instead of shopping for them separately, there’s a good chance you’ll find a readily-bundled gift that you can separate and give separately.
8. Make presents
Not every gift needs to be bought in a store. The nicest gifts are occasionally the ones you make yourself for your loved ones. Because you may tailor each gift to the recipient’s preferences, homemade gifts frequently have a more personal touch. Additionally, it allows you a chance to express your creativity and hone your crafting abilities. Furthermore, it will be simpler for you to conserve money because you have greater control over how much money you’ll need to spend on manufacturing them.
There are several homemade Christmas present suggestions that will help you express to your loved ones how much you appreciate them. Use the Internet while it is at your disposal. There are countless videos online that can assist you in making inexpensive, one-of-a-kind gifts. The following are some of the top ones:
- baked goods (like cookies, cupcakes, brownies, lasagna etc.)
- Crochet sweatshirt
- Bath bombs and scented soaps or candles
- personalized coasters, mugs
9. Buying an appliance as a gift
If you have the means and you want to give your loved ones something one of the best buys for Christmas, you can opt to buy an appliance.
Appliances are expensive, bulky, and take up a lot of space. Certainly not something easy to transport. However, it is unquestionable that appliances are among the most useful Christmas presents one can give to another. It is also an item that the elderly or, in some cases, their parents request. With the help of inverter appliances, which are inexpensive and energy-efficient, it is now possible to give appliances as gifts. So here are the best gifts for appliances:
- Air fryer
- Rice Cooker
- Coffee Maker
- Microwave
- Waffle Maker
- Mug Warmer
- Bullet Blender
- Vacuum Cleaner
Read it from here: Best Appliances to Give as a Gift this Christmas
10 . Buy yourself a present
Aside from giving appliances as a gift, another one of the best buys for Christmas is to buy yourself or your family an affordable house and lot or affordable condominium. A house investment is a gift that keeps giving. A home investment provides long-term assurance and peace of mind.
It is a blessing that will last a lifetime and can even be passed down through generations. But, perhaps, more importantly, nothing beats the gift of spending the holiday in your own home, surrounded by the joy and warmth of your family’s company.
So, do you want your own house for Christmas this year? With Bria Homes, this is no longer a pipe dream, but rather a reality!
Bria Homes are the Philippines’ fastest-growing mass housing developer, and it is expanding and planning to open new housing developments. Bria is known for creating high-quality, low-cost house and lot packages. It has become the optimal option for average Filipino workers looking to invest in a high-quality yet affordable home.
Read also: The best Christmas gift for the Filipino family, Affordable House and Lot
