5 Ways to Cut Holiday Shopping Costs and Stress

(Feature Impact) With the holiday season drawing near, careful gift buyers are already planning ahead. Rather than rushing through last-minute shopping and settling for whatever is left, you can take a more strategic approach and choose gifts that will delight the people on your list.

In a survey by TopCashback, shoppers said they value finding the right present more than saving time or money. When asked which holiday shopping superpower they would want most, 32% chose knowing exactly what everyone wants, 30% selected always finding the perfect gift, 18% picked finding the best deal instantly, 15% wanted unlimited free shipping and 6% said never waiting in checkout lines.

Here are a few ways to get better deals and reduce the pressure this season.

Make a List

Among the biggest frustrations of holiday giving, U.S. adults most often mentioned forgetting to buy someone a gift at 31%, followed by having a recipient dislike the present at 26%. You do not need to decide every gift before you start, but it helps to begin with a list of everyone you plan to shop for. Include family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and anyone else you want to remember, then cross each name off as you finish.

Set a Budget

Overspending during the holidays can leave your finances strained heading into the new year. A realistic budget can help prevent that. Set clear spending limits, avoid impulse buys and concentrate on thoughtful gifts rather than costly ones. With a plan in place, you can make each dollar go further.

Make the Most of Holiday Deals

U.S. adults most often describe themselves as “The Bargain Hunter” when it comes to holiday gifts, with 30% saying they will do whatever it takes to land the best deal. Women appear especially focused on discounts: 30% said a good holiday bargain means saving up to 50%, compared with 19% of men.

If saving money matters most, combine strategies such as shopping sale events, using coupons and joining cash-back platforms like TopCashback, a free-to-join rebate site that offers competitive cash-back rates that can rise even higher during major shopping periods. Shoppers can earn cash back at more than 7,000 leading brands and redeem it for cash or gift cards, all without a membership fee.

Shop Early

Starting early gives you more time to spot discounts and choose gifts your recipients are likely to appreciate. It can also help you avoid the stress of last-minute panic buying. Younger shoppers are already embracing this approach, with 37% of Gen Z respondents describing their holiday gift-giving style as “The Prepper,” meaning they plan ahead to find and give the perfect gifts.

Treat Yourself

The holidays are also a time when many people buy something for themselves. In the survey, 77% of adults said they always, often or sometimes pick up items for themselves while shopping for others. Whether it is a buy-one-get-one offer or something from your own wish list that goes on sale, holiday shopping can be a chance to enjoy a little extra for yourself too.

Learn more about getting the most out of holiday deals at TopCashback.com.

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