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How to Not Break the Bank While Holiday Shopping

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Buff State chapter.

1. Before you start buying, set a budget. 

First, figure out how much money you want to spend on holiday shopping. Make sure you stick to this budget or you’re going to be poor before you know it. 

2. Shop during sales

Sales will be your best friend during holiday shopping season. It may be a pain to research the store’s that are having sales and comparing prices, but it’ll be worth it when you find out you saved a bunch of money on your gifts! Especially when you find someone who paid full price. Awkwarddddd. 

3. Search for coupons

You can never have too many coupons. Search high and low for these money-saving pieces of papers for they are equivalent to a piece of gold (especially ones that are BOGO or half off)

4. Don’t wait until the last minute 

You do NOT want to put this off until the last minute. If you don’t start saving early, you may not have enough money to buy presents for everyone on your list. Then you’ll have to beg your mom for money and I doubt you want to go that route.

5. Make a list of everything you want to purchase and stick to it 

Write down the names of everyone you’re buying a gift for and what you want to get them. It’ll make this process easier and you’ll be less likely to forget someone. Also, do not stray from the list. The list will be your friend. 

6. Do a bunch of DIY gifts. 

Don’t sleep on Pinterest. If you really don’t want to break the bank, then make some DIY gifts! Get in touch with your artsy side and make everyone things from the heart. If you’re afraid you’re going to mess it up, then do a practice run. You can also find a friend who is really good at making things to help you. 

 

Alexandra Whitehead is a Senior at SUNY at Buffalo State. Originally from Virginia, she is majoring in Fashion Textile and Techonology with a concentration in Merchandising. She also has a minor in Theatre. Alexandra is a big advocate for the arts, taking great pleasure in literature, performing, and media arts. She also loves traveling and experiencing new things. In the Fall of 2014, she had the great opportunity to study abroad in London at Regents University. It was an amazing experience that taught her so much about herself and the different cultures around her. When she graduates, Alexandra aspires to be a film/television actress, owner of a eco-friendly fashion boutique, and owner of an animal rescue that saves feral cats and kittens from the streets.