25 Days & 25 Ways to Save (Your Money and Your Sanity) this Holiday

December is here, but no need to fear! As we countdown the weeks, days, and minutes until the gift giving frenzy begins, here are some tips to make your shopping a bit more jolly!

1. Google store coupon and discount codes before you shop! A quick search can lead to big savings on both your on-line and in-store purchases. Also check out RetailMeNot.com to search for hundreds of coupon codes for virtually any online store.

2. Use a rewards site for your on-line shopping. Sign up is easy and you can earn cash back at 100’s of on-line merchants just by clicking through a rewards link. Fatwallet and ebates are two to check out.

3. Sign up for e-mail updates from your favorite stores. Many give you an automatic discount just for signing up and you’ll get the 411 on any upcoming sales and promotions.

4. Convert your bank and credit card reward points to store gift cards. Have some rewards points to cash in? Do it now to make sure that you receive them in time for holiday shopping or gift giving.

5. Take advantage of extended shopping hours. Enjoy wide-open aisles and easy checkout!

6. Save those receipts! Not just for returns, but for price-adjustments as well. Some stores offer price-adjustments with only receipt required, so you many want to carry them with you and potentially save a few bucks.

7. Make your cashier’s day! Smile, be polite, give a compliment (even if you don’t feel like it!) A lil’ holiday cheer can go a long way.

8. Stock up on batteries now. Many stores have great deals on batteries right now. Oh, and you may want to get those screwdrivers and wire clippers ready, too.

9. Wrap it up! Take advantage of the free gift wrapping services that many stores offer. And take credit for the best looking gifts under the tree!

10. Buy the Sunday Paper. Or at least borrow the massive pile of ads from your neighbor to get the scoop on the week’s current hot sales.

11. Ask for gift receipts. You love that cool TV gadget, I love that cool TV gadget, Aunt Sally may not.

12. Buy gift cards to your favorite restaurants now. Take advantage of the numerous holiday promotions, which typically give you bonus gift cards with a minimum gift card purchase.

13. Save on shipping! Make sure to pay attention to minimum purchase price needed for free shipping offers and make sure to take advantage of free in-store delivery options.

14. Don’t forget discount chains. TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and Tuesday Morning offer fantastic deals and high-end brands at huge discounts. Warning: these stores can be addictive.

15. Re-gift with care. (Beware! Beware!) Re-gifting is not always a no-no, but use common sense. Giving a great item that was just a double- thumbs up. Leaving last year’s gift tag in the box- thumbs down.

16. Don’t buy the hard-to-find, must-have, hot toy of the year for double the retail price. Just wait. ‘Nuf said.

17. Scan the playroom. Buying for your kids? Five RC cars already? Skip the sixth.

18. Be gift card savvy. Know the terms of gift cards before you purchase. Some have an activation fee and begin to lose value after a pre-determined amount of time (yikes!)

19. Give your significant other some hints. You don’t need to spoil the surprise, but a few hints can be very beneficial (my husband told me to say this.)

20. Shop etsy.com. Get awesome handmade, unique and personalized gifts. Better get a move on!

21. Give a little (or a lot)! Don’t forget to pick up something extra for those in need- involve your kids, too! 22. Make it! Make a delicious treat to show you care. Homemade caramel corn anyone??

23. Walk! Going to the Mall? Don’t get stuck in the parking lot circle-round to nowhere. Just choose a spot further away.

24. Buy it! If you see the perfect gift at the right price, then buy or click now. (of course, you should probably follow tips 1&2 first!)

25. Wait! Not seeing those out of town relatives until New Year’s? Why not wait and take advantage of some serious post-holiday savings.

There you go.

Ready…set…shop...give…bake…click…smile…breath…enjoy!