Christmas shopping can be stressful and expensive, especially when you’re trying to beat the holiday crowds. This year, keep your festive cheer alive by shopping smarter. With these practical tips, you can save money on your holiday gifts without losing the joy of giving.

Smart spending starts with a plan! Use a budget planner to help map out your expenses, prioritize gift ideas, and avoid bill shock. You don’t even have to use complicated trackers or apps to do this. Start with the basics:

• Make a list of every person you want to give gifts to.
• Divide them into categories. This can be family, friends, spouse, and so on. 
• Set a spending limit for each group based on what you can afford. 
• To stay organized, keep your spending budget in a dedicated account. You can use an e-wallet app like GCash to transfer money to a GSave account. This separates your budget for holiday shopping and prevents you from dipping into other funds.

Don’t wait until the last minute! Savvy shoppers know deals and discounts pop up year-round. Keep an eye out for sales throughout the year, especially during major shopping events like mid-year or clearance sales. This allows you to snag gifts in advance and avoid the holiday rush. 

Of course, online platforms like Zalora also offer deep discounts during the holiday season, making it the perfect time to find the remaining items on your list. Plan your Christmas shopping around major shopping days leading up to December.

For more bargains, use the GlobeOne app to find exclusive vouchers and discounts on eligible platforms. Shopping online also lets you easily compare prices and avoid holiday crowds. Remember, think before you click to avoid getting scammed.

If you’re part of a big family or friend circle, Secret Santa is a fantastic way to save money! You can agree on a budget to keep costs manageable for everyone. Plus, the element of surprise makes the exchanges unforgettable. If you’re not familiar with the mechanics of the game, here’s how it works:

1. Write each person’s name on paper and collect them in a bowl.
2. Have each person draw from the bowl until all names are taken. The person they pick will be their gift receiver. (You can also do this digitally via a randomizer app, like Drawnames.)
3. Once you’ve all picked your partner, decide on the gift budget as a group. 

The best part of Secret Santa is the anonymity of the pairings. Often, it’s the unexpected picks that lead to memorable exchanges.

DIY gifts are cost-effective, heartfelt, and unique. Even simple creations with a personal touch can be thoughtful presents. People love gifts they can show off or display, so keep that in mind when choosing your project. Try making these gift ideas:

• Bake a cake or holiday cookies.
• Put together baskets of favorite snacks.
• Print and frame your loved one’s favorite photo.
• Make friendship bracelets, pins, or other simple accessories.

This year, go beyond material gifts and consider giving experiences. Shared moments, like a home-cooked meal or a movie night at home, create lasting memories. And if you’d like to treat someone to a special outing, remember to use your Globe Rewards points for discounts on dining, entertainment, and travel. This can make these experiences more wallet-friendly.

Boost your savings by leveraging cashback apps and rewards programs. Many platforms, like GCash, offer cashback or points on every purchase. These points can be collected and redeemed for discounts, gift cards, or even free products.

To get the most out of these programs:

• Use cards or apps with high cashback rates for online or in-store purchases. Research available offers from the platforms you already use.
• Check for seasonal promos offering higher cashback percentages during the holidays.
• Redeem your accumulated points to offset your holiday expenses!

You can also subscribe to Go+ promos to enjoy discount vouchers on your favorite everyday apps.

Thrift stores and discount outlets are hidden gems for holiday shopping. You can find one-of-a-kind, gently used items, vintage finds, and even brand-new products at heavily discounted prices. It’s also an eco-friendly way to reduce waste while finding treasures like these:

• Second-hand books
• Clothing and jewelry
• Home accessories
• Toys and games in excellent condition

Remember to clean your thrifted finds before wrapping them!

Don’t settle for the first price you see! Use price comparison websites or apps, like iPrice or PriceMe, to find the best deals on items you plan to purchase. Here are some pro tips to get ahead:

• Bookmark your favorite stores’ websites to monitor price changes.
• Take advantage of browser extensions, like AliPrice, which automatically compares prices and hunts for coupons while you browse online.
• Keep an eye out for retailers that offer price-matching policies—if you find a better price elsewhere, you can often request the same discount.

Instead of individual presents, consider a single gift that multiple people can enjoy. This is a great way to save money and simplify your shopping. Some ideas include:

• For families: A game night bundle with board games, snacks, and drinks
• For coworkers: A gourmet coffee or tea basket with assorted treats
• For neighbors: A festive basket filled with holiday snacks and goodies

Buying bulk from warehouse clubs or online stores makes this option more budget-friendly. Plus, it’s a fun way to encourage togetherness and create shared experiences!

Shopping online for multiple gifts? Many retailers offer free shipping promotions for purchases over a certain amount (or on specific days) during the holiday season. To take advantage of these offers and avoid extra costs, you can:

• Consolidate your orders to meet free delivery thresholds.
• Sign up for free trials of premium memberships that include free shipping benefits.
• Look for coupon codes that waive shipping fees.

Get creative and save money by exploring these budget-friendly gift-wrapping ideas:

• Repurpose materials: Use newspapers, fabric scraps, or even old maps as wrapping paper.
• Get crafty: Decorate plain paper with stamps, drawings, or natural elements like leaves and twigs.
• Fabric wraps: Use fabrics and learn the Japanese art of Furoshiki for beautiful, reusable gift wrapping.
• DIY gift tags: Make gift tags from recycled cardboard or paper.

Open communication with friends and family about giving gifts can help manage expectations and potentially reduce spending. Try these tips: 

• Set a spending limit with your loved ones to avoid overspending.
• Suggest alternatives to traditional gifts, like donating to charity in someone’s name. Check out the Hapag Movement, where you can donate a Noche Buena pack to families in need.
• Propose spending quality time together instead of exchanging material gifts.

This season, shop smarter and avoid holiday stress with these helpful tips. From comparing prices and maximizing cashback to exploring DIY gifts and free shipping offers, you can find the perfect presents for your loved ones without making a dent in your wallet. For even more savings on your Christmas shopping, download the GlobeOne app for exclusive deals and discounts. Happy shopping!