The holiday season is accompanied with much joy and laughter; but like it or not, stress is in the mix as well. When this anticipated time of the year comes around, families are getting together, children are laughing, and the preparation for the holidays to come are in full swing.

While you should be thinking to yourself about all the wonderful times you are going to experience with your family, it is also necessary to consider ways on getting out of it in the best financial situation possible. Consider the idea of gift guides as an inspirational tune that rings throughout the sky saying “save money”. After all, it’s something we would all love to experience, and it will bring on its own kind of smile. Without further ado, here are 7 inviting ways to save money on your holiday gift list:

1. Create a list. Don’t go rushing into the mall or various store outlets with a hope that you find what you are looking for and don’t spend too much, plan! The more of a plan you have put together the more likely you are to successfully save money. Making a list will help you budget accordingly and give you a fresh look on what you have to spend, and who you are buying for.

2. Budget. Set a budget and stick to that number. The holiday season is in fact about giving, but more importantly it’s about spending time with the people you love most and enjoying their company. Putting yourself into financial debt isn’t something any family member will want you to do, so take that into consideration when you are out shopping for them. Think about yourself too!

3. Start at an early time. Don’t wait for the season to come around to begin shopping, consider holiday shopping an all-year event. If you have a list in mind and you see a good deal for one of those particular items in July, then pick it up when the best price is available. This is killing two birds with one stone, maximum savings and a thoughtful gift.

4. Online research. When you have an item in mind research it online. Online is a great place to go to compare pricing as well as read reviews to see if the item is a good or bad idea.

5. Embrace coupons. Coupons like it or not can save you a bundle. A lot of these stores will be pushing sales for a “x” % off, and with the addition of a coupon you will be getting the maximum amount of savings possible.

6. Black Friday.  While the crowds on Black Friday are in fact quite a label of insane, it is a great time to get deals that won’t be available at any other time during the year. If you really don’t like crowds entertain this idea for specific items that could lead to great savings, and leave it at that.

7. Personalized gifts. Consider who you are shopping for and what they look for in a gift. Some people prefer a more personal and creative gift as opposed to some materialistic addition. In this case you can make this personal a gift which they will appreciate most of all, and in the same outcome you will be saving yourself money.

So don’t lose site of the fact that the holiday is about family and embracing that warm tender feeling of love and appreciation for one another. The holidays, unlike any other time of the year, are about recognizing all the people that are special in your life and celebrating what they truly mean to you.

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