The holiday season is full of joy, getting together with loved ones, and… yeah, spending! But you don’t have to go broke to have a fun season of celebration. By getting a little creative and thinking ahead, you can make your money go further. Here’s how to make your holiday spending go further.

1. Map out your holiday spending plan

Before you start spending, make a list of all the things you need to budget for—gifts, food, travel, decorations, and entertainment. That’ll help you avoid last-minute splurges or surprises that could wipe out your budget.

Brigit tip: Include a small buffer for unexpected costs. If you don’t need it, great—you’ll have some extra cash to hit the post-holiday sales.

2. Shop sales and use discounts

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and pre-holiday sales are goldmines for scoring discounts. Lots of retailers offer great deals way before the holidays, so keep an eye out for sales and clearance items.

Brigit tip: Use browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten to automatically find and apply discount codes while you shop online. You can also sign up for store mailing lists or loyalty programs for special offers.

3. DIY your decorations

Holiday décor can be expensive, but DIY decorations are not only budget-friendly, they’re fun! You can create ornaments, wreaths, and garlands with inexpensive materials or upcycle items from around the house.

Brigit tip: Host a decoration-making party with friends. Everyone brings supplies, and you create holiday magic and save money!

4. Secret Santa or gift swaps

Instead of buying gifts for everyone in your family or friend group, suggest a Secret Santa gift exchange. This way, everyone gives and receives one meaningful gift instead of multiple smaller, less thoughtful ones.

Brigit tip: Set a price limit for the gifts to ensure no one goes over budget.

5. Start early and spread out purchases

Instead of waiting until the last minute, start buying gifts a little earlier. Spreading out your purchases over several months helps you avoid feeling the financial pinch all at once.

Brigit tip: Make use of layaway or buy now pay later programs, which allow you to pay for items over time without interest.

6. Plan potluck holiday meals

Hosting a holiday dinner doesn’t mean you have to foot the whole bill. Organize a potluck where each guest brings a dish. You’ll save on groceries and create a meal that’s more diverse and interesting.

Fun Idea: Assign dishes based on holiday traditions from different cultures. It’ll make the meal interesting and educational!

7. Get creative with wrapping

Wrapping paper is one of those things you buy every year, and it adds up! Instead, reuse old newspapers, brown paper bags, or fabric scraps to wrap gifts. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce waste and add a personal touch.

Brigit tip: Turn wrapping into part of the gift! Use a scarf, kitchen towel, or reusable bag to wrap presents—it’s two gifts in one.

8. Give experiences instead of things

Instead of spending on material things, think about giving experiences—like concert tickets, a cooking class, or a fun day trip. Experiences create lasting memories and often end up being more meaningful than physical stuff.

Brigit tip: You can usually book experience-based gifts after the holiday season, so you give yourself more time to pay for them.

9. Use cashback and rewards points

If you have credit cards or apps that offer cashback or rewards points, now’s a great time to cash them in. You can use points for gift cards and discounts or to buy gifts directly. It’s a great way to stretch your holiday dollars.

Brigit tip: Be strategic with your credit card usage. Use cards with high cashback rewards on your holiday purchases, but make sure you pay off the balance to avoid interest.

10. Bake your own treats

Homemade cookies, fudge, or spiced nuts make fantastic gifts that are very affordable. Plus, they add a personal touch that store-bought items just don’t have. Wrap them in festive packaging and you’ve got yourself a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift.

Fun Idea: Host a holiday baking party where everyone makes a batch of their favorite treats to share and swap. You’ll walk away with a variety of goodies without having to bake everything yourself!