15 Items Frugal Shoppers Never Buy During the Holidays
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The holiday season is often a time for spending and indulgence. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the holiday season in 2023 worked out well for retailers as core retail sales increased by 3.8% from 2022 to $964.4 billion. And all this with steep interest rates and inflation. This includes gifts, food, decorations, and other festive expenditures.
However, overspending can lead to financial strain, especially when January’s bills start arriving. Frugal shoppers prioritize their economic well-being by making mindful choices and thus avoid unnecessary expenses. Here are 15 items frugal shoppers typically avoid during the holidays, helping you save money while relishing the season.
Excessive Decorations
The budget-conscious buyer would limit their Christmas décor to just a few decorative items that can easily be reused. According to the NRF, the average U.S. consumer spent approximately $117 on non-gift purchases in 2021, excluding holiday decorations.
People who recycle or create holiday decorations save a lot of money. You can also opt for ordinary lighting to keep energy costs low.
Expensive Holiday Shows
Festive performances and entertainment can be great, but tickets are usually expensive. Budget-conscious people find free community events or tickets at a discounted rate for great fun and entertainment without breaking the bank.
Eventbrite and community directories are good resources for low-cost fun.
Rush Shipping
When you shop at the last minute, you must shell out extra on expedited shipping to receive timely gifts. Smart shoppers anticipate these hidden costs.
Shipping costs can quickly add up, especially during the holiday season. Planning helps you prepare your gifts ahead of time, and it is economical as well.
Professional Gift Wrapping Services
Paying a professional gift wrapper can save time but not money. Thrifty people would prefer to personalize gifts to make them feel more meaningful and cost less.
Homemade wrapping can be as beautiful and much more meaningful with a bit of imagination.
Expensive Hotel Stays
Bargain hunters usually skip hotels and opulent properties to save money. Family and friends or services such as Airbnb can offer warm and convenient alternative accommodations.
This cost-effective solution makes the holiday richer by making deeper connections.
Overpriced Gift Wrap
Gift wrapping is a cost-intensive affair when specialty paper and embellishments add up. The more discerning consumer would reuse recyclables or buy inexpensive wraps that are very easy to apply.
It not only helps in saving some cash, but it’s eco-friendly too.
Single-Use Party Supplies
Disposable plates, cups, and knives are convenient but expensive in the long run. Intelligent shoppers spend money on items that can be reused many times. This is a way to save money and eliminate waste through sustainable living practices.
New Holiday Outfits
Buying new clothes for holiday events is gratifying, but it’s unnecessary. Frugal shoppers don’t rush out and buy new holiday outfits; they save what they already have.
According to a Credit Karma survey of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers, 45% of Americans have already started holiday shopping, but intelligent consumers pay attention to versatility and practicality.
Seasonal Jewelry
Costume jewelry and accessories geared toward the holidays are also things the thrifty do not touch. These tend to be worn only a few times before being sent to the closet.
Instead, they combine versatile, classic pieces throughout the seasons, getting as many wears per dollar as possible.
Last-Minute Travel Bookings
Holiday travel can get costly if you plan it at the last minute. Budget travelers book their journeys far in advance to bag the best offers. Expedia research revealed that the best window to book domestic flights for maximum savings is approximately 28 days (meaning “at least three weeks“) ahead of time.
This will yield significant savings over last-minute bookings. For international flights, the best time to book is usually 60 days before departure. You may also celebrate holidays at different times to avoid high travel prices.
Pre-Made Holiday Meals
Convenience comes at a cost, and ready-to-eat holiday food is no exception. Frugal individuals like to cook their meals and do not have to worry about ingredients and prices.
According to Forbes, homecooked meals are substantially cheaper than eating out or consuming pre-cooked foods. This also makes holiday parties feel intimate.
Overpriced Seasonal Beverages
Specialty coffees and holiday cafe drinks can easily wipe out a budget. Instead, thrifty shoppers can brew their festive beverages at home.
Not only will this save money, but it will also be customizable to provide everyone with their favorite flavors.
Impulse Purchases
Holiday sales and discounts can induce spontaneous purchases, but intelligent shoppers maintain their checklists. By anticipating and budgeting, they avoid making impulsive expenditures.
Statista, an online data company, says Americans spend significant money on impulse purchases over the holidays. Becoming disciplined keeps the thrifty out of this debt trap.
Extended Warranties
Extended warranties are pushed during the holidays, yet consumers often view them as frivolous expenses. The Federal Trade Commission says it’s essential for buyers to think carefully about whether or not extended warranties are worth it.
More often than not, it isn’t, especially for things that aren’t likely to break down.
Gift Sets
Pre-designed gift sets can be handy, but they’re marked up. Spare shoppers appreciate that these boxes can contain things the recipient won’t need or desire.
By putting together customized gift packages, you can give the present according to the recipient’s preferences and save money.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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