Article by Stephanie Sagun, Classic Historia
Shopping for presents doesn’t have to break the bank. By using a few savvy strategies, you can find the perfect gifts for your loved ones without overspending. Whether you’re a budget-conscious consumer, a frequent gift buyer, or just someone looking to save a few bucks, these tips will help you shop smarter and save more.
1. Use Free Apps for Extra Savings
In today’s digital age, there’s an app for almost everything—including saving money on gifts. Here are a few types of apps that can help you stretch your dollar further:
Cashback Apps
Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Honey offer cashback on purchases from a wide range of retailers. All you need to do is shop through their platforms, and you’ll earn a percentage of your spending back. It’s an easy way to save money on gifts you’re already planning to buy.
Price Comparison Apps
Before making a purchase, use price comparison apps like ShopSavvy or PriceGrabber to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal. Simply scan the barcode of the item you’re interested in, and these apps will show you prices from different retailers, both online and offline.
Discount and Coupon Apps
RetailMeNot and Coupons.com are great apps for finding discounts and coupons on a wide variety of products. You can quickly search for deals by store or product type, ensuring you never pay full price when you don’t have to.
2. Sign Up for Store Newsletters
Many retailers offer exclusive discounts and promotions to customers who sign up for their newsletters. While it might seem like a hassle to subscribe to multiple newsletters, creating a separate email account just for these can help keep your main inbox clutter-free. Plus, you’ll be among the first to know about upcoming sales and special offers.
3. Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales
Timing is everything when it comes to shopping for gifts. Watch for major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-season blowouts. These sales offer significant discounts on various products, making them the perfect time to purchase gifts at a fraction of the regular price.
4. Consider Group Buying
If you’re buying gifts for a group of people or need multiple similar items, consider group buying. Websites like Groupon often offer significant discounts on bulk purchases or group deals, allowing you to save money and get everyone something special.
5. Utilize Loyalty Programs
Many stores offer loyalty programs that reward frequent shoppers with points or discounts. Signing up for these programs can lead to significant savings over time. Some programs even offer birthday discounts or special member-only sales, making it easier to find affordable gifts.
Chart of Businesses and Apps Mentioned
| Type | Businesses/Apps |
|---|---|
| Cashback Apps | Rakuten, Ibotta, Honey |
| Price Comparison Apps | ShopSavvy, PriceGrabber |
| Discount and Coupon Apps | RetailMeNot, Coupons.com |
| Group Buying | Groupon |
List of Debit Cards Offering Discounts and How to Use Them to Save Money
1. PayPal Cashback Mastercard
- Description: Offers 2% cashback on every purchase, with no restrictions on categories.
- How to Use: Link your PayPal account to the card and use it for everyday purchases to earn cashback, which can be automatically credited to your PayPal balance.
2. Discover Cashback Debit
- Description: Earn 1% cashback on up to $3,000 in purchases each month.
- How to Use: Use the card for routine expenses like groceries and gas. Cashback is credited to your account each month and can be used for future purchases or withdrawals.
3. Chime Debit Card
- Description: Offers cashback deals through their app, allowing users to get discounts at select retailers.
- How to Use: Browse available cashback offers in the Chime app and activate them. Pay with your Chime debit card to earn cashback, which is automatically applied to your account once the transaction is complete.
4. American Express Serve
- Description: Offers cashback offers and discounts available through Amex Offers, providing a variety of savings options for cardholders.
- How to Use: Enroll in available offers on the Amex website or app, and use the Serve card for purchases. The savings will be credited to your account once the transaction is processed.
5. Venmo Debit Card
- Description: Offers cashback rewards through “Venmo Offers,” which are personalized deals at participating merchants.
- How to Use: Opt into Venmo Offers via the app and pay with your Venmo card to earn cashback, which is added to your Venmo balance and can be used for future payments.
Chart of Debit Cards Offering Discounts
| Debit Card | Description | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| PayPal Cashback Mastercard | Offers 2% cashback on every purchase, with no restrictions on categories. | Link your PayPal account to the card and use it for everyday purchases to earn cashback, which can be automatically credited to your PayPal balance. |
| Discover Cashback Debit | Earn 1% cashback on up to $3,000 in purchases each month. | Use the card for routine expenses like groceries and gas. Cashback is credited to your account each month and can be used for future purchases or withdrawals. |
| Chime Debit Card | Offers cashback deals through their app, allowing users to get discounts at select retailers. | Browse available cashback offers in the Chime app and activate them. Pay with your Chime debit card to earn cashback, which is automatically applied to your account. |
| American Express Serve | Offers cashback offers and discounts available through Amex Offers, providing a variety of savings options for cardholders. | Enroll in available offers on the Amex website or app, and use the Serve card for purchases. The savings will be credited to your account once the transaction is processed. |
| Venmo Debit Card | Offers cashback rewards through “Venmo Offers,” which are personalized deals at participating merchants. | Opt into Venmo Offers via the app and pay with your Venmo card to earn cashback, which is added to your Venmo balance and can be used for future payments. |
By employing these smart strategies, saving on gifts this season becomes not only achievable but also rewarding. From leveraging innovative apps and signing up for newsletters to capitalizing on seasonal sales and using cashback debit cards, each approach offers unique ways to stretch your budget. With a little planning and the use of available resources, you can delight your loved ones with thoughtful gifts while maintaining financial peace of mind. Remember, the best gifts come from the heart, and with these tips, you can give generously without the stress of overspending.
