7 Clever Ways to Save Big on Your Holiday Shopping This Year

Holiday shoppers using this free tool are paying far less for the exact same gifts. Smart shoppers are using it before Black Friday, and into 2025.

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author’s own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Jacob Jansen

By

Personal Finance Coach

Want to get everyone on your list exactly what they want without breaking the bank? You’re not alone. With prices rising everywhere, smart shoppers are using some surprisingly simple tricks to slash their holiday spending.

Here are 7 insider tips that can save you hundreds on your holiday shopping this year:

1. Let Technology Do the Heavy Lifting

Gone are the days of manually searching for coupon codes or checking multiple stores for the best price. Smart shoppers are using Capital One Shopping, a free tool that automatically:

  • Finds and applies working coupon codes at checkout
  • Compares prices across thousands of retailers
  • Alerts you when prices drop on items you want
  • Earns you rewards points for extra savings

2. Time Your Purchases Right

Not all holiday deals are created equal. Here’s when to buy:

  • Electronics: Black Friday and Cyber Monday
  • Toys: First two weeks of December
  • Winter clothing: Mid-December
  • Gift cards: Mid-December through January

3. Stack Your Savings

Maximize your discounts by combining:

  • Store sales
  • Automatic coupon codes
  • Cash back offers
  • Credit card rewards
  • Store loyalty programs

4. Watch Price Histories

Don’t fall for fake “sales.” Before buying, check if that “special holiday price” is actually a good deal:

  • Use price tracking tools to see item history
  • Set price drop alerts for specific items
  • Compare prices across multiple stores instantly

5. Score Free Shipping

Shipping costs can eat up your savings. Smart ways to avoid them:

  • Look for retailers with free shipping thresholds
  • Use store pickup when available
  • Compare total costs including shipping
  • Join free shipping programs during the holidays

6. Earn While You Spend

Turn your holiday shopping into future savings:

  • Collect shopping rewards points
  • Use cash back apps
  • Join store loyalty programs
  • Look for bonus point events

7. Protect Your Purchases

Don’t overpay if prices drop after you buy:

  • Use price protection features
  • Keep your receipts
  • Track post-purchase price changes
  • Request price adjustments when available

The Smart Shopper’s Secret Weapon

The easiest way to implement many of these tips? Let Capital One Shopping do it automatically. This free tool:

  • Works at 30,000+ online stores
  • Automatically finds working coupon codes
  • Compares prices instantly
  • Alerts you to price drops
  • Earns you rewards on purchases

Real Numbers That Matter

  • Average holiday spending per person: $1,000+
  • Potential savings with smart shopping: 10-30%
  • Time saved searching for deals: Hours
  • Cost to use Capital One Shopping: $0

Start Saving Now

Don’t wait until the last minute to start saving on your holiday shopping. Here’s your action plan:

  1. Install the free Capital One Shopping browser extension
  2. Create your gift list early
  3. Set up price alerts for big-ticket items
  4. Start tracking prices now
  5. Let the automatic savings begin

Ready to become a holiday shopping pro? Get started with Capital One Shopping now and watch your savings add up.

Get Capital One Shopping Free

*Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the Capital One Shopping extension using the links provided.

You might also like…