Holiday shopping sneaks up fast — and this year, shoppers are feeling the pinch more than ever. Experts say that shoppers have absorbed more than 20% of the cost from tariffs, and that’s only expected to climb during the holiday season.
But like every year, hot ticket items top every wishlist and the pressure to buy the “it” gift is real, but so is the sticker shock. And for parents, there’s the added pressure of making the holidays feel magical without tipping into credit card regret come January.
The good news is that there are insider strategies that let you shop on-trend gifts without overspending—Here’s how to save like a pro this season:
Shop Open-Box
The best-kept savings secret for holiday shopping? Open-box marketplaces that sell brand-new products that were simply returned. Online destinations like REBEL work with thousands of popular brands to process and quality check their returned items–ensuring they haven’t been used–and then list them fast so you can buy same-season items at deep discounts.
“You’re still getting the brand names and styles you want but at an unbeatable price point,” says Emily Hosie, CEO and Founder of REBEL, which has a wide variety of open box and overstock baby gear, home goods, and everyday essentials at up to 70% off.
Shoppers can find deals on trending gifts like high-end coffee makers, luxury baby gear, or popular toys. Consider an open-box purchase for big ticket items like a KitchenAid or Uppababy stroller where you could end up saving hundreds!
Filter by Coupons and Stack Your Savings
Even if you’re set on buying brand-new, make sure you layer on every deal available.
“Whenever I can combine a sale with a promo code with a RetailMeNot cash back offer, it’s a win,” says Kristin McGrath of RetailMeNot.
Browser extensions can automatically apply codes at checkout. And with 41% of shoppers worried about higher holiday prices this year, couponing has become a survival strategy.
Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst at DealNew emphasizes, “With inflation affecting prices, using cash back apps and browser extensions is one way to make sure you save at least a little something on your shopping.”
Time Your Purchases Strategically
It’s not just what you buy — it’s when. Retailers slash prices in waves, and the deepest cuts often come just before the holidays. It’s a bit like retail roulette: wait too long and the shelves may be bare—or worse, prices skyrocket before you know it. But, hit the right time and you’ll walk away with a jackpot deal.
The big takeaway here is that timing is critical, but not impossible to stay on top of. So, tracking newsletters, signing up for loyalty alerts, and spotting early access sales from major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart can really help you strike at the right moment.
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to mean compromise. By exploring new savings hacks like open box, filtering for coupons, and timing your big purchases, you can give gifts that feel current and special while keeping your budget firmly in check.
