The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and gift-giving—but it can also take a serious toll on your wallet. With a little bit of planning and savvy shopping, you can take advantage of early deals and sales to get everything on your shopping list for less. Early holiday sales, like Black Friday previews and limited-time promotions, are the perfect opportunity to maximize your budget and avoid the last-minute holiday rush.

Below, we’ll share practical tips and strategies to help you save money this holiday season while finding thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.

Why Shop Early for the Holidays?

Shopping early for the holidays isn’t just about avoiding the crowds. Retailers know that shoppers are eager to get a head start, so they frequently roll out deals well before December. Here’s why early holiday shopping could be your secret to getting great deals:

  • Exclusive Discounts: Many stores offer early bird promotions, pre-holiday sales, and sneak peeks on Black Friday deals.
  • Better Selection: Shopping early gives you more access to products before popular items sell out.
  • Lower Stress: By spreading out your purchases, you’ll have more time to enjoy the holidays without the hectic rush.
  • Budget-Friendly Spending: Early shopping allows you to space out expenses, making it easier to stick to a budget.

Now, let's explore how to take full advantage of these early sales and deals to keep your holiday spending in check.

1. Start with a Solid Plan

Before you begin browsing sales, it’s essential to have a shopping plan. Without one, it’s easy to overspend or buy things you don’t need.

Create a Gift List and Budget

Make a list of all the people you intend to shop for and set a spending limit for each person. This will give you a clear roadmap for what to buy and help you avoid impulse purchases.

Pro Tip: Add a small buffer to your overall budget for unexpected costs like shipping fees or last-minute gifts.

Research Ahead of Time

If you know the items you want to buy, do some research to understand their typical prices. This will help you identify true discounts when sales start rolling in. Bookmark specific items or add them to your online wishlist to monitor their prices.

2. Keep an Eye on Early Holiday Sales

Most retailers kick off holiday sales long before December arrives. By shopping these early deals, you can save money and skip the chaos of last-minute scrambling.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Previews

Many retailers start promoting Black Friday deals weeks in advance. These preview events often include discounts on electronics, appliances, and toys. Similarly, Cyber Monday deals are frequently extended into entire “Cyber Weeks.”

Pro Tip: Sign up for stores’ newsletters to receive alerts about early access to deals and promotions.

“Singles' Day” and Other Global Sales

November 11, known as Singles’ Day, is a major shopping event worldwide with retailers offering impressive discounts. It’s an excellent opportunity to snag early deals before Black Friday.

3. Make the Most of Online Promotions

Online shopping has made it easier than ever to take advantage of promotions without leaving your home. Many retailers offer online-exclusive deals, free shipping, or cashback rewards.

Use Price Tracking Tools

Price trackers like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon), Honey, or PriceBlink monitor price changes on products and alert you when they drop. They also help you compare prices across multiple retailers.

Shop at the Right Times

Early mornings or late nights are often the best times to shop online, as websites update their inventory and promotions. Take advantage of these windows to snag hard-to-get items.

Stack Savings with Cashback Programs

Cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta give you a percentage back on purchases. These savings can add up, especially during large shopping trips.

Pro Tip: Check for apps or browser extensions that automatically apply promo codes at checkout to save even more.

4. Watch for Store-Specific Perks

Each retailer has its own unique ways of drawing customers in during the holiday season. Pay attention to these perks and programs to maximize your savings.

Loyalty Programs

Enroll in store loyalty programs to unlock member-only discounts and early access to sales. Some programs also offer points or rewards that you can redeem for future purchases.

Store Credit Cards

If you frequently shop at a particular store, consider signing up for their store credit card. These cards often come with benefits like additional discounts, free shipping, or extended return periods. Just remember to pay off your balance to avoid interest charges.

Price Match Policies

Some retailers match competitors’ prices during the holiday season, helping you secure discounts without extra effort. Take the time to read the store’s policy and keep proof of lower prices handy.

5. Shop Smart with These Tips

Even with all the sales and promotions, smart shopping makes the most significant difference in holiday savings. Here are a few strategies to stay ahead:

Bundle Your Purchases

Look for bundled offers that combine two or more items for a lower total price. This is especially common for electronics, toys, and beauty products during the holidays.

Spread Out Purchases

Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once. Tackling your shopping over multiple sales periods allows you to take advantage of the best deals as they arise.

Don’t Forget Shipping Costs

Factor in shipping and handling fees before hitting “checkout.” Many stores offer free shipping thresholds, so combine your purchases into one transaction to save money.

Pro Tip: Use ship-to-store options whenever possible to avoid shipping fees entirely.

6. Avoid Common Pitfalls

While holiday sales can be exciting, it’s important to avoid falling into the most common traps:

  • Impulse Purchases: Stick to your list and avoid buying items just because they’re on sale.
  • Overbuying: It’s easy to get carried away with deals that seem “too good to pass up.” Remember your budget.
  • Ignoring Return Policies: Make sure to check retailers’ holiday return windows, which may differ from their usual policies.