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The holidays should feel joyful, not stressful. But between long shopping lists and endless sales, it’s easy to overspend before the season even begins.
That’s why we have put together this list of five simple ways to save money on gifts while keeping the cozy, giving spirit alive.
1. Sign Up for Rakuten (and Let It Do the Saving for You)
If you’re shopping online, start with Rakuten Canada. It’s completely free, and you’ll earn cash back from hundreds of stores including think Indigo, Simons, Sephora, and Walmart.
Once you install the browser extension on your computer, Rakuten automatically reminds you when a store offers cash back. No coupon codes, no searching for deals — just click, shop, and save.
If you prefer shopping from your phone you can use the Rakuten app. Open the app, search for your store, and tap “Shop Now.” Rakuten will open the store’s site within the app and track your purchase automatically so you’ll still earn your cash back even when you’re scrolling in bed.
Pro Tip: Sign up before Black Friday or Cyber Monday to take advantage of the highest cashback offers of the year.
2. Organize a Gift Exchange
If you frequently buy presents for a large group like family, coworkers, or friends, organizing a gift exchange is a fantastic way to save money for everyone involved.
The first step is to set a budget that the entire group agrees on. Once that's settled, let your creativity shine!
Popular Gift Exchange Ideas:
• Secret Santa: Instead of buying many gifts, participants draw names and focus on purchasing one thoughtful, meaningful gift for that specific person.
• White Elephant: Everyone brings one gift—often something funny, cozy, or universally appealing—that can be traded or "stolen" by others during the exchange.
• Favorite Things Party: Each person brings several small items that they genuinely love, and they share these favorite things with others in the group.
3. Re-Gift (Thoughtfully)
We’ve all received gifts that were lovely but not quite us. Maybe you were gifted a beautiful scar that isn’t your style, but your mom would love it.
Re-gifting gets a bad reputation, but done right, it’s sustainable, smart, and thoughtful. The key is to make sure the item is new, unused, and genuinely suited to the person receiving it.
4. Offer a Service Instead of a Thing
Sometimes the best gifts don’t come from a store. Offer your time or skills instead. They’re often more valuable than anything you can buy.
A few ideas:
• A night of babysitting for parents who need a break
• Shovelling a driveway after a snowstorm
• Making someone dinner or baking their favorite dessert
It costs little, but the thoughtfulness goes a long way.
5. Make Something Yourself
You don’t have to be “crafty” to make a great homemade gift.
Try a cookie mix layered in a jar, a sugar scrub in a pretty container, or something you’ve knit on cozy winter evenings.
Handmade gifts carry a piece of you. They’re personal, memorable, and show real care.
Saving money on gifts isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about giving with more intention.
When you focus on meaning instead of price, the holidays feel lighter, calmer, and more heartfelt.
This year, spend less and connect more.
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Photo Credit: ID 17516951 © Tsz Wai Wong | Dreamstime.com
