Whether we like it or not, 2020 has made it easier to save money this holiday season. Many of us live in areas with strongly suggested stay at home orders. The money we usually spend traveling and hosting friends and family isn’t happening this year. Company holiday parties, and the spend on outfits, are also cancelled. Below are simple ways to save money during the holidays in 2020 and years to come.

Keep a List of Everything You Need to Buy And Watch For Sales

Start off the holiday season by creating a list of everything you need or want to buy. This includes gifts for people, items you need to celebrate the holidays around your house and things you and your family need in general. For gifts, don’t forget about teachers, doormen and other people that have helped you throughout the year. There are a ton of great deals around the holidays not just for gifts but also for household items and even things you use daily like hair and skin products. Be smart with your spending and take advantage of better prices for things you need.

If money is tight, set a limit for how much you can spend and don’t go over that amount. If you can afford to spend a little extra don’t hold yourself to a strict limit. That way, if you see something that’s normally $100 for $50 that you won’t need until the Spring you can buy it now instead of spending $100 later. Sticking to your list will help limit unnecessary purchases and help you save money.

Buy Gift Card Deals

During Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the weeks leading up to Christmas many places both large and small offer discounts on gift cards. A local restaurant group offers additional $25 gift cards for every $100 you buy. In 2019 and 2020 Target offered 10% off gift cards one weekend up to $400 in 2019 and $500 in 2020.

This is a great way to save on gifts as well your normal purchases. If you visit these restaurants and stores throughout the year buy the gift cards and save money throughout the year as you redeem them. If this pushes you a little over your budget but you have the cash to do so don’t feel guilty about spending money. You’re helping give cash to local businesses that need it most and the money you spend now is ultimately saving you money next year.

Celebrate the Holidays Via Zoom

Our options for how to celebrate the holidays in 2020 are definitely not our top choice but it does present an opportunity to save money. Take advantage of the stay at home orders / recommendations and save money on travel and food by celebrating via Zoom. When this is all over we’re all going to want to see family, travel, attend events etc so you can save money now to celebrate extra later, add to your emergency fund or pay down bills.

Celebrate The Holidays on Another Day

Traveling during holidays, especially when it involves a plane, is expensive. Sure, we’d all prefer to celebrate the holiday on the actual day but can you celebrate a few days or a week later? Being flexible with the family gathering can save you hundreds of dollars on flights. It also saves you time waiting in airport security lines and traffic.

In 2020 especially we are missing spending the holidays with our families. There is no reason we can’t celebrate the holidays later in the spring or summer because we weren’t able to celebrate now.

Buy Decorations Post Holiday Or During a Sale

The best time to buy holiday decorations is always immediately after the holiday has passed. You can score great deals on Thanksgiving decorations and Christmas decorations using these tips.

Savings aren’t just limited to household Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah decorations either. You can also save money on holiday cards immediately after the holiday and gift wrapping. If someone gives you a gift in a gift bag, save it and reuse it.

Have Someone Else Host the Holiday

Hosting a holiday gathering is expensive. It costs an average of $31 / person to host Thanksgiving. To drive down costs, limit the number of people you invite or take people up on their offer when they ask what they can bring. Save more money hosting Thanksgiving by taking these small steps.

Save Money Attending Holiday Parties

Getting invited to a holiday party sounds like a free meal. It can be a cheap night out! But, be careful of the other expenses. Expenses can add up and it may make sense to skip some of the holiday parties you’re invited to.

When you’re attending a company holiday party what are you wearing? Are you doing your own hair and makeup? How are you getting to and from the party? Are you meeting up with anyone else before or after? If you’re attending the party, wearing clothes you already own and driving yourself it will be pretty cheap to attend. As you add new clothes, Ubers, etc the costs will add up pretty quickly.

When you’re attending a family or friends holiday party some of the same expenses can creep in. New clothes, hair, makeup, Ubers, etc. In addition, gifts for the host. If you’re invited to a lot of holiday parties around the same time you can plan and take advantage of buying in bulk. For example, making a big batch of Christmas cookies and bringing a platter of cookies to each party. Some liquor stores have discounts if you buy 6 or more bottles of wine at a time.

If you notice no matter what you can’t cut your spending down enough, look for ways to earn more money fast through side hustles. What are simple ways you’re saving money during the holidays?

Thanksgiving may look different this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in the holiday spirit at home. This Thanksgiving, make your home look festive without spending a ton of money. The good news is decorating for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be expensive. And, with likely less people at your Thanksgiving this year, you can put the money you would have spent on food towards reusable Thanksgiving decorations. There are likely great deals on retail in general due to lower demand which makes 2020 a great time to buy Thanksgiving decorations. Here are 8 tips to save money decorating your home for Thanksgiving.

Buy Quality Cheap Thanksgiving Decorations That Can Be Reused

To spend the least amount of money in the long term on Thanksgiving decorations, buy reusable Thanksgiving decorations. Quality cheap Thanksgiving decorations can be found with discounts and after Thanksgiving sales. Some autumn themed decorations may even go on sale after Halloween like pumpkins. While these decorations may be more expensive at first, you won’t have to continue buying decorations year after year, ultimately saving money. This includes Thanksgiving tableware, [fake] candles, wood centerpieces, and more.

The best way to score deals on quality cheap Thanksgiving decorations is to find what you want to buy first. You can look at sites like Pottery Barn that have a page dedicated to Thanksgiving decorations. Then create a list and watch for the items you picked to go on sale. Some retailers like Nordstrom even send you emails when you put items in your wish list and they go on sale.

Make Your Own Thanksgiving Decorations

Are you crafty? The best way to buy cheap Thanksgiving decor is to DIY Thanksgiving decorations! You can make your own Thanksgiving indoor decorations and Thanksgiving outdoor decorations. There is some decor you can find for free like pinecones and pine branches outside. You can also spend a little money on craft materials from a local craft store. Look out for coupons at local craft stores to buy your supplies and save even more.

Look for inspiration for DIY Thanksgiving decorations on Pinterest such as this DIY wood centerpiece that can be refilled, and ideas for cheap Thanksgiving decor by searching cheap Thanksgiving table settings.

Pumpkins and gourds will cost a few dollars each. If you prefer the real thing to fake ones, grow your own to save money. Then, save the seeds so you can plant them again next year. You can also save money on candles by buying theme candle holders so that the replacement white candles are cheaper.

Borrow Thanksgiving Decorations

Usually, people decorate for Thanksgiving when they are hosting Thanksgiving. If you’re hosting, ask your friends that aren’t hosting if you can borrow decorations or needed kitchen items.

Accept Thanksgiving Decorations and Household Items from Family Members and Friends

Understandably not everyone has the option to get used items from family. But, over time things tend to accumulate especially if you have family that has lived in the same place for decades. Help them declutter by taking Thanksgiving decorations and kitchen items off of their hands. Perhaps they have held onto items that are sentimental but they don’t use. They’d prefer to keep something in the family instead of donating it.

Are any of your friends moving? Or, are you living with roommates now and is there anything your roommates are trying to get rid of? Any time someone moves there are always items – big or small – that they won’t want in their new place. It works out for both of you if you can take something off your friends hands they don’t want anymore.

Ask for Thanksgiving Decorations on Your Wedding Registry

Today, 66% of married couples have lived together before they walked down the aisle according to the NCBI. If you already have the basic items, ask for Thanksgiving decorations and kitchen items needed to host Thanksgiving. There are so many items you need when you host Thanksgiving, and it adds up quickly.

Not sure what kitchen items you need to host Thanksgiving? Here is a starter list:

• Turkey Roaster
• Kitchen aid
• Fall themed plates and bowls
• Extra table settings
• Pie tins
• Extra serving bowls
• Extra utensils
• Table linens
• Potato masher
• Baster set
• Cooking thermometer
• Turkey lifters
• Chopper
• Zester
• Apple peeler
• Drying mat
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl
• Flavor injector
• Cooking twine
• Gravy strainer
• Gravy boat

Buy Thanksgiving Decorations and Kitchen Items at Estate Sales

Estate sales are great for finding great deals on holiday decorations including kitchen items and cheap Thanksgiving decorations. An estate sale usually happens when there is a death and the family is trying to sell almost everything in the house before putting the house on the market. Estate sales are a great place to find complete sets of Thanksgiving table decorations since the family is trying to clear out the entire house. Considering most Thanksgiving decorations are decorating the dining room table, you’ll likely find many of these items at an estate sale. It’s also a great opportunity to find high end household items like Waterford crystal.

To find local estate sales, enter the town + estate sale into Google. If you live in a city, you may have more success looking at close suburbs. This is also a great time to buy furniture or other household items you still need for your home.

Use Coupons When You Buy Thanksgiving Decorations

When you do want to purchase new items prior to the Thanksgiving look for coupons and deals. The deals won’t be as good as after the holidays but you can still find 10% or 20% off the store coupons that you can apply to Thanksgiving decorations and kitchen items. Bed, Bath and Beyond always has 20% off coupons. For higher end decorations Bloomingdales Home has Friend & Family sales (it’s free to become a loyalist).

2020 is the perfect year to take advantage of these coupons and sales. With Amazon delaying their annual Prime day sales until Oct, retailers like Target and Walmart followed with great deals. While these days have since passed, retailers appear to continue the specials they normally don’t offer until Black Friday in an effort to easy crowding during normal busy shopping periods. Also, with fewer people at your Thanksgiving dinner, you won’t need as many items until next year when you can have a full Thanksgiving dinner. Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel already seem to be starting their autumn decoration sales early this year, even though the holidays haven’t yet happened.

Buy Thanksgiving Decorations After Thanksgiving Has Passed

If you want new decorations or a particular decoration buy it after Thanksgiving. Stores want to clear their inventory quickly to make more room for Christmas. And, there are a ton of deals on Black Friday, especially on kitchen items. While the selection may dwindle quickly as the sales get better it’s an excellent way to save money. Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and Macy’s are a few stores where you’ll find Thanksgiving decorations on clearance after the holiday.

Budget Your Money Wisely

It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holidays and spend way more money than you had planned. This is only the start of the season too, so you definitely don’t want to start out on the wrong foot! Create a budget for how much you want to spend and stick to it. Personally, I created a household items and repairs budget and included any holiday decorations and cookware that was required in that part of that budget line.

Saving money on Thanksgiving decorations is only one way to save money during the holiday season. Here are ways to save money hosting Thanksgiving.

Halloween may look different this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in the holiday spirit at home. This Halloween, make your home look festive without spending a ton of money. Whether you want to buy cheap Halloween decorations or high end Halloween decorations for cheap there are ways to buy Halloween decorations on a budget. You can also skip decorating this year and score big on the after Halloween sales to get great decorations for next year. Here are 8 tips to save money decorating your home for Halloween.

Buy Reusable Halloween Decorations

To spend the least amount of money on Halloween decorations, buy reusable Halloween decorations. While it may be more expensive at first, you won’t have to continue buying decorations year after year. A pumpkin can cost $2-25 each depending on size, variety and location. Target sells light up jack-o-lanterns for $8 which you can reuse year after year.

This includes Halloween tableware like serving plates, serving bowls and plates. If you buy only paper items, you have to throw them out after one use. If you spend a little more money buying plastic or ceramic you can use the Halloween tableware every year.

DIY Halloween Decorations

Are you crafty? The best way to buy cheap Halloween decor is to DIY Halloween decorations. You can make your own Halloween indoor decorations and Halloween outdoor decorations. Spend a little money buying materials from a local craft store and look around your house / yard to see if you already have some of the materials. Look out for coupons at local craft stores to buy your supplies and save even more. Cheap Halloween decoration materials include spiderwebs, clothespins, black pipe cleaners, construction paper and white sheets.

Pinterest is abundant with DIY outdoor Halloween decoration ideas for your front porch and front steps. This includes the usual jack-o-lanterns as well as witch hats, spider webs, ghosts and DIY gravestones. Many of these you can make for cheap. For DIY Halloween gravestones for example you can cut and paint cardboard.

Pinterest also has a lot of DIY Halloween indoor decoration ideas. For example, you can decorate your mantle with spiderwebs, pumpkins, candles and bats. You can also buy or DIY Halloween kitchen decor like pumpkin mugs, Halloween theme canisters and more.

For more inspiration for DIY Halloween Decorations on Pinterest here are 40+ Spooky DIY Halloween Decoration Ideas Pinterest Pin and ideas for cheap Halloween Decor like this 100 Dollar Store Halloween Decor Ideas Pinterest Pin.

Grow Your Own Halloween Decorations

Love decorating with pumpkins and gourds? Instead of buying them year after year, grow them in your own garden. If you’re buying pumpkins this year, save the seeds and plant the seeds next year. If you aren’t buying a pumpkin this year, pumpkin seeds are relatively cheap at less than $5.

Halloween Decorations from Family Members and Friends

Help your family declutter by taking Halloween decorations off of their hands. It’s amazing how stuff accumulates over the years. They may have Halloween odds and ends from hosting Halloween parties over the year like extra trick or treating buckets or decorative tableware.

Are any of your friends that have kids moving to another state? If they are, do they have items they are looking to get rid of? Any time someone moves there are always items – big or small – that they won’t want in their new place. Especially with out of state moves it’s often cheaper to buy new instead of ship cheaper items. In 2020, there are countless references to the amount of people moving and planning to work from home from another location. It works out for both of you if you can take something off your friends hands they don’t want anymore.

Buy Halloween Decorations After Halloween

If you want new decorations or a particular decoration buy it after Halloween. Stores want to clear their inventory quickly to make room for Thanksgiving and Christmas. While the selection may dwindle quickly as the sales get better it’s an excellent way to save money. Target has a lot of great outdoor Halloween decorations including light up jack-o-lanterns, light up ghosts, skeleton LED decor and more that isn’t too expensive if you don’t want to wait until it goes on sale.

And, who could forget all the great discounts on Halloween candy after Halloween is over. With trick-or-treating up in the air this year, there may be even better sales than usual.

Buy Halloween Decorations at Local Estate Sales

Estate sales are great for finding great deals on holiday decorations including reusable Halloween decor. An estate sale usually happens when there is a death and the family is trying to sell almost everything in the house before putting the house on the market.

To find local estate sales, enter the town + estate sale into Google. If you live in a city, you may have more success looking at close suburbs. This is also a great time to buy furniture or other household items you still need for your home. This includes kitchenware and table settings that you can also use during the holidays.

Use Coupons When You Buy Halloween Decorations

When you do want to purchase new items prior to Halloween look for coupons and deals. The deals won’t be as good as after the holidays but you can still find 10% or 20% off the store coupons that you can apply to Halloween decorations. Wondering where to buy cheap Halloween decorations? Bed, Bath and Beyond always has 20% off coupons. Bed, Bath & Beyond usually accepts coupons that have expired as well. Everyone makes fun of the long CVS receipts with coupons, but those coupons for $10 off $30 for example can be applied to the Halloween decorations they sell and Halloween cards. For higher end Halloween decorations Bloomingdales Home has Friend & Family sales (it’s free to become a loyalist).

Use coupons after Halloween as well. While some stores limit combining sales with coupons you can always try and see if you can get that extra discount.

Include Halloween Decorations On Your Wedding Registry

Today, 66% of married couples have lived together before they walked down the aisle according to the NCBI. When you’ve already lived together there are less things you need from a traditional wedding registry. If you already have most of the household basics, use this opportunity to start collecting stuff you want to decorate your house for the holidays, including Halloween. A great group gift idea is to give decorations for each holiday.

Save Money on Halloween Decorations Summary

It’s easy to overspend on the holidays, so create a budget for how much you want to spend and stick to it. There are plenty of ways to save money on Halloween decorations including growing your own pumpkins, DIY Halloween decorations, buying cheap Halloween decorations on sale, and scouring estate sales for Halloween decoration deals.

What are ways you’ve saved money on Halloween decorations?