Holiday Shopping Trends You Should Know to Save Big This Season

The holiday season is here. It's the perfect time for families to come together, dress up, share meals, and appreciate each other with gifts. As fun as the season is, it can greatly strain your budget, especially if you don't shop smartly.

However, despite the inflation affecting household budgets, a holiday shopping survey showed that shoppers are expected to spend about $613 this year, as opposed to $591 in 2023. These statistics show how handy smart holiday shopping in 2024 is.

Here are some shopping trends to help you make sound decisions and avoid expenses that could blow your budget.

Smart Shoppers Are Budgeting More Than Before

Everyone will agree that budgeting is the most significant part of any mindful shopping. And shoppers this year are taking this tip more seriously than before. They intend to track their purchases and practice financial mindfulness.

This goal is achievable by first deciding how much you can comfortably afford to spend on holiday shopping. Then, outline a list of everything you wish to buy. These include:

• Foodstuff
• Clothing
• Holiday décor
• Gifts for loved ones
• Traveling essentials

You may use budgeting tools to assign an amount for each item, ensuring you are within the set budget. This idea helps you focus on meaningful purchases rather than buying items that you may never use out of the holiday hype.

The Rise of Online Shopping Apps

Thanks to the internet, everything you need is now available at your fingertips. Shoppers no longer have to queue in malls or in their favorite stores to be served. They also don't have to beat the messy traffic, especially with the last-minute shopping rush. 

Holiday shopping data shows an expected rise in mobile shopping apps, allowing shoppers to shop right from the comfort of their homes. Apps like Walmart and Amazon not only offer convenience, but also, you can take advantage of the many exclusive deals to help you save some coins.

However, it's in such times that shoppers ought to be vigilant and look out for scammers. With so many upcoming shopping apps, you should confirm the provider's reliability rather than rushing to sign up and spend your money. You can check reviews on online review platforms like PissedConsumer and see what their previous customers think about the experience they got.

A Rise in Buy Now, Pay Later

As retailers strive to attract customers, they are offering flexible payment plans, among them being the "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) model. This is your chance to own items you have been eyeing without breaking the bank. If you are on a tight budget now but are home to receive some money in a few months, you can head this route.

Nonetheless, be watchful, especially when the deal seems too good to be true. Some may ask you to pay a small amount before receiving the items and pay the rest later. While the idea may sound convenient, it may be a scheme to scam unsuspecting buyers.

Consumers Are Shopping Early

One of the effective smart shopping trends that consumers are increasingly adopting is starting shopping errands some months before the season. In fact, a holiday shopping survey shows that 25.5% start shopping in October. The idea saves them from the last-minute hassles. The consumers also help to get access to better deals without scrambling for items.

Consumers Now Prefer Experiences to Material Gifts

 While budget is still an important topic for many customers, now they are willing to pay more for a good experience. This trend shows a shift in buyers' priorities, focusing more on creating memories rather than accumulating items gifted. So, especially if you don't know what to give your loved one, a concert ticket or a certificate for skydiving may be a good idea. However, keep in mind their preferences.

Final Thoughts

Now that you understand some smart holiday shopping trends, you are better equipped to spend less and more conveniently this season. Whether your main aim is to save, stay within your budget, shop stress-freely, or finish your errands early, the above holiday shopping insights offer everything you need.

Don't just rush to shop the same way you have been doing over the years; be more cautious and intentional for a rewarding shopping experience in 2024.