The holidays are a time for spending time with family, giving and receiving gifts, and eating lots of good food. But the holidays can also be a time of year when our bank accounts take a hit.

In this blog post, we've come up with 12 ways to help you save money this coming holiday season. From making your own gifts to cutting back on your holiday decor, we've got you covered. So read on and start saving!

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Just like with everything in life, it's a good way to start with a carefully planned budget. Starting with your budget in mind will greatly increase your chances of saving up on your hard-earned cash. Determine how much you can realistically afford to spend on gifts, travel, food, and decor, and then stick to it.

2. Shop Around for the Best Deals

This one is a no-brainer. Whenever you're buying anything, but especially during the holidays, it pays to shop around for the best deals. There are tons of resources available online and in-store to help you comparison shop. Take advantage of them and make sure that you don't get ripped off.

3. Use Cashback Apps and Coupons

There are tons of great apps and websites that offer cash back or coupons on your holiday shopping. Before you make any purchase, be sure to check to see if there is a way to get some of your money back. Even if it's just a penny or two, a little bit can go a long way!

4. DIY Your Gifts

One of the best ways to save money during the holidays is to DIY your gifts. Not only will this save you money, but it will also add a personal touch that your friends and family will love. There are tons of great DIY gift ideas online, so make sure that you do your due diligence first to see what fits your budget. Remember, it's the thought that counts!

5. Cut Back on Holiday Decor

Decorating for the holidays can be expensive, so it's important to cut back where you can. Instead of buying new decorations every year, try to use what you already have. With a little dusting, you can prevent yourself from buying shiny yet expensive decor that will just sit in your attic for the next 11 months.

6. Shop Early for the Best Selection

If you know what you're looking for, it's best to shop early. This way, you can take advantage of pre-holiday sales and avoid the last-minute rush. Not to mention, you'll have a better selection to choose from if you shop early on. So start your holiday shopping now and save yourself some money in the long run!

7. Buy Secondhand Gifts

One of the best ways to save money on gifts is to buy them secondhand. You can find great deals on used items, and your loved ones will never know the difference. Just make sure that you inspect the items carefully before you purchase them to ensure that they're in good condition.

8. Give Experiences, Not Things

Another great way to save money is to give experiences instead of things. Tickets to a show or a gift certificate for a day at the spa are always appreciated and won't cost you an arm and a leg. Plus, your loved ones will get to enjoy a special experience that they'll remember for years to come.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Take your friends and family to a theme park
• Exercise your little ones' creativity by going to an escape room
• Keep the whole family physically fit by going to a gym or climbing gym

And if you want to get free admission and special perks, why not try the GetOutPass? With this fun pass, you can have fun with your family and friends this holiday without breaking the bank.

Surely, no matter what activities you have in mind, GetOutPass got you covered!

9. Regift With Care

Regifting can be a great way to save money, as long as you do it carefully. Make sure the item you're regifting is something the person will actually like and use, and that it's in good condition. 

If the gift you want to give doesn't look good or not functioning, it's better to find another gift. You don't want your loved ones to think you're just giving them your old junk!

10. Don't Fall for Marketing Ploys

The holidays are a time when companies really ramp up their marketing efforts. They know that people are feeling generous and are more likely to spend money during this time of year. But don't be fooled!

Do your research before you buy anything, and don't let yourself be pressured into buying something you don't need or can't afford. There's no shame in saying no to a holiday sale.

11. Skip the Holiday Cards

Sending holiday cards can be a fun tradition, but it can also be a big waste of money, not to mention wasteful and bad for the environment. Every year, tons of holiday cards get discarded in landfills. This fact alone should make you think twice about buying them as a gift.

If you're on a budget, skip the cards and send your loved ones an e-card instead. You can even make your own card using a free online service like Canva, then send it through Facebook, Messenger, or any other social media platform.

12. Plan a Low-Key Celebration

Last but not least, one of the best ways to save money this holiday season is to plan a low-key celebration. That doesn't mean you have to forgo all the fun and festivities. Just scale back a bit and focus on what's really important: spending time with your loved ones.

Instead of going out to eat, host a potluck dinner at your house. Serve simple but tasty dishes that everyone will enjoy, and don't forget the dessert! For entertainment, play some holiday-themed games or watch a classic Christmas movie together.

You can also take a walk around your neighborhood to admire the holiday lights. Whatever you do, just make sure you enjoy quality time with your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends, not about spending tons of money. With these 12 tips, we hope you can save money this holiday season and still have a great time!