Even though gasoline prices are lower than they were at this time last year, there are ways to save money while holiday shopping that have nothing to do with gasoline. Nevertheless, there are still ways to save on gasoline costs at the same time.
Conserve Your Fuel
It should be common sense, but it isn't. I've seen it happen too many times. Instead of making several trips, make a list of where you need to go to get your shopping done.
You can cut your gasoline expenses in half by going to the furthest destination first and working your way back home by using that list, or your could do it in reverse. Either way, you're not going back and forth.
Prevent Impulse Buying
I can't stress the importance of lists enough. Before you go on your holiday shopping sprees, compile of list of all the things you need to buy and use it while shopping. You can save a bundle of money by sticking to your list and avoiding the urge to buy on impulse.
Of course, if you're not sure what you're going to be buying, a list is useless. There's a way to build a list and save money while doing it.
Newspaper Coupons
Now, this is totally US-centric, but the idea applies anywhere special editions of newspapers are sold. In the US, the Sunday morning newspaper is usually the fattest edition, stuffed with special pull-out magazines, comics and the most important thing at this time of the year: Coupons!
I suggest getting the Sunday newspaper for at least two or three weeks before Christmas so you can get a good sampling. If you have a coupon organizer (which are really cheap at places like "Staples" or "Office Max"), sorting your coupons is much easier. You can probably find one at some drug stores (like "Walgreen's").
Online Stores
Most of the big name "brick and mortar" department, computer and electronics stores have online stores as well. During the holiday season, you can usually find quite a few things that are on sale online only.
It probably won't save you any money if they carry the same items in the local stores. If they don't, however, you can save money on shipping. Online stores usually discount or waive the shipping fees for large dollar purchases.
Use Your Head and Think
The seven "Ps" always applies, even more so when you're about to spend a wad of cash on other people. Pardon my language, but the seven "Ps" are: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
I could pull out some military acronyms, but I think you get the point. You need to plan your shopping sprees in advance. Use lists for places to go and things to buy. Use coupons, from both newspapers and online coupon sites. Shop online as well as offline. Stick to your budget and avoid impulse buying.
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