Holiday Shopping Tips from “The Savings Squad”

I recently partnered with four savvy money-saving bloggers to bring you some terrific shopping advice in a variety of different categories.  If it's true that the whole is often greater than the sum of its parts, together we're a money-saving POWER HOUSE!  If you enjoy this collection of tips, please let me know – and suggest future topics for us to cover.

Hit “Snooze” on Black Friday
Looking for an alternative to 4 a.m. lines on Black Friday morning? Shop eBay.com on the weekend after Black Friday. Thousands of “entrepreneurs” stand in line for the limited quantity deals only to turn around and sell the stuff on eBay the following day for a small profit. So buy from them on eBay, avoid the lines, and typically only pay a small fraction more for the item. I started doing this a couple years ago and have scored some amazing deals.
Kyle James, Chief Savings Officer: Online Shopping and Coupon Codes
http://www.rather-be-shopping.com/

Track holiday Spending
A gift-giving spreadsheet can help you stay organized and keep your budget on track, especially if you shop for deals all year long. Include every person and occasion you'll need to buy for – friends, family, coaches, babysitters, etc. Label the columns with recipient's name (column A), item name (column B), and budgeted expense (column C). When you do find a great gift at the right price, record the actual expense (column D) and put it in your gift stash.
Kimberly Danger, Chief Savings Officer: Home and Family
http://www.mommysavers.com

Spend Less, Give MORE
Spend less and give more this holiday season. Once you set your gift giving budget for holiday shopping, challenge yourself (and your family!) to come in under budget. Give what is left over to your favorite charity and make a contribution to a charity or cause you are passionate about.
Jennifer Melnick Carota, Chief Savings Officer: Gifts and Charitable Giving
http://thegifttherapist.com/

Give the Gift of beauty
Want to give the gift of beauty? Check out Eyes Lips and Face (e.l.f.) for terrific face and body products that deliver real value. The gift section has great selection at $7-$20 with some amazing items for $10!!  Snag name brands at seriously discounted prices at beautyticket.com.
Stevie Wilson, Chief Savings Officer: Fashion and Beauty
http://la-story.com

Clip to Save
When planning your holiday feast, save money by clipping coupons and pairing them with store sales. During the holidays grocery stores have some of the best prices of the year on meats, dairy items, canned goods and baking ingredients. Coupons are plentiful in the Sunday papers as well as online at Coupons.com, Pillsbury.com, BettyCrocker.com, Smartsource.com, EatBetterAmerica.com and Shortcuts.com. Plus, be on the lookout for coupon booklets in your local grocery store which are often loaded with money saving coupons.
Michelle Hovestadt, Chief Savings Officer: Food, Family, and Freebies
http://www.wickedcooldeals.com

About The Savings Squad: The uniquely qualified team that makes up The Savings Squad is made up of a published author, a licensed therapist, a bargain-hunting dad, a mom of four, and a social media bad-ass.  Together, it's our mission to help our readers become educated consumers and live well for less..