Alright, so maybe you didn’t make a list or check it twice and now you’re like how TF am I going to get all these gifts for everyone in time for Christmas. 

Don’t panic. 

While I recommend planning for holiday spending ASAP, it’s possible to do all of your last-minute holiday shopping AND stay on budget! 

Tips for LAST-MINUTE Holiday Shopping to Stay on Budget

Here are some of my favorite tips for getting that last-minute holiday shopping done while staying on budget!

Make a list

First, channel your inner Santa and make a list. Jot down the names of everyone you want to give a gift to this year, and a few ideas for each person. It might be a bit rushed, but having a plan will save you from that chaotic holiday shopping daze.

Know your limit

Not to sound like a Grinch, but Santa's got his workshop, and you've got your budget.

Know your limit, and stick to it. It's easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and overspend, but staying within your budget ensures you won't be haunted by credit card bills come January.

Don’t splurge on items in the checkout line/dollar section: I’m guilty of it too – those tempting trinkets strategically placed near the checkout line or in the dollar section. I can’t even think of all the dumb junk I’ve bought for people (and for myself because I just HAD to have one, too! 😒) while waiting in line at the checkout or poking around the Target Dollar Section where cutesy little things live and your budget goes to die.

Avoid impulse buys

They add up quickly. Stick to your list and resist the siren call of unplanned purchases.

Exercise caution with online shopping

Online shopping can be a lifesaver for last-minute gifts, but it's also a rabbit hole of tempting deals.

Set a timer to limit your time on each site, stay focused on your list, and avoid the lure of "recommended for you" items that can sneak into your cart.

Use rewards cards if possible

If you've got those rewards cards collecting dust in your wallet, now's the time to dust them off. Redeem those points or cashback rewards to ease the holiday spending burden.

Free gifts? Yes, please!

Use cash

For a foolproof way to stick to your budget, go old-school with cash.

Set aside a specific amount for your holiday shopping, and when the cash is gone, you're done. It's a tangible reminder to stay within your means.

Don’t sleep on after-Christmas sales

Embrace the after-Christmas sales and snag some incredible deals for next year (or for this year…who says Christmas HAS to be celebrated on December 25?)

This way you’re not only planning ahead but you’re saving big! 

Budget-Friendly Last Minute Gift Ideas 

So, we’re down to the wire and you need some budget-friendly last-minute gift ideas. Here’s what I think makes legitimately special and thoughtful gifts and doesn’t need a ton of time to purchase ahead, account for shipping times, etc.

Regift

This is the ultimate eco-friendly, budget-friendly move. If you've got a perfect item that didn't quite find its place in your life, consider regifting it to someone who'll actually appreciate it. I feel like this is one of those “no-no’s” that nobody talks about, but let’s be real — sometimes that thing you got for your birthday is perfect for someone else!

Just make sure you don’t re-gift it to the person who gave it to you because…yikes. 🫠

Shop the Thrift Store

Thrifting isn’t just for hipsters. 

Your local thrift store is a literal treasure trove of unique gifts that’ll make your recipient feel like you put a ton of thought and effort into it.

Plus, there are some legit nice and luxe things to be had at the thrift store that are brand new still with tags!

Gift Experiences Over Things

Gifting experiences over items can make for a more memorable gift. Especially if you’re buying for adults in your life who already have just about everything or the ability to buy whatever their heart desires.

Gift a cooking class, a spa day, or tickets to a live performance.

And if you’re on a tighter budget: Offer to babysit for your niece and nephew while they have a date night, make your friend dinner, try a new Pinterest recipe together or put together a snack pack of all your guys’ favorite treats and let them pick a movie for a movie night! Sometimes, the best gifts aren't things; they're moments.

Subscriptions

Subscription services offer a gift that keeps on giving. Whether it's Book of the Month Club, a streaming service, or a monthly coffee subscription, it's a thoughtful present that extends the joy beyond the holiday season.

Gift Cards

When in doubt, go for the failsafe option – gift cards. Let your loved ones choose their perfect gift. It takes the pressure off finding that "perfect" present, PLUS if you snag your gift cards at your grocery store, you can often earn rewards in the form of fuel points or cash back. This is a win-win!

Investments/Stocks

Consider giving the gift of financial empowerment. Introduce your loved ones to the world of investing by gifting them a small stock or contributing to an investment account. Plus, thanks to our bestie compound interest who protects us against inflation and builds wealth over time, this gift is better than cash! 

Money with Amanda

Give the gift of knowledge by gifting Money with Amanda! So maybe I’m biased, but I can’t think of a better gift than the knowledge to achieve financial freedom. 

Free Holiday Budget Tracker

It’s almost a wrap on this holiday season, but it’s the perfect time to start planning for next year. 

I know it sounds a little nuts to compound the stress of this holiday season and one that’s more than 365 days away still, but planning for next year now will make this time next year a lot less stressful. 

Snag my FREE holiday budget tracker to help you get ahead of the game for next year!