This Year, Think Outside the Gift Box

Holiday gifting can make the season stressful for you and your budget. On average, holiday shoppers expect to spend nearly $1,600 this holiday season, but we’ve got tips to reduce the cost and hassle. With some planning and a bit of discipline, you can be a gifted giver this season.

Jot before you shop

First, jot down a list of holiday expenses you expect, including travel, gifts, and entertaining. Look to your e-statements from last year to refresh your memory. Next, check out our 4 Tips for Navigating the Holiday Season for ways to track your holiday spending and stay within your budget. Don’t forget to use the budget tracking charts in our Digital Banking. You can monitor your spending in real time to avoid surprises.

We also recommend you learn how stores get you to impulse spend this time of year. Spoiler: Never just wander into stores if you want to avoid impulse gift shopping that you’ll regret. Consider bringing a friend or family member who can keep you on task—they will help keep you focused and realistic about purchasing the right gift as opposed to the shiny gift.

Talk with friends BEFORE gift shopping

You know your friends well, so you probably know what they like. If not, ask them before spending money. Keep notes on your phone and a budget for each, then stick to it so you don’t overspend. Always get a gift receipt, and include it before wrapping.

Think shared-experiences instead of just buying physical gifts

You enjoy your friends, and the best gift you can give them is your time and attention. 

• For the friend that might be moving soon, give a card good for your help on moving day. 
• For friends with kids, a certificate good for baby sitting by you is always appreciated. 
• For a group of friends who like to hang out, design a card for them that’s good for dinner at your place, or how about a certificate for bowling or tickets to a new movie together. 

Think of reasonably affordable things you think are fun, and make it an event to invite your best pals. It will be a standout gift and something your friends appreciate. 

If you’re hosting a holiday party for friends and family, also check out our tips on How to Save on Holiday Decorations.

Gift cards often go unused

Retailers love selling gift cards because they know many people won’t actually use them all. On average, each American has a couple hundred dollars in unused gift card balances. The money goes to waste due to being forgotten, lost, or stores closing. Retail gift cards are not very memorable, and it’s easy to gift more thoughtfully. 

If you have unused gift cards, confirm the balances and try regifting them — or use them to pay for your holiday shopping.

Keep a few small gifts wrapped and ready to go

You’re headed to a holiday get-together and feel compelled to bring a gift. Avoid spending too much at the last-minute by planning ahead. Buy your new favorite non-perishable treats and wrap or gift-bag them so they ready to go. Your host will appreciate the thought and discover something new.

This holiday, shopping is twice as rewarding with our cards

Once you’ve planned your gift list and checked it twice, earn twice the rewards on all eligible purchases by using our new Simply Rewards Checking Debit Card or Platinum Rewards Credit Card to pay now through December 31, 2025.  

Both cards are ready for your mobile wallet and offer Mastercard protection if purchased gifts are stolen or damaged. 

Learn more about our special 2x Rewards Debit Card and Credit Card.