Studies show the average American will spend around $700 on gifts in 2026, and a large percentage of shoppers are uncertain about their gift-giving budget. The cost of goods has increased, and for those of us on a budget, hard choices about how much to spend come into play. 

Here are proven tactics to keep your holiday gift spending to a minimum. 

Shop for deals on reputable sites 

Many sites offer discounts during the holiday season. With a little research, it’s more than possible to find great deals on any given item. That said, beware of deals that are too good to be true, such as an item that retails for over $100 being sold on a shady site for $20. While not every fraud site works in the exact same way, here are a couple things a definitive fraud site will do once you visit: 

• A blue screen appears claiming to be Microsoft and encourages you to call. 
• An entirely different website opens and asks you to register to continue. 
• It asks you to install a program, typically by flashing a large "Install" button on screen. 
• It enters full-screen mode and won't let you minimize. 
• It opens a series of other pages and websites when you first visit. 

Source deals and purchases only from well-reviewed companies to protect your personal information. With that in mind, finding wholesale retail is another easy way to keep your gift-giving budget low. Don’t forget to research your local brick-and-mortar shops. You might be able to find the perfect gift for cheaper in person with a little bit of travel time. 

Shop for quality over name brand 

Brand name products are anywhere from 5 to 100% more expensive than their lesser-known counterparts. Brands aren’t always a sign of high quality — only popularity. Save yourself a few bucks this holiday season by deprioritizing brand names in favor of quality and cost. 

Shop at secondhand stores 

Almost every type of gift can be found in the right secondhand store — that includes clothes, electronics, books or jewelry. Consider searching vintage shops for the perfect jacket or a mom-and-pop computer shop for refurbished electronics that are as good as new. Plus, many secondhand shops are locally owned, meaning the money you spend goes back into your community. 

Consider shipping costs (and time)

Most retailers only add the cost of shipping at check-out. Assuming shipping isn’t free, even the cheapest shipping costs can add up when making multiple orders. Those nickel-and-dime charges can put a strain on your budget, especially if you’re not keeping track. Find out a company's shipping costs by visiting their “frequently asked questions” tab or by continuing through to check-out to find the real cost of your purchase. With this information, you can make an informed decision about what to buy. 

Also, double check shipping time before you buy. Some items take a while to ship, and a delay can mean not arriving in time for gift giving. 

Shop thoughtfully 

Expensive gifts aren’t for everyone. While there are plenty of people who enjoy the finer things in life, there are also those who prefer a thoughtful gift to an expensive one. Knowing which of these two types of people you’re buying for is crucial. 

Use reward points 

Reward points are an easy way to save money on gift giving. They’re typically accrued from retail loyalty programs or credit products and are calculated as a portion of your total spending. 

For example, OCCU credit card rewards are earned at a rate of 1.5-5 points for every dollar on a qualified purchase and/or with a qualified retailer. Retail reward points can only be redeemed with that specific retailer. Comparatively, OCCU credit card rewards can be redeemed for a variety of things, including cash back. 

When it comes to credit and holiday spending, it can also be a good idea to pay for gifts on credit and then pay it back before it accrues interest or when your bank account balance is a bit higher. 

That said, try to avoid putting all of your holiday spending on credit if you don’t have a plan to pay it back before it accrues a large amount of interest. It’s also worth noting that the ideal utilization of a credit card is at or below 30%. Routinely having nearly maxed out credit can be detrimental to your credit score. Use credit wisely during this holiday season. 

Holiday costs can add up. Keep them as low as possible with a few of our tips and tricks!