Admit it. You have a shopping problem and the holidays only remind you of this terrible awesome habit. I love to shop.. for myself, for others, just for the heck of it. A few years ago, I stumbled into in some financial difficulties that made it difficult for me to spend a lot at one time. I was also in a new apartment and in need of many things. Below is a list of some of the tricks that I use to make the most of holiday shopping.

1. QVC/HSN – This is my number one shopping strategy. I am sure that there are other websites/networks that are similar, but these two are my main choices. They offer easy pay on all of their higher-cost items, so you are able to pay for your purchase in 5-6 month installments. This does not require a credit check, and they simply withdraw the funds each month from your credit/debit card. I also don’t find that the item prices are raised much higher than any other stores. Even if they were, I am sure that it beats having to pay credit card interest! I bought myself a TV last year that was on sale and ended up paying only about $80/month! This year, it’s a DSLR camera for about the same!

2. Ross/Marshalls/TJ Maxx – These stores are incredible. I bought my mom a frying pan last year for $12 that I saw elsewhere for $40. You can buy brand name clothes (I love buying nike, adidas, reebok gym clothes) for dirt cheap. They also sell very inexpensive dumbbells, workout videos and other items for the gym rats on your list. I also like going to their candle/bath section. You can stock up on $3 candles and hair products at a very reduced price. These stores are also great for children’s toys. I bought most of my nephews toys at Ross when he was born.

3. Outlets – If you live near an outlet mall, ALWAYS shop there before going to the mall. While the coach outlet may not have the exact bag you’ve been eyeing, it will have bags for about $80 and you will get a coupon when walking into the store for another 20% off. That’s my experience, at least. Outlets are great for purses, brand name clothing and jewelry.

4. Department Stores – If you’re in a financial pinch and have a lot of women on your list, it is a great idea to go to a department store. During the holidays, they tend to give away a huge box of makeup with certain perfume purchases. If you get creative, you can make 3-4 gifts with that makeup. Buy glittery boxes, fill them each with 2-3 items from the box and hand them out. Then give the perfume to your mom, sister or yourself! 🙂

5. Candy/Sweets – If you know anyone who is traveling abroad before the holidays, it is always a good idea to ask them to bring back candy from the other country. Chances are that with the exchange rate you can buy several large bags of candy for under $20. You can then repackage these into adorable gifts for many people on your list. These are great office gifts, as they are cultural and help your friends learn about another country.

6. Dollar Store/Flea Markets/Tag Sales – I rarely buy gifts at these locations, but instead go there to buy home decor. During the holidays, we tend to switch it up every year. Last year I had a lot of gold decorations, this year I want silver. Instead of spending hundreds on new decorations, I go to these places to see what I can find for cheap. The dollar store is great for paper plates, candy dishes, pinecones, etc. Flea markets tend to have a lot of small toys, flowers and random decorations. Tag Sales will have trees, wreaths and a lot of other decorations!

7. Etsy – All women love jewelry. This is a fact. And while we love a good 3 ct diamond ring, it is not always practical to give that gift (sigh). Etsy is a great resource for homemade jewelry. I have purchased a ton of unique pieces from there that my friends always envy. You can also buy personalized gifts. Etsy goes beyond jewelry. You can buy scarves, clothes and many other novelty gifts!

8. Beach Body Videos – If you know a fan of Insanity, P90X, T25 etc, I would consider buying them a new beach body video set for the holidays. They offer the same type of payment plans as QVC and HSN, so that gives you more time to pay for the cost of the videos. While P90x and Insanity are on the higher price-range, there are more inexpensive videos that also give you great results!

These are just a few tips that may help you save some cash. I hope you try some of these out! Remember that its not the gift – but the spirit of giving that matters. Let me know how the holiday shopping is for you this year!