Seasonal & Holiday

The seasons may change but the savings never end with these tips on the latest deals and trends throughout the year. Find inspirations for holiday shopping, offers for any time of year and guidance for every shopping occasion.

Saving is in style in every season. No matter what time of year you can find the latest deals for holidays and seasonal favorites here.

Seasonal & Holiday-Promocodes.com

It is never too early to start thinking about Valentines Day. As a guy, I am very familiar with the pressure of trying to find the [perfect gift for my sweetheart](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/10-valentines-day-gift-ideas). However, I don’t often give a lot of thought to the challenge that my girlfriend must go through each year, without the classic fallbacks like [flowers](https://www.promocodes.com/proflowers-coupons) or stuffed animals to which we boyfriends all to often have to resort. In order to do our part to help, I have put together a list of affordable Valentine’s gifts for guys to fit all budgets. _Warning: Some assembly may be required._

### $50

A shoestring budget is not a problem when it comes to shopping for a guy on Valentine’s Day. The first thing to remember when gift shopping on a budget is the potential to [DIY](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/fall-in-love-with-valentines-diy). A handmade gift that demonstrates your knowledge of his interests can score you more points than an expensive gift could. 

![](https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/diy-watchstand.jpg)

One clever way to stretch your baby’s budget is by signing him up for a subscription service that matches his needs or interests. [We reviewed a number of box subscription services](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/Think-INSIDE-the-Box) a while ago that would make perfect gift ideas for him, my personal of favorite of which is [The Dollar Shave Club](https://www.promocodes.com/dollar-shave-club-coupons). Not only is this gift clever and useful, but also it will provide you with a lot of gift while keeping your budget in tact.

Don’t think that a night out is out of the question if you are on a budget, either. There are plenty of evening activities within your price range that will make for a perfect cap to your day of romance. Going ice skating, for instance, is a fun seasonal outing that will typically run you under $30 for admission and skates.

If you are really strapped for cash, don’t underestimate the potential of staying in for Valentine’s Day. There isn’t a man on earth who’s not a sucker for a delicious, home-cooked meal. Make his favorite dish, followed by an evening watching his favorite movie. It’s nothing special, but the night is more about the company anyway.

### $100

Although it is not the most outside the box idea, do not underestimate the potential power of dinner and a movie. In fact, handling the planning of the Valentine’s date could be part of your gift. Make reservations at a [restaurant](https://www.promocodes.com/restaurant-com-coupons) that is special to you and your man, and remember to make them as far in advance as you can. After dinner, forget the traditional movie theater. If you want to really impress your man, get the two of you tickets to a showing at the closest drive-in movie theater. Most drive-ins still in operation hold theirs showings as double features, although the ticket costs the same price as one at a standard theater. This date is classic while still being clever, plus it has the 3 things every man love: food, cars, and movies!

Another gift that most guys would enjoy, although few of them would think of it, is a professional massage. In addition to the Valentine’s Day specials, many massage parlors offer a special for first-time customers. An hour-long couples massage is the perfect gift to forget about everything except your special someone.

For a gift that will really leave your man speechless, consider finding him [tickets to his favorite sports team](https://www.promocodes.com/stubhub-coupons). You would be shocked at some of the insane deals you can find on sports tickets online, as long as you know where to look. Use this promo to get [5% off any order of $100 or more from Ticket Liquidators](https://www.promocodes.com/ticket-liquidator-coupons). The price of tickets varies dramatically from team to team and sport to sport, to start shopping early to find the best option for your budget.

### $200

A fancy dinner is always a good way to start off a Valentine’s date. However, especially if your man insists on treating you to dinner (that’s a keeper, by the way), you might have to find more clever ways to contribute. For instance, if you have the budget, consider getting you and your man limo service for the night. Let him pick out a restaurant and find an activity for afterwards, then let him know that for all his hard work you have taken care of transportation. Use this promotion to get [18% off your next reservation from Limos.com](https://www.promocodes.com/limos-com-coupons). Not only will neither of you have to worry about being the designated driver, but nothing else will make the evening special like getting the star treatment from everyone who sees you.

There is no rule that says that your Valentine’s Day date has to be spent outside the house. Instead, why not get your man a gift that takes advantage of your indoor setting. The AAXA Technologies P3X LED Pico Projector is only $219 from [Office Depot](https://www.promocodes.com/office-depot-and-officemax-coupons), and features 2 built-in speakers, a 2-hour runtime, and 1080p HD image output from a number of media sources. Not only is this little bad boy all you need to make your man’s Valentine’s Day, but also you may have trouble getting him out of the house for the weeks that follow.

![](https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/picoprojector.jpg)

These are just a few suggestions for if you are stumped shopping for your man. Keep in mind that while you are trying to find him the perfect gift, he is undoubtedly devoting all of him time to doing the same for you. Speaking from experience, one of the best gifts a guy can get for Valentine’s Day is the knowledge that his girlfriend liked her gift.

Valentines Gifts for Him at Every Budget

We put together a list of affordable Valentine’s gifts for guys to fit all budgets. Speaking from experience, one of the best gifts a guy can get for Valentine’s Day is the knowledge that his girlfriend liked her gift.

A few years ago, I bought my son those cheap Valentines from the drugstore to distribute at his preschool, but I wasn’t too happy with them. I noticed he received some really cute homemade ones from classmates, which prompted me to peruse the internet for ideas for future Valentine’s Days. The more I looked into making homemade Valentines, the more I liked the whole idea of it. Instead of picking out some bland mass-produced Valentines, homemade Valentines can truly come from the heart. Especially with all of the stories in the news about bullying, [homemade Valentine’s Day cards](https://www.promocodes.com/paperless-post-coupons) can really send a positive message to fellow classmates.

Don’t let the idea of homemade Valentines scare you! They don’t have to be difficult, time consuming, or expensive. Even if you’re not crafty, there are lots of easy ways to help your kids make lovely homemade Valentines.

[Making a homemade Valentine](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/fall-in-love-with-valentines-diy) can be as simple as you want it to be. It can be a construction paper heart decorated with markers. The simplest homemade Valentine we’ve done is stickers on doilies. I bought some paper doilies and [Valentine-themed stickers](https://www.promocodes.com/sticker-you-coupons). It was easy enough for my then-toddler to create, but would be just as much fun for older kids because they can go into more detail. You can even buy things like pom-poms, sequins, or glitter glue to make it a more advanced project.

A fun crafty idea is [foam picture frames](https://www.promocodes.com/oriental-trading-company-coupons). Kids can get totally creative with decorating the foam part of the picture frames. These frames come with foam inserts that can be used to decorate the frame, but I also love these glittery heart stickers to make the frames particularly festive. If they have pictures of their friends from school, you can print those out and put them in the frame. By including pictures, it will make these Valentines particularly personal. Otherwise, they can frame pictures that they draw for their friends or write little Valentine’s Day messages.

If you want to include [candy](https://www.promocodes.com/candy-com-coupons), you can incorporate the candy into your Valentine. Smarties work well accompanied by a homemade “you’re a Smarty, Valentine!” card. Bubble gum could go with a “you blow me away!” caption.  Who could possibly resist a Valentine’s Day pun? I know I can’t! Not into giving out candy or worried about cavities? Buy a bunch of toothbrushes from a wholesale store or a [dollar store](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/dollar-stores), and have your child decorate cards to attach to each one that say, “You make me smile!”

You and your child can also make homemade Valentines with items you already have around the house without spending a dime. Upcycle your broken crayons by making mini-muffin crayons. Kids adore this project and the outcome looks really cool. Your kids can attach homemade cards that say “Have a colorful day, Valentine!”

![](https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/F0BL00QFW39L9YD.MEDIUM.jpg)

If you like the idea of printing out Valentines, [TwistyNoodle](https://twistynoodle.com/) has a lot of adorable Valentine’s Day printables. These include coloring sheets and printable mini-books that children can customize. For a more advanced printable for older elementary school kids, check out this template for a fortune teller a.k.a. “cootie catcher.” Your children can customize each fortune for their classmates to make it even more personal.

This year, have your child make homemade Valentines for their classmates that have a personal touch. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t have to be something complicated, but it should be from the heart. Just make sure to [use coupons or coupon codes](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/valentines-day) during online purchase.

Classroom Valentines from the Heart

The more I looked into making homemade Valentines, the more I liked the whole idea of it.  Instead of picking out some bland mass-produced Valentines, homemade Valentines can truly come from the heart. Especially with all of the stories in the news about bullying, homemade Valentine’s Day cards can really send a positive message to fellow classmates.

Affordable Classroom Valentines from the Heart

It’s the week after Christmas, and you are enjoying the spoils of staying on the good list for another year. While admiring your take, shopping is likely the last thing on your mind. However, the week after Christmas is one of the best times of the year to score killer deals on certain items at major retailers, like [Target](https://www.promocodes.com/target-coupons), [Macy’s](https://www.promocodes.com/macys-coupons), and [Sears](https://www.promocodes.com/sears-coupons). This can really come in handy for those people who you may have overlooked in your Christmas shopping.

**Holiday Decorations**

As you probably expected, the week after Christmas is a great time to find [insane discounts on holiday decorations](https://www.promocodes.com/oriental-trading-company-coupons), since stores are desperate to free up the floor space being taken by these seasonal items. The [Home Depot](https://www.promocodes.com/home-depot-coupons) and [Lowe’s](https://www.promocodes.com/lowes-coupons) generally offer discounts upwards of 75% on these types of times. Similarly, wrapping paper and holiday cards will be great buys after Christmas. If you are going to take advantage of these savings, the key is to have system to store your items that is not only out of the way, but that you will also remember not to repurchase the items at the start of the next holiday season.

**Chocolate**

If you have a sweet tooth that did not get satiated at any of the myriad of Christmas parties and dinners over the last week, you are in luck. Holiday sweets and candy are going to be heavily discounted after Christmas.

**Apparel**

Each year, apparel is one of the items that see the biggest discounts across the board the day after Christmas. According to trend analysts, 45% of the after Christmas sales were clothing related. This is a great suggestion for picking up gifts for the forgotten people of your list, as even high-end brands slash their prices like [Nike](https://www.promocodes.com/nike-coupons). Last year, [Banana Republic](https://www.promocodes.com/banana-republic-coupons) offered 50% off already items already on clearance. Also, look for opportunities to stack coupons, which some retailers will do after Christmas. [Target](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/heres-how-to-save-money-at-target-for-the-rest-of-your-life) will be offering 20-40% off clothing as part of their “Amazing After Christmas Clearance Sale.” Macy’s is offering huge savings on nearly all purchases.

**Electronics**

The last item to look for in your after Christmas [deal hunting is electronics](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/electronics-and-cell-phones). Last year, electronics sales accounted for 12% of after Christmas sales. In anticipation of new models, some retailers will have sales on certain last generation electronics, sometimes even matching Black Friday Deals. Target, who’s “Amazing After Christmas Clearance Sale” starts at 7 am on the 26th, will have a 32” Element LED HDTV for just $149.00, as well as 20% off all Sony and Skullcandy ear-buds, among many other clearance deals. They are also offering 60% off clearance if you are shopping online!

You know that check from your grandparents is burning a hole in your pocket of your new Penguin Sleep Pants Santa brought you. Go take advantage of the unseasonably hot deals!

After Christmas Clearance Deals

The week after Christmas is one of the best times of the year to score killer deals on certain items at major retailers, like Target, Macy’s, and Sears. This can really come in handy for those people who you may have overlooked in your Christmas shopping.

All year we look forward to New Year’s Eve parties. However, after [maxing out all of your credit cards on gifts for Christmas](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/4-ways-to-put-the-cherry-on-top-of-your-christmas-gifts), you are probably a little tight on funds. Lucky for you, having a New Year’s Eve you won’t forget (or won’t remember) doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are some suggestions for how to bring in the New Year the right way, and for the right price.

**At Home**

If you are looking for ways to do New Year’s Eve on a budget, consider [hosting a party](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/good-holiday-party-practices) at your place. Although it may require a little clean up the next morning, there are a lot of advantages to celebrating the New Year at home. The most obvious upside is that you will not have to worry about driving home, which means you are free to indulge as much as you’d like on the last night of the year. This is especially beneficial for celebrations like New Years, when drinking is as integral to the celebration as turkey at Thanksgiving.

Decorating your place for the get together may be more affordable than you think, as well. Start by checking out these [tricks for getting your house holiday ready on a budget](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/Good-Holiday-Party-Practices). However, once you have done all the decorating you can without opening your wallet, you may still be missing that piece that sets your party apart. That is where [ShindigZ](https://www.promocodes.com/shindigz-coupons) has you covered. With over 36,000 themed party decorations for the guaranteed lowest price, they are sure to have just what you need, like this room transforming 4’ by 20’ New York Cityscape Plastic Wall Covering for just $19.99!

Don’t be afraid to ask guests not to come empty handed, either. Most people show up to a party with a gift anyway, so why not encourage everyone to bring a dessert or a bottle of their favorite alcohol?

**Outdoors**

While a get together with close friends to welcome the New Year sounds great to some, others prefer something a little grander. If this is the case for you, then they key is location. Time Square in New York City is famous for its massive New Year’s celebration, which caps off with a televised ball drop at midnight. Las Vegas also has a huge street party, which is an experience that is truly unlike anything you have ever experienced before. Both of these events are free to attend and are always crowded to say the least. If you are lucky enough to live in either of these cities, than you are certainly already aware of these chaotic celebrations. But if you don’t, why not use the time off during the winter vacation to get a few friends together and plan a road trip? Nothing says New Years like a new city and new people.

Do keep in mind that these parties are crazy to say the least, so it will be standing room only. Also, take the necessary precautions to stay safe, like staying in a group and not carrying too much cash. Especially if you are going to be drinking!

Where you spend your New Year’s Eve is much less important than who you spend it with. Whether you are looking for a quiet, classy affair, or something a little more reckless, be sure to do something to celebrate the coming of the new year. The fact is that you have been working hard all year for this, and you have earned a little celebration. So don’t worry about starting your resolution just yet, just throw on that Prince record and party all the way to next year!

New Years Eve on a Budget

All year we look forward to New Year’s Eve parties. However, after maxing out all of your credit cards on gifts for Christmas, you are probably a little tight on funds. Lucky for you, having a New Year’s Eve you won’t forget (or won’t remember) doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

I have made no secret of my dislike of the cold, so as you might expect winter in not my favorite season. It is not even in the top four. However, there are certain activities that are just better in the cold. While the cooler conditions are a necessity for some of these activities, its contribution to other pastimes is seemingly intangible. We don’t know why reading is better when it is raining, but it just is. In that spirit, here are a few activities that are just more magical in the winter.

**In the Cold**

One of the first things that come to mind when talking about cold weather pastimes is ice-skating. Whether you are spending quality rink time with your family or turning an ordinary date into a magical evening, rent a pair of skates and partake in this cold weather classic.

If your area is enjoying a fresh blanket of snow, why not get in some sledding. Unlike most snow sports that require quite a bit of equipment and time, sledding requires only snow, uneven ground, and something smooth to sit on.

If you haven’t already done so, go out as a family to pick out your tree. [Home Depot](https://www.promocodes.com/home-depot-coupons) has their tree lot set up, and nothing makes it feel more like Christmas than picking out the perfect pine to protect your presents. Once you have your tree picked out, the associates will trim, package, and even load up your tree for you.    

**In the House**

You don’t have to brave the elements in order to fight off boredom this winter. There is a plethora of activities you can do from inside your house that take advantage of the dropping temperature, which are perfect now that the kids out of school for winter vacation.

Since the elements are keeping you inside anyway, why not pass the time with a family game night? [Target](https://www.promocodes.com/target-coupons) has tons of [classic board games for under $20](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/board-games) that can provide hours of entertainment. After a few rounds of Scattergories (my personal favorite), toast marshmallows in the fireplace.

![](https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/hotcocoa.blog_.jpg)

A classic bad weather tradition is to have a movie night. Let your kids pick out their favorite Christmas movie, and make hot chocolate for everyone to sip on throughout the film. If you don’t have any little ones, this idea can still make for a fun evening. Replace the hot cocoa with eggnog and make a drinking game out of your favorite [Christmas movie](https://www.promocodes.com/netflix-coupons). If you are looking for recommendations, you can never go wrong with Die Hard. To add another element to the movie night, have everyone make a batch of cookies before they come over. This takes minimal time and effort, and what else says Christmas like baking?

If you are really looking for a project to pass the time, make some [Christmas cards](https://www.promocodes.com/hallmark-coupons). Hand made cards require you to commit little more than your time and creativity, yet can be the perfect personal gift for that outlier on your gift list.

Activities to Fight the Winter Blues

There are certain activities that are just better in the cold. While the cooler conditions are a necessity for some of these activities, its contribution to other pastimes is seemingly intangible. We don’t know why reading is better when it is raining, but it just is. In that spirit, here are a few activities that are just more magical in the winter.

Whether you are hosting or attending, holiday parties are one of the best parts of winter. Obviously you have some responsibilities if you are going to host a successful Christmas party, but you are not entirely off the hook if you are arriving to the party as a guest either.

**The Good Guest**

The full range of your duties as a party guest may be more extensive than you first realize, and they start before you get to the party. The first order of business is getting to the party. Carpooling to the party is always a great idea, especially if you are going to designate a driver.  A good gesture is to have everyone from the carpool chip in for gas, and for the driver’s efforts. If you don’t have a volunteer for the position, Uber is always a convenient option if you are lucky enough to have it in your city. The benefits of getting an Uber extend beyond just enabling everyone to drink, however. For a small price you get to show up in a nice car, with a fancy driver who will insistently open the door for you, and not have to worry about parking. If you have more than one group going, make sure you take advantage of [Uber’s discount](https://www.promocodes.com/uber-coupons) for referring a friend.

Make sure you dress according to the occasion, and dress classier when in doubt. Wearing thin layers is a good strategy for when you are going out. The layers will keep you warm, but you can shed them as you need to when you are inside or in the car.

Don’t show up empty handed. Bringing a gift for the host is a classy move, and the right gift can even play a part in the party. For instance, showing up with alcohol can be done in one of two ways, both of which are always well received. The first is to show up to the get together with a sampler pack for everyone, which will take a little pressure off the host to provide booze. However, a more personal move is to show up bottle of the host’s favorite alcohol, and allow the host to decide whether to serve it or save it.

![](https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/holiday-party.jpg)

**The Good Host**

[Hosting a party](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/events-and-party-supplies) can seem overwhelming, especially with the already chaotic pace of the holidays. However, pulling off a sensational seasonal soiree it actually much less impossible than it seems and can cost less too.

Food is going to be one of the most important criteria upon which your party is judged, so come out swinging. Set out appetizers right away, and let people start eating as soon as they get there. Don’t hesitate to start serving drinks and your party will be off to a rolling start. Presentation is key when it comes to the food, so spruce up store-bought spreads with simple garnishes or dips, and have a variety. In fact, if you really want to get creative, don’t have a main course, but instead opt for appetizers all evening long.

The power of presentation applies to more than just the food. A few well placed decorations and a couple of candles can really improve the atmosphere of a get together. Do not underestimate the power of a fancy centerpiece in influencing the way people remember your party, or how easy it is to throw one together. A candle, an unusually positioned [Christmas tree ornament](https://www.promocodes.com/oriental-trading-company-coupons), and some clippings from the tree are all it takes to make a centerpiece that is sure to impress partygoers.

Entertainment is the other crucial aspect to the success of your shindig. Plan a couple games in which the whole party can participate, such as heads up. Heads up is great because you can split the party into teams or play free for all, and the huge selection of categories lets you pick topics that are relevant to the people comprising your affair. A particularly fun feature of this smartphone game is that it uses the devices camera to record the people shouting clues during each round, which is always a riot to watch afterwards.

Another fun idea is to have everyone participate in a [white elephant exchange](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/the-white-elephant-in-the-room). Each person brings a funny gift of a predetermined value and puts them in a pile. After drawing numbers, each person picks a gift from the pile at random in numerical order. To add an element of mischief to the game, give players the option to steal an already open gift instead of choosing one from the pile, and limit the amount of times a gift can be stolen to 2 or 3.

These are just a few ideas to ensure your holiday get together is a smash, but don’t get so caught up in being a good host or guest that you are unable to enjoy the most important part: quality time with loved ones. And free drinks.

Good Holiday Party Practices

Whether you are hosting or attending, holiday parties are one of the best parts of winter. Obviously you have some responsibilities if you are going to host a successful Christmas party, but you are not entirely off the hook if you are arriving to the party as a guest either.

Happy Cyber Monday everyone! The nation’s most popular new retail holiday is upon us again, and it is time to shop all things tech. Whether you are a Mac or a PC (I know, but there are still some of them left out there…), now is your chance to check off some of the most expensive items on this year’s Christmas list and save.

Cyber Monday is one of the very rare occasions where [Apple](https://www.promocodes.com/apple-store-coupons) will actually discount products! Whether you have been a Mac user since Justin Long and John Hodgman or you are new to the world of Apple, you know how unusual it is for them to actually offer discounts on their iPhones and iPads. Best Buy is always one of the first places you should check for [deals on Apple products](https://www.promocodes.com/best-buy-coupons). The national electronics retailer is unique in the fact that is carries products for both Apple and Windows users, and even more noteworthy is the fact they will offer direct discounts on the price of their Apple products. In addition to the price reduction, Apple often has rebates for activating multiple devices at least he same time or pairing complimentary hardware, such as laptops and printers, so be sure you don’t miss out. Personally, I plan on treating myself to a wireless printer that can pair with my iPad to continue my conversion to a world without wires.

Although each retailer will have their own specific sale item, many promotions are common across the board. One of the major benefits of shopping on Cyber Monday is that almost all retailers offer free shipping. Many retailers also offer additional incentives for buying multiple of an item or buying complimentary items together. These incentives range from additional percentages off to free gift cards with purchase.

![](https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/free-shipping-banner.jpg)

Another opportunity for saving on Cyber Monday is to take advantage of [promotional offerings on items](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/four-things-im-buying-on-cyber-monday). If your son or daughter (you don’t have to admit it is for yourself) has the latest game console on their list, Cyber Monday is the time to get it. Manufacturers like [Microsoft](https://www.promocodes.com/microsoft-store-coupons) and [Sony](https://www.promocodes.com/sony-creative-software-coupons) put together exclusive bundles for different retailers. These bundles often include the game console itself, its standard accessories, as well as the most recent installment of a few popular games for the platform. While most retailers are being especially tight lipped about the deals they will be offering on Cyber Monday, Walmart has released a preview of their ad that features a Playstation 4 bundle for $449 that includes LEGO Batman, Little Big Planet 3, an additional game and an extra controller. Purchasing the game system in this bundle will save you almost $200!

A good thing to keep in mind on Cyber Monday is that retailers are anxious to get rid of technology for which the next generation is already out, or is about to be released. While it is also the prime time to snag up the [latest and greatest in electronics for a great price](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/electronics-and-cell-phones), you may be shocked at how low retailers are willing to go to make room for the new models of laptops, tablets, or phones. If you are shopping for a loved one, then definitely go with the newest model. However, if you have a little extra cash burning a hole in your pocket and are just looking to splurge a little on yourself, consider buying last generation products. Then, use the money you saved to get some cool accessories.

With the savings tips, coupons and promo codes from us here at Promocodes.com and a little savvy shopping you are set to score the best deals on all of the latest laptops, tablets, e-readers, pads, and pods without getting out of your pajamas.

Shop Electronics on Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is one of the very rare occasions where Apple will actually discount products! Another opportunity for saving on Cyber Monday is to take advantage of promotional offerings on items. A good thing to keep in mind on Cyber Monday is that retailers are anxious to get rid of technology for which the next generation is already out, or is about to be released.

By this point in the weekend, you have likely already established yourself as a savings savage. You tactfully took advantage of stores that started their sales on Wednesday night, skipped the seconds at Thanksgiving dinner to take advantage of preview deals, and even rose with the sun the next morning to hit the places that still start their Black Friday deals _on_ Friday. (I know; where do they get the nerve?) You are probably spent after all that saving, and understandably so, but don’t extinguish your fire for frugality just yet. Cyber Monday is just around the corner, and it is the perfect opportunity to find the deals you need to finish checking off the names on your Christmas list. Especially with how hectic gift hunting can get, don’t you think you deserve to do the rest of your saving from the convenience of your couch?

[Cyber Monday](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/cyber-monday) has been wildly successful in generating retail spending since its introduction in 2005. You can find a little more information about the history of this holiday, as well as some lesser-known retail holidays, in previous articles. Just last year, Cyber Monday reached record marks in desktop retail sales, reaching $1.735 billion according to comscore. In addition to representing an 18% increase in sales from the previous year, this jump secured Cyber Monday the title of heaviest US online spending day in history. It also made it the second day of the season to see over $1 billion in online sales, surpassing Black Friday’s total of $1.198 billion. Looking at the sales figures from last year reveals another interesting trend. The total revenue generated by online sales last year from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday was $5.3 billion, representing a 22% increase. The dramatically improved sales the entire holiday weekend saw compared to the previous year are credited to many retailers starting their sales earlier. All of these numbers add up to a substantial saving opportunity for you this Monday, without even requiring you to leave your house.

Because of its continued growth and success, we can expect to see even more cyber deals this Monday than ever before. As always, the key to taking full advantage of these deals is strategy. With all of the weekend’s leg work finished, it is time to revisit your Christmas lists and take stock of the gifts of which you are still in need. Your list is going to be a vital survival tool while you are wading through the sea of Internet sales.

![](https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/Tablets-ereaders-laptops.jpg)

The best items to look for on Cyber Monday are ones with which you are already very familiar, or that don’t require a lot of consideration at the point of purchase. Personal electronics such as smart phones, tablets, e-readers and laptops fall into this category because they are easy to remotely research and do not need to be handled or tried on before purchase. Although the cyber in Cyber Monday refers to the online nature of the sales, electronics are consistently among the most heavily discounted category of items. 

A good way to think of it is that Cyber Monday is better suited for [seeking deals and coupons than exploring them](https://www.promocodes.com/coupon-guide/cyber-monday-tips). The retail holiday presents the perfect opportunity to find the best prices of the year on the gifts you have been planning for months. Use your Christmas list as a trip tick, and remember not to be too quick to pull the trigger. Just because you are wrapped in a fleece blanket in from of your television doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do a little shopping around. You are also bound to come across items or deals that will divert your attention as you shop, which is not a bad thing. Of course, if you spot a price that is too good to pass up, do not be afraid to pounce on it just because it is not on your list.

With your laptop, gift list, and credit card firmly secured to your yuletide utility belt, you are set to make the most of this cap to the kickoff of Christmas shopping.

Shop Strategically on Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is just around the corner, and it is the perfect opportunity to find the deals you need to finish checking off the names on your Christmas list. A good way to think of it is that Cyber Monday is better suited for seeking deals and coupons than exploring them.

One of the most common causes of holiday headaches is trying to stick to a budget. It always seems like, no matter how hard we try to avoid it, the cost of Christmas always manages to sneak up on us. What can you do to achieve your goal of not overspending this shopping season? Here are just [a few secrets for sticking to your holiday budget](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/15-secrets-for-saving-during-the-holidays).

**Use Cash**

When it comes to keeping spending down during the holidays, cash is king. I have discussed in previous articles some of the [credit building perks of plastic for your seasonal shopping](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/Christmas-Shopping-for-the-Credit-Conscious/), but nothing beats cash when working on a budget. Cash has a unique quality when it is in your hand that credit cards do not, which makes it much harder for most people to spend as freely. Simply seeing the cash go from your wallet to the register is a great motivator to not overspend. Another time-tested technique is to set aside a little cash each week into a gift fund. This fund is known as a “Christmas Club,” which is a term that comes from similar bank programs during the great depression. Instead of putting the money into the bank, make envelopes the people on your list and put the amount you want to spend inside. This is also a great way to get an idea of exactly how much you should expect to spend when calculating your budget.

**Make a List**

You know how they tell you to never go grocery shopping while you are hungry? The same principle applies to Christmas shopping. Go into each store with a clear picture in mind of _who_ and _what_ you are shopping for, as well as a solid idea of how much you want to spend. In this scenario, the Christmas club envelopes will really come in handy. The goal is to avoid impulse buying, as stores try to take advantage of the bewildered mindset of seasonal shoppers and having a list handy will help greatly. This is not to say that you should not buy any gift that is not on your list, but simply be conscious of impulse buying traps.

**Shop Online and Make sure to use Coupon Codes**

There are quite a few advantages to shopping online for the budget conscious. The biggest benefit, of course, is that you can often find items for a lower price by looking online. Not only is this true of exclusively online retailers such as [amazon](https://www.promocodes.com/amazon-com-coupons), but also for companies that have brick-and-mortar locations. Shops like [Barnes & Noble’s](https://www.promocodes.com/barnes-and-noble-coupons) offer better prices for the same product online versus in-store. Many retailers will also run sales and specials that are exclusively online. You also don’t have to worry about availability for online items, which can be a problem in-store, especially as you get closer to the end of the season. Online shops are also open 24 hours, so you can get your shopping done no matter how crazy your schedule is. Also, be sure to take advantage of the free shipping many places offer during winter, especially if the recipient doesn’t live close. Consider having the gift shipped directly to its final destination. Finally, stay conscious of impulse purchases. Between the discounted prices, online coupons, promo codes, and the “You might also like” recommendations, it can be easy to get distracted and blow your budget.

**Find an Alternative**

Sometimes simply buying a gift is not the best option. If you are really struggling to make ends meet, consider clever alternatives to traditional gift giving. One of my personal favorite examples of this is organizing a “Secret Santa.” With 62 people in my extended family (and that is just on my mom’s side!), buying a gift for every person would leave me homeless come January. Instead, we have a Secret Santa drawing each year to see whom we are going to buy for. Then, we have a celebration where we all have dinner together and exchange gifts. A Secret Santa exchange can be much more than just a way to alleviate holiday budgets, and has itself become one of the most beloved annual traditions for my family.

Making gifts is another great way to celebrate the spirit of giving without breaking the bank. [Handmade gifts](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/personalized-gifts-and-prints) are more personal than simply buying something off a shelf, and can be a great opportunity to show someone how well you really know them.

The Gift of Smart Holiday Shopping

One of the most common causes of holiday headaches is trying to stick to a budget. It always seems like, no matter how hard we try to avoid it, the cost of Christmas always manages to sneak up on us. What can you do to achieve your goal of not overspending this shopping season? Here are just a few secrets for sticking to your holiday budget.

Some of the greatest deals in retail are offered during the holiday season. [Many of these sales take place on Black Friday](https://www.promocodes.com/coupon-guide/black-friday-shopping-hacks), which can mean big crowds to go along with the big saving and often require you to scratch and claw for a deal on a particular item. These sales offer unmatched savings on items like [televisions](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/tvs) and [game consoles](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/video-games-and-consoles), but require some exceptional effort from the consumer, like showing up to the store at some ungodly hour. On a related note, check out [this article on getting a deal on a new television for Thanksgiving](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/get-a-new-tv-for-turkey-day). Although we will be reporting on [Black Friday deals](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/black-friday) as the day draws closer, this article is going to focus on items that are a good buy for all of November. But with so many savvy shoppers competing for deals, how can you make sure you emerge this holiday the big winner? The key is to know what you are looking for.

**[Halloween Coupons](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/halloween)**

The first weeks of November, as you might have guessed, is inarguably the best time to get killer deals on Halloween items. As soon as the 31st has come and gone, retailers scramble to clear their shelf space for the upcoming buying frenzy. This inevitable involves dramatically discounting their Halloween its, so take advantage and stock up. Items like decorations and costumes will have to be stored until the following year, but the money and future time saved make storing it a small price. Halloween candy will also be heavily discounted, which really doesn’t even make sense. Half off fun sized Snickers just because they are shaped like skulls and say trick-or-treat on the bag? I would have paid extra for that! Nonetheless, still a great way to stock up on some candy for the nest few weeks.

**Home Cooking**

The pressure to impress the in-laws is never greater than during the holiday season. Thanksgiving dinner can be your shining homemaker moment, and it might not cost you as much as you think. Many trend analysts report that this November is the best time to [buy cookware](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/cookware), as retailers will be running twice as many kitchen deals as they have in previous years. These sales will apply to many kitchen necessities, from pots and pans to small appliances. Even high end brands, like the beautifully designed and quality [kitchen products at Sur La Table](https://www.promocodes.com/sur-la-table-coupons), are on sale for up to 65% off for Thanksgiving. Make sure you take advantage of this timely sale, and have all of the necessary tools to tackle that turkey dinner.   

![](https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/thanksgiving_sale_header_cookware.jpg)

**Hardware**

Finally, this coming November is a great time to fill in any empty slots in the old toolbox. Big retailers like [Home Depot](https://www.promocodes.com/home-depot-coupons) and [Lowe’s](https://www.promocodes.com/lowes-coupons) will be offering up [big savings on power tools](https://www.promocodes.com/zoro-tools-coupons), individually or in a set, as well as hand tools starting in November. This is a perfect time to get the tools you need to finish that holiday do-it-yourself project, or to start finding stocking stuffers for your handy significant other. If you want some ideas for projects to use your shiny new tools on, check out our series on [simple DIY home repairs](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/if-you-want-something-done-right-diy-part-1-painting).

These upcoming two months are some of the most exciting for saving hungry shoppers. Hopefully these tips about the best things to buy in November will give you a leg up on your customer competition.

November’s Guide on What to Buy

Although we will be reporting on Black Friday deals as the day draws closer, this article is going to focus on items that are a good buy for all of November. Check Home Depot Deals, Lowe's Deals for your Home Improvement Projects, Review our top Halloween coupons and promo codes for SurLaTable,

Halloween will be here at the end of the week, and if you are anything like me in the past, you are a complete mess because you still have no idea what you want to dress up as. Do you want to go cute, scary, ironic, or classic? It is stressful coming up with an outfit that will look good, be comfortable, and wow people all at the same time. Also, who has money to spend on something that you can really only wear once? Not this savvy saver! So to save you from falling victim to any Halloween spending tricks, I am giving you a [DIY costume](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/spooktacular-ways-to-save-on-halloween) so quick and easy, that it will scare your Halloween woes away. This year, I am going as the tooth fairy, but if you don’t like that idea, switch up the colors and be something else: a peacock, queen of hearts, a ballerina. The possibilities are endless and the steps are the same!

I typically don’t take Halloween very seriously because like I mentioned above, it stresses me out coming up with a good costume. I am currently obsessed with the tulle skirt look, so I really wanted to wear a costume that included a tutu.  And so was born my tooth fairy idea. After checking out a few options, I settled on a simple no-sew skirt method. Here is how it is done.

**What You Need:**

Tulle (I picked two different colors for variety) 4-8 yards

Ribbon or Elastic

Scissors

A Chair

Fabric Softener

Spray Bottle

Start by deciding how long you want your skirt to be. My advice is to go longer rather than shorter because you can always trim your skirt down. Unless you actually have fairy powers, you can’t magically grow tulle back. Take a tape measure and evaluate the area that you want covered. I measured from my hips down to right above my knee. Keep that number handy and head to your local [Michaels](https://www.promocodes.com/michaels-coupons) or [JoAnn](https://www.promocodes.com/joann-coupons) to pick up the tulle you want to use. I caught a good sale, so I splurged for the shiny gray and white to add a little sparkle to my costume. Since I wanted a lot of tulle for coverage, I got 4 yards of each color: 8 yards total. You definitely don’t need this much, but it adds a nice full effect.

Once you have chosen your tulle, use the number you collected earlier and measure out your tulle. You are going to double the length when you are cutting. So if your skirt is going to be 24 inches long, you want to cut 48 inches of fabric. This way you can fold the fabric in half later.

After you have cut your fabric pieces, you want to fold the fabric into one long strip. Make sure the tulle is laying flat on the ground and then fold it lengthwise. Once you folded the whole piece, you are going to cut it into pieces. I wanted thicker strips, so I cut at every 6 inches. I recommend pieces between 4 and 6 inches; you can also vary them up a bit throughout the process.

Once all of your strips are cut, grab your ribbon or elastic. I found that using a ribbon was easiest. For the ribbon, measure it around your waist and mark with knots on each end where you want your tulle sections to start and stop. Then use either a person or a chair and tie your ribbon in place so that you can start adding the tulle pieces. Using each cut strip, you are going to fold the piece in half lengthwise, so that you now have your desired length and do a knot around your ribbon by slipping the tulle through itself. To do this, fold the tulle around the ribbon, resulting in a loop/hole. Pull the remaining tulle through the loop and tighten. See below:

They will make little knots, that you can pull as tight as you want or can leave looser to make the knots a little flatter. I pulled mine fairly tight, since I had a lot of tulle to work with. Keep repeating this step until all of your strips are added to the ribbon. While you are adding, you can push the tulle closer together and move it around to your liking.

Once you are complete and set to wear your new DIY skirt, add two tablespoons of fabric softener to a spray bottle filled with warm water and lightly mist each layer of your skirt, shaking the bottle well throughout. You don’t want to drench your fabric; just spray enough to remove the static. It is a very clingy, so this will help it lay flat.

To finish off my costume, I went to a local goodwill and found an inexpensive slip to wear underneath my skirt and then picked up a crown, wand, and set of wings from the local dollar store. This outfit cost me under $25 dollars and took less than 2 hours to make. It is fun, and I will be able to use it for years to come.

To see the complete look, you will have to check back after Halloween and see our pictures from the company party. Complements to [Shindigz](https://www.promocodes.com/shindigz-coupons) for all of the amazing decorations to make the party possible! For more DIY Halloween ideas, check out our Pinterest page!

A Fairy Good Halloween

It is stressful coming up with an outfit that will look good, be comfortable, and wow people all at the same time. So to save you from falling victim to any Halloween spending tricks this year, I am giving you a DIY costume so quick and easy, that it will scare your Halloween woes away.

**Happy Friday Savvy Savers!** Halloween is right around the corner meaning it is time to find a costume. Cue panic right. Spending money for a one-night affair (maybe two if you are lucky) is not ideal coming into the holiday season. When are buying expensive airline tickets and presents for the family, why should you have to drop a ton of money on a costume? If buying a new costume is your only option, make sure that you check out our amazing [Halloween deals](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/halloween) to save on your outfit. If you want to be a little more creative, how about trying a costume swap with friends and family. People of all ages can join in on this activity to create their alternative identity for the evening. Whether it is a costume that someone wore a year or so before, so you just arrange to share costumes for the weekend, it is a great way to get the most of the costumes and your wallet. Plus you can enjoy spending some extra time with loved ones at the swap itself. So you will you be this year?

Swap An Identity for Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner meaning it is time to find a costume. Spending money for a one-night affair (maybe two if you are lucky) is not ideal coming into the holiday season. Let us help you save time and money with our daily savings tips!