25 Great Ways to Save on Holiday Shopping

Deals and discounts are aplenty during the holiday season — and they’re something consumers have come to expect.

However, those deals may be even more important to shoppers this year. A Bankrate survey conducted in August found that 40 percent of Gen Xers and 46 percent of boomers said they were concerned that holiday gifts will be more expensive this year due to tariffs and inflation.

But don’t worry. From coupons and price matching to timing certain purchases around sales events, here are 25 great ways to save on holiday shopping. 

1. Make a list

Take a page from Santa Claus and make a list. Determine who you want to give gifts and how much you can reasonably afford to spend. The sooner you have this list in hand, the sooner you can get started shopping and saving. 

2. Use AI shopping tools

AI is showing up in more aspects of our lives, and shopping is no exception. Adobe’s 2025 U.S. Holiday Shopping Forecast, published in September, predicts that web traffic to retail sites from AI sources could be up to 520 percent higher than it was last year. Additionally, Adobe notes that roughly 75 percent of shoppers say they are familiar with AI assistants such as Amazon Rufus, Google shopping in AI Mode and Perplexity’s Shop Like a Pro, and a third have used them to help with their online shopping.

Never used an AI shopping assistant before? AARP has a primer.

3. It’s OK to ask for help

Technology, like AI, drives a lot of holiday savings opportunities these days, but digital shopping tools can be confusing, especially for first-time users. If a retailer’s mobile app or website seems too complicated, ask for help from a friend, family member or at your local community center or library. AARP’s guide to money-saving apps may also come in handy. 

4. Follow your favorite retailers

Oftentimes to score big deals, you have to be in the know. That entails joining your favorite retailers’ email lists and following them on social media. Signing up for a retailer’s loyalty program can provide access to even more savings. One caveat: Some retailers require you to provide personal information, such as your phone number, when you sign up for their loyalty program, so be mindful of that.  

5. Search for coupon codes

The Internet can be a treasure trove of coupon codes that can save you cash. In many cases, all it takes is a simple Google search, says Kevin Brasler, executive editor of Consumers’ Checkbook, a resource for ratings, prices and reviews of businesses. (Google the retailer’s name and “coupon codes.”) Also, check out coupon code websites such as RetailMeNot, The Krazy Coupon Lady, and CouponCabin before making online purchases.

6. Save those receipts

The savings don’t always end at the cash register. You can save more if the product you’re buying has a rebate. Rebates, which are a popular marketing tool, require you to mail in or fill out a form online and provide proof of purchase. In return, you get cash back either via check, gift card, prepaid debit card, direct deposit or store credit. Note: Most rebates expire, generally within a few weeks, so mail or submit them online right away. 

7. Keep an eye out for scams

During the holiday season, it’s easy to get sucked into too-good-to-be-true deals. According to a new global survey from Mastercard and the Harris Poll, 48 percent of consumers say they’d likely ignore security warnings on a shopping website if the item were offered at a deep discount. AARP has lots of tools and advice to help you avoid scams.