The Countdown to the Holiday Season is on!

Although the month of December is considered as one of the most exciting months of the year, it is also one of the most stressful. From planning what to eat to shopping for ingredients and the entire cooking and table setting process, it might take you hours after hours plus stress and frustration just to bring smiles to your family and friends’ faces as they eat what you prepared. 

One way to avoid these problems is by being prepared. Whether you are preparing for Christmas, New Year or any other holiday you celebrate, you can free yourself from stress and frustration with these holiday food shopping tips.

Make A List

Making a list can free yourself from getting over your budget and from forgetting the ingredients for your recipe.

When making a list, write down everything that you need and stick to it. A grocery list is the key to keep yourself organized and to save time and money. It also keeps you from purchasing any items that are not within the budget.

Avoid Shopping With An Empty Stomach

If you do your shopping without eating anything, chances are, you will buy things on impulse. You might also give in to some unhealthy temptations.

Before you head to the nearest store, make sure you are full or not hungry. If you grab a snack before you shop, you can stay within your list as well as your budget.

Buy Ingredients In Season

Buy vegetables and fruits that are in season. Not only do they have better quality and flavors, they are also fresher.

Buying ingredients in season will give you the best value out of your money. Since there is more produce, they tend to be the least expensive.

Shop During The Least Busiest Hours

Avoid going to the grocery stores during the busiest hours. You would not want to stand for hours!

The closer the holiday season gets, the busier the stores will be.

Instead of going during the afternoons, try and visit the store during the early morning or later in the evening. Avoid the rush hour which is usually during 5 to 6 in the evening.

Do Not Take The Kids

Unless you don’t have any choice left, try and leave the kids at home.

Shopping, especially during the holiday season, can overcrowd the grocery stores. The last thing you want to happen is to have a crying kid beside you. Plus, kids usually have a way to talk you into purchasing things that are not on your list.

Avoid the extra purchases and shop kid-free.

Use Coupons

Coupons are something that you usually encounter when browsing online shops as well as when shopping.

A lot of stores are sending ads and coupons for promotions. You can also do a quick web search and type in “the store coupons” to get the latest deal. Some stores like Target and Walmart also have kiosks before the store entrance where you can score the latest deals.

But when using coupons, make sure that you are only using the ones that you really need. When you make a grocery list, bring the coupons for the items on your list.

Combine Coupons

Another way to save even more money and get better deals is by combining or stacking coupons.

There are two coupons available for you to use: The store coupons from your local supermarket and the manufacturer’s coupons, which can be used in any store.

You can combine the store and manufacturer’s coupons to maximize the savings. There are even some stores that allow you to combine multiple store coupons with different dollar values. Make sure to check your local store’s website to know more about the coupon policies.

Make The Most Out Of Your Rewards Card

Did you know that the store reward cards let you to save cash without exerting too much effort?

You can swipe your rewards card at the counter and enjoy instant savings and deals.

Use Grocery Apps

There is no shortage of apps that can allow you to save money on groceries!

Plus, these grocery savings apps are offering coupons and additional savings on top of your purchase. By just scanning and uploading your receipt, you can even enjoy additional cashback rewards.

Before you head to do your holiday shopping, install grocery savings apps like Ibotta, Coupons.com, Fetch Rewards, and Rakuten.

Shop Online

Would you believe that you can now order groceries online through Amazon?

You can buy shelf-stable groceries while sitting on your couch or working through Amazon’s website. You can find good deals which are slightly cheaper than the ones being sold in your local supermarket.

If you are an Amazon Prime member, take advantage of this service. Not only that you don’t need to pay for the yearly service (it costs $119 a year), you can also get free shipping for orders of $25 or more.