7 Secret Hacks to Make Money While Shopping for Christmas

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the inevitable task of Christmas shopping. If you’re like many people, you’re likely feeling the pressure of buying gifts, decorations, and all the little extras that make the holidays special. 

However, what if I told you that you could not only save money while shopping for Christmas but also make money? Yes, it’s possible! In fact, there are some savvy tricks that can help you earn cash back, find amazing deals, and even get rewarded just for doing your holiday shopping. 

Let’s dive into these secret hacks that will help you make money while shopping for Christmas.

1. Use Cash Back Apps to Earn Money on Every Purchase

What Are Cash Back Apps?

Cash back apps are one of the easiest ways to make money while shopping. These apps allow you to earn a percentage of your spending back in cash or gift cards. Some of the most popular cash back apps include Rakuten, Ibotta, Dosh, and TopCashback. 

They partner with retailers to offer you a small cash reward when you make a purchase through their platform.

How to Use Cash Back Apps

1. Download and Sign Up: Most apps are free to use. Simply download the app on your phone and sign up for an account.
2. Browse Offers: These apps feature a list of retailers and special offers. You can browse through them to find offers that match your shopping list.
3. Shop Through the App: Once you find a deal, click on the retailer’s link and shop as you normally would. Many apps also offer in-store rebates if you upload your receipt after making a purchase.
4. Get Paid: After your purchase, the app will credit your account with the cash back amount. You can usually request a payout through PayPal or receive gift cards for popular retailers.
   

By using cash back apps while doing your Christmas shopping, you’ll earn money on everything from gifts to holiday decorations. Some apps even offer bonuses for first-time users, giving you an extra boost.

2. Take Advantage of Holiday Rewards Programs

Retailer-Specific Loyalty Programs

Many retailers offer loyalty programs that give you points for every purchase you make. These points can later be redeemed for discounts, free items, or even cash. 

Popular stores like Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Amazon have reward programs that are worth signing up for, especially during the holiday season when you’re likely to be doing more shopping.

How to Maximize Rewards Programs

1. Sign Up Early: Be sure to sign up for any retailer-specific loyalty programs before you start shopping. Some stores even offer bonus points when you first join.
2. Keep Track of Rewards: Many programs allow you to track your points or reward progress online or through an app. Stay on top of your rewards so you can redeem them when it’s most beneficial.
3. Look for Double Points Days: Some retailers offer special promotions where you can earn double or even triple points on certain days or items. Timing your purchases for these events can help you rack up points faster.

By combining loyalty rewards with your regular purchases, you can easily get discounts on your next shopping spree or score a freebie—just in time for the holidays.

3. Leverage Price Comparison Tools to Find the Best Deals

How to Use Price Comparison Websites and Apps

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of holiday shopping and forget to check if you’re getting the best deal. 

Luckily, there are plenty of price comparison websites and apps that can help you find the lowest price for any product. Some popular options include Honey, ShopSavvy, and Google Shopping.

These tools allow you to compare prices across multiple retailers and find the best possible deal. They can save you time and money, especially if you’re shopping for high-ticket items like electronics or appliances.

Why This Is a Game-Changer for Holiday Shopping

1. Avoid Overpaying: With the help of comparison tools, you’ll never have to wonder if you’re paying more than necessary. Simply scan the product’s barcode or enter the item name, and you’ll see where it’s cheapest.
2. Find Hidden Deals: Some stores offer special online-only discounts or sales that aren’t advertised in stores. Comparison tools can help you uncover these hidden gems.
3. Check for Coupons and Promotions: Some price comparison tools, like Honey, also search for active coupon codes, making it easier to stack discounts and lower your total shopping bill.

By using price comparison tools, you can ensure that you’re getting the best deal, leaving you with more cash in your pocket to spend on other holiday essentials—or even save for the future.

4. Stack Coupons with Sales for Extra Savings

The Power of Coupon Stacking

Coupon stacking is a clever strategy that involves combining multiple discounts to maximize your savings. For example, you can use a store’s sale price in combination with a manufacturer’s coupon, plus any cashback offers or loyalty rewards.

How to Find and Stack Coupons

1. Coupon Websites: Websites like Coupons.com, RetailMeNot, and CouponCabin are great places to find printable coupons and promo codes for all types of stores.
2. Store Loyalty Apps: Many retailers offer digital coupons through their loyalty apps. Make sure to check the app before you head to checkout.
3. Email Newsletters: Subscribe to your favorite stores’ email lists to receive exclusive coupon codes or early access to sales.
4. Cashback Sites: Don’t forget to check cashback websites for any extra rebates on top of the coupons you’re stacking.

When you stack coupons with existing sales, the discounts really add up. Plus, if you’re buying Christmas gifts or decorations, stacking discounts allows you to get more for your money, which is always a win during the holiday season.

5. Sell Unwanted Items to Fund Your Christmas Shopping

The Power of Decluttering

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, right? If you have unused items taking up space in your home, consider selling them to fund your holiday shopping. Not only will you be decluttering your home, but you’ll also make some extra cash that can go directly toward your Christmas expenses.

Best Ways to Sell Items Online

1. eBay: If you have items that are in demand or valuable, such as collectibles, electronics, or brand-name items, eBay is a great option.
2. Facebook Marketplace: For local sales, Facebook Marketplace is perfect. You can sell furniture, clothes, toys, or home goods without dealing with shipping.
3. Poshmark or Depop: If you have clothing or accessories you no longer wear, platforms like Poshmark or Depop make it easy to sell and get cash.
4. Craigslist: Another great option for local sales is Craigslist, where you can list almost anything from used electronics to old furniture.

Decluttering and selling unwanted items not only clears up space in your home but can also give you the extra cash needed to make your Christmas shopping easier and more affordable.

6. Shop for Christmas Early to Avoid Last-Minute Price Jumps

Why Early Shopping Pays Off

We all know the rush of last-minute holiday shopping, but did you know that shopping early can actually help you save money? Many retailers offer discounts in the months leading up to the holidays, which means you can avoid paying premium prices for last-minute gifts.

How to Shop Early

1. Set a Budget and List: Start by making a Christmas shopping list and setting a budget. This will help you stay on track and prevent overspending.
2. Watch for Sales: Keep an eye out for early holiday sales. Many retailers start offering discounts as early as October or November.
3. Take Advantage of Pre-Black Friday Deals: Before Black Friday even rolls around, stores often have early bird sales that offer discounts similar to those seen during the official Black Friday weekend.

By planning your Christmas shopping in advance, you’ll not only save money but also avoid the stress and panic of waiting until the last minute.

7. Use Gift Cards to Your Advantage

The Power of Gift Cards

Gift cards can be a great tool for saving money on Christmas shopping. Sometimes you can find discounted gift cards, or you may even be able to earn gift cards through rewards programs or cashback apps.

How to Use Gift Cards Smartly

1. Buy Discounted Gift Cards: Websites like Raise or Cardpool sell gift cards at a discount, meaning you can buy a $100 gift card for only $85 or $90. This is a great way to save on your holiday shopping.
2. Earn Gift Cards Through Apps: Some cashback apps, like Swagbucks, offer gift cards as rewards for completing simple tasks like surveys or shopping online.
3. Use Store-Specific Gift Cards: If you’re shopping at a specific retailer, using a gift card to pay will allow you to get the most out of your budget.

Gift cards can be a great way to maximize your savings while still getting the items you need for Christmas.

Conclusion: Make Your Christmas Shopping Pay Off

With these secret hacks, you can make money, save big, and stay on top of your finances while shopping for Christmas. From cash back apps to selling unwanted items, there are numerous ways to turn your holiday shopping into a profitable experience. 

So this year, go ahead and enjoy the festivities while using these smart strategies to make your Christmas shopping easier, more affordable, and even a little more rewarding.

Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Here are 11 passive income streams that actually work.