“Just hear those sleigh bells jingling

Ring ting tingling too

Come on, it’s lovely weather

For people to go shopping yoo hoo!”

When the holiday season starts in November, there is one thing that businesses take advantage of: the enormous number of holiday shoppers. Holiday carols play throughout stores, decorative lights flash in public places, the scent of warm candles flow throughout rooms, and generally everyone is in a reckless mood to spend money. Large banners shouting “70% Off” or “Sale” in storefronts and on the margins of magazines don’t help either. Children and parents start having the itch to buy new toys and eyeing discounted technology gadgets which were out of the question before.

In other words, holiday season is government-financial-rebate-month.

But of course, sometimes the government takes too much money out of our pockets. With a few tips of shopping smart during the holiday season, you can get that last-minute present without digging up all your savings. Here are just a few suggestions that may help during the holiday rush.

 1) Brave Black Friday. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the major event that stores have huge discounts. Even though the crowds might be a bit rough and grumpy at 2 a.m., the chance of getting a new laptop for under $100 is definitely a doorbuster deal. Just make sure that you have the patience and coffee ready when the chance comes. Always be cautious though, because the number of people who want to purchase a technology device is considerably higher than other products.

 2) Not brave enough? Cruise Cyber Monday. If you want to avoid the large crowds and waits at storefronts, shopping online is an option. Usually around November and December, companies start providing free shipping to orders, and sometimes there are special discounts online, but on the other hand some coupons can only be used in-store, so plan ahead.

 3) Call for the Manager. Sometimes you may come across a damaged item or two after the Black Friday shopping spree is over. If you happen to find such an item that you desperately want, and it’s the last stock available, speak with the manager about giving you a lower price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a deal.

 4) Shop Solo. People tend to mimic others. If your friend decides to buy a new music album you may be compelled to follow suit. Don’t trick yourself into thinking you want to buy something. Although casual shopping during the rest of the year is definitely fine and better to do with friends, skip those hangouts during the holiday season. Besides, a partner could slow you down as you each have different interests around the store. Splitting up and meeting up again can be a big hassle when there are hundreds of people dashing around.

 5) Skip the Holiday Carols. Stores play jolly holiday music for a reason during the shopping season. The festive mood makes people feel more “warm and fuzzy” which causes consumers to buy additional gifts and treats. Try to ignore “Jingle Bell Rock” or “Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Even though you feel like you definitely need those new pair of shoes, Jordans, or earrings, that doesn’t mean that you can just buy them whenever they are on the shelf. If you follow these steps on shopping smart, you can save some extra cash in your pocket.