Holiday savings calendar: what to do each month
A month-by-month plan for a season that's paid for before it arrives: what to save, what to plan, and when buying often costs less. Sale timing varies by store and year, so compare prices before you buy.
-
1
January
Review last season, set this year's budget and start the automatic transfer.
After-holiday clearance often discounts wrap, cards and decorations.
-
2
February
List the year's birthdays and events, and add them to your monthly amount.
Valentine's Day: a homemade dinner beats a crowded restaurant.
-
3
March
Start your gift list and add ideas as you hear them.
Plan spring celebrations and graduations ahead.
-
4
April
Check your fund is on track.
Tax refund? Consider putting part of it in the holiday fund.
-
5
May
Suggest a gift exchange or spending limit to family, before anyone starts shopping.
Mother's Day and graduations: small, personal gifts.
-
6
June
Halfway check: are deposits on schedule?
Father's Day and weddings: plan gifts from the list.
-
7
July
Look at holiday travel options and set price alerts.
Summer sales events can be good for gifts already on your list.
-
8
August
Pick a few homemade or experience gifts to start.
Back-to-school: keep it separate from the holiday fund.
-
9
September
Book holiday travel if prices are good.
Plan the hosting menu and who brings what.
-
10
October
Finalize the gift list with limits.
Halloween: reuse costumes, swap with friends.
-
11
November
Shop from the list only, with a credit card online.
Big sales events: compare prices first and watch for scam sites.
-
12
December
Spend from the fund, not from credit.
Keep gift receipts in one place.
Work out your monthly amount
Our holiday budget calculator adds up the season and shows what to save each month from now.
General information. We don't post deals or earn commissions from any store.