Smart shopping during the festive season requires a balance between enjoying celebrations and staying within your budget. Industry experts suggest that one should start by setting a clear budget for one’s festive purchases, including gifts, food, and decorations. Sticking to this limit helps prevent overspending.

Next, plan your purchases ahead of time. “Create a list of what you need and avoid impulse buying by sticking to it. Take advantage of festive sales and discount periods by comparing prices across multiple platforms before making a purchase. Look for cashback offers, discount codes, and bundled deals to maximize your savings,” suggests Kamal Kumar, Sales Strategist & Business Transformation Expert.

Consider buying items during pre-festive sales, as prices tend to rise closer to the holidays. Use loyalty programs or credit card rewards for extra savings or redeem points to get discounts. Opt for no-cost EMIs only for essential big-ticket items to avoid unnecessary debt.

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“You also need to be mindful of buying quality over quantity—choosing durable products ensures long-term value and avoids the need for replacement soon after. This approach will help you stretch your festive budget without sacrificing enjoyment,” adds Kumar.

Raghunandan Saraf, Founder & CEO of Saraf Furniture, says that the art of navigating festive shopping without over-spending requires a strategic approach.

First, chalk out a detailed budget that encompasses all the expected expenses, right from gifts to decorations. This forms a very clear framework for spending. Second, avail of technology to compare prices and set up price alerts for desired items. This will ensure the getting of the best possible deals. Third, consider spreading shopping over a few months to avoid last-minute panic buying that leads to over-expenditure. Fourth, tap the power of cashback and rewards programs–but not at the cost of spending more to garner points.

Lastly, “the urge for impulse buys can be curtailed by instituting a 24-hour rule for unplanned items. If after a day, the urge remains, then, maybe it is worth buying. Remember, the spirit of festivals rests in the art of giving and sharing, and not necessarily in extravagant spending,” adds Saraf.

Siddharth Maurya, Founder & Managing Director of Vibhavangal Anukulakara Private Limited, however, says that stretching your festive budget does not have to mean cutting corners.

Prioritize what is important and cut back on less important items. Next, look for items you can make yourself-if possible. Decorations and gifts will be much less expensive. Third, plan to do some early bird shopping or off-season shopping for the festive season. This often distributes the load of festive expenses throughout the year and provides better bargains.

Fourth, “for extended family or friends, consider the option of group gifts. This enables higher-quality presents while keeping individual costs low. Finally, do not underestimate the value of experiences over tangible gifts. Planning activities with thought is often far more memorable than pricey presents themselves,” Maurya adds.

What matters most is intention behind your actions rather than their financial worth. Implementing these strategies will guarantee a memorable festive season without the burden of financial strain.