How to Receive Free Christmas Gifts

Find a way to get some presents for yourself this holiday without paying for them.

The holiday season can be full of fun and good times, but it can also be stressful if you are on a budget. After buying gifts for family members and friends, you might not have anything left to spend on yourself. Rather than forgo the gift that you really want, use a little creativity to score a free gift that will light up your holiday without breaking the bank.

Instructions

1. 

   Cash in rewards and gift cards. Use gift cards that have been sitting around for a while to buy yourself a present without spending money, or redeem your credit card rewards and earn the cash back. Most credit card companies offer rewards every time you use your card, so even if you were not aware of this program, it is possible that you have accumulated a lot of points. Companies such as Visa and MasterCard offer gift cards for music, clothing stores, restaurants and many other venues.

2. 

   Scan newspapers and advertorials for free items in local stores. Many supermarkets and department stores offer big discounts and deals during the holiday season to entice shoppers into their store. You might be able to get a free item for purchasing something that you needed anyway or you might score something completely free with the right coupon.

3. 

   Head out early on Black Friday. Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year, when most stores are holding huge sales. Certain stores, such as Sears, give out free gift cards to the first group of customers.

4. 

Tips & Warnings

• Send holiday cards to relatives and old friends that you don't speak too often. Write warm, genuine letters that tell them how much you care for them and miss them. By sparking their memory of you and making them feel good right around the holiday season, they may be prompted to send you a gift in return.

References

• BFads.net: The Official Black Friday Website: Sears Black Friday Ad
• Rewards Programs: Mastercard Reward Program
• Visaextras.com