Time your purchases.
You don’t have to wait for the holiday shopping season. On Nov. 20, 2023—four days before Black Friday—electronics were already marked down 24.1 percent, toys were down 23.8 percent and apparel prices were down 20.8 percent, according to Adobe shopping data.

Follow favorite retailers.
Consider joining your favorite retailers’ email lists and following them on social media. Signing up for a retailer’s loyalty program can provide access to more savings.

Use cash-back portals.
Coupon sites have evolved, and today shopping portals give consumers free access to cash-back deals, coupons and other discounts. You can shop on your computer or mobile device at popular portals such as CouponCabin, Ibotta, Rakuten, RetailMeNot and TopCashback.

Search for coupon codes.
The internet can be a treasure trove of coupon codes. Search the retailer’s name and “coupon codes.” Also, check out websites such as RetailMeNot, the Krazy Coupon Lady and CouponCabin before making online purchases.

Buy used electronics.
Retailers, including Amazon, Target and Walmart, sell certified refurbished electronics at discounted prices year-round. Ask about a warranty, which is often available.

Hunt for gift card deals.
Gift cards have become coveted holiday presents, research by the National Retail Federation shows. It often pays to wait until December to purchase them, when many businesses offer discounted cards to drum up business.

To find more shopping tips visit AARP Members Edition at aarp.org/holidayshopping.