The Ultimate Guide to Intentional Holiday Shopping

Holiday shopping can add up quickly. A little planning can help you stay focused on what matters without losing sight of your budget. Try these four simple challenges to shift your shopping mindset this year.

Challenge 1: Make Your Holiday Game Plan

Set your total holiday budget, then decide how much to spend on each gift. Remember to factor in extras such as food, travel, decorations, wrapping supplies, shipping, and donations.

Before you shop, fill in the blanks:

My holiday spending limit: $________
My gift budget: $________
My food, travel, and extras budget: $________
My donation budget: $________

As you make purchases, keep track of how much you’ve spent. And if you find a great deal on one gift, remember that you don’t automatically have to spend the difference somewhere else.

Challenge 2: Make One Gift a PA Pick

As you shop for someone on your list, consider whether their gift could also support a Pennsylvania business, maker, or experience. It’s a simple way to make your holiday spending feel a little more intentional.

Your PA pick could be:

• Something made by a Pennsylvania artist or maker.
• A locally produced food item.
• A gift card to an independent restaurant, coffee shop, bookstore, or other local business.
• Tickets or admission to a Pennsylvania attraction.
• An experience you can enjoy together.

Your gift can mean a little more when it gives someone something they'll enjoy while also supporting a business close to home.

Challenge 3: Beat One Impulse Buy

Holiday deals can make an extra purchase tempting. Before putting something you didn’t plan for into your cart, PAUSE:

• P: Planned? Was it on your list?
• A: Affordable? Does it fit your holiday spending plan?
• U: Useful? Is it something you or the recipient will actually use?
• S: Still worth it? Would you want it if it weren’t on sale?
• E: Exit and reconsider: Step out of the aisle or close the browser tab before making your decision.

The goal isn’t to say no to every unplanned purchase. It’s to give yourself time to decide whether the purchase is really worth making.

If you decide to pass, keep track of the win:

Impulse buy skipped: ____________________
Amount not spent: $________

Consider leaving that amount in your account or putting it toward another financial goal.

Challenge 4: Give Back Close to Home

Donating to organizations and causes you care about doesn’t have to mean adding another large expense to your holiday budget. Most non-profit organizations have lots of ways for people to get involved, so you can choose something that works for your circumstances.

You could:

• Donate food or other needed items to a local organization.
• Contribute to a toy or winter-clothing drive.
• Volunteer your time.
• Include a monetary donation in your holiday budget.
• Help a neighbor, friend, or family member in a practical way.

If you’re planning to donate items to an organization, check what it currently needs before you shop. And if your budget is tight this season, remember that giving your time or helping someone can be just as meaningful, too.

Make Your Holiday Shopping Count

Any or all of these small behaviors can add up to a holiday season that feels good now and doesn’t leave you second-guessing your spending later. If a credit card is already part of your holiday spending plan, consider using our Founder’s Rewards card as you shop intentionally this season. You can earn 2% or 1.5%* cash rewards on purchases while checking gifts off your list.

*You can earn 1.5% cash rewards on purchases. You can earn 2% cash rewards on purchases if you maintain a PSECU checking account and qualifying monthly direct deposit(s) of at least $500. Some exclusions may apply. See the Visa® Founder’s Card and Visa® Alumni Rewards Card Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for full details.