Consumer Reports has tips for holiday shoppers in wake of higher prices and tariffs
A person shops at Serendipity, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (Matt Slocum, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
SAN ANTONIO – A new report from a nonprofit found that spending on gifts is expected to drop by 11% compared to last year due to higher prices and shifting tariffs.
If you’re already starting to shop for the holiday season, Consumer Reports (CR) has some tips to keep in mind to help you get the best deals for less.
Here are some ways to save on holiday shopping for your loved ones:
Don’t wait to buy – Prices tend to climb as the holidays draw near. It’s best to buy early in order to lock in lower prices and get the best selections
Shop for the best – A downside to early deals is less return time. While many places (such as Walmart and JCPenney) extend return policies for the holidays, it’s best practice to review what you’re buying through websites like CR and get a warranty, if possible. Plus, make sure to keep your receipt.
Stack deals – Get the lowest prices through the power of coupons, cash-back apps and credit card rewards. Loyalty clubs often have good perks like waived fees.
Sale or no sale – An item may say it’s “on sale,” but CR said it’s not always a great deal. Checking trusted sources to see what the true cost of an item is, and whether a sale is worth it, can help determine when you should buy.
Stick to your list – Trends and deals can catch you up in the excitement of shopping, but they can cost you in the end. Keep a list of gift items you need in your phone for when you need to stay focused.
Widen your perspective – Amazon, Walmart and Target are big names in the sales game, but other places have great deals, too. CR said to check Macy’s, JCPenney’s and electronic stores for their sales. You can also check out local stores in your area to see what sales they’re offering for the holidays.
Copyright 2025 by KSAT – All rights reserved.
About the AuthorAvery Meurer headshotAvery Meurer
Avery Meurer is a Content Gatherer for KSAT 12. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Communications/Radio, Television and Film, as well as a Creative Writing Certificate. A native San Antonian, Avery attended the Northeast School of the Arts (NESA) majoring in musical theater and creative writing.
Part of East Commerce Street closed due to ‘weakened’ construction scaffolding
▶ 0:58
Part of East Commerce Street closed due to ‘weakened’ construction scaffolding 1-on-1 with Colin Allred, candidate for US Senate
▶ 0:41
1-on-1 with Colin Allred, candidate for US SenateGET A FREE STANLEY THIS WEEKEND
▶ 0:28
GET A FREE STANLEY THIS WEEKENDSocial Security recipients get a 2.8% cost-of-living boost in 2026, average of $56 per month
▶ 0:59
Social Security recipients get a 2.8% cost-of-living boost in 2026, average of $56 per monthSAFD investigating after palm trees set on fire at PicaPica Plaza
▶ 0:40
SAFD investigating after palm trees set on fire at PicaPica PlazaJames Talarico shares his favorite things about Texas
▶ 1:48
James Talarico shares his favorite things about Texas New Braunfels ISD libraries to reopen Monday, 81 books flagged for further review
▶ 1:31
New Braunfels ISD libraries to reopen Monday, 81 books flagged for further reviewYoung victim of domestic violence home speaks up for children trapped in the cycle
▶ 1:06
Young victim of domestic violence home speaks up for children trapped in the cycleFamily of former soldier nearly killed in 2017 hit-and-run crash wants prison time for driver
▶ 1:33
Family of former soldier nearly killed in 2017 hit-and-run crash wants prison time for driverWhat to know before attending ‘one of the busiest weekends of the year’ in downtown SA
▶ 0:49
What to know before attending ‘one of the busiest weekends of the year’ in downtown SAMan arrested, accused of murdering San Antonio boxer in 2019, SAPD says
▶ 1:25
Man arrested, accused of murdering San Antonio boxer in 2019, SAPD saysBexar County family survives drive-by shooting; their 16-year-old son named among suspects
▶ 2:08
Bexar County family survives drive-by shooting; their 16-year-old son named among suspectsTCEQ approves wastewater facility permit over Helotes Creek watershed
▶ 2:16
TCEQ approves wastewater facility permit over Helotes Creek watershedFilmmaker Scott Duncan discusses upcoming documentary on brother Tim Duncan ahead of premiere
▶ 0:40
Filmmaker Scott Duncan discusses upcoming documentary on brother Tim Duncan ahead of premiereBusiness owner pleads guilty to stealing $50K from families who ordered cemetery headstones
▶ 1:05
Business owner pleads guilty to stealing $50K from families who ordered cemetery headstonesCost of convenience: Is it cheaper to shop curbside or in-store?
▶ 1:39
Cost of convenience: Is it cheaper to shop curbside or in-store?San Antonio woman says she’s still waiting for city to pay after crash with SAPD employee
▶ 1:20
San Antonio woman says she’s still waiting for city to pay after crash with SAPD employee🦞 This is luxury on a bun — the Surf & Turf Burger from Ostra in downtown San Antonio 🤤
▶ 0:34
🦞 This is luxury on a bun — the Surf & Turf Burger from Ostra in downtown San Antonio 🤤Elsewhere Too scales back ‘family friendly’ hours after new location damaged during opening week
▶ 0:18
Elsewhere Too scales back ‘family friendly’ hours after new location damaged during opening weekKendall County Women’s Shelter expands services amid rising demand, funding challenges
▶ 0:37
Kendall County Women’s Shelter expands services amid rising demand, funding challengesSpurs still won’t say if relocation on the line as early voting for arena funding begins
▶ 0:59
Spurs still won’t say if relocation on the line as early voting for arena funding beginsCelebrate the holiday season at The Rock at La Cantera
▶ 0:50
Celebrate the holiday season at The Rock at La CanteraCrews kick off East Wing demolition to make way for new White House ballroom
▶ 1:09
Crews kick off East Wing demolition to make way for new White House ballroomEarly voting opens Monday; Devan Karp tests wait times
▶ 0:36
Early voting opens Monday; Devan Karp tests wait timesLegacy Elementary School opens to students on Monday
▶ 0:58
Legacy Elementary School opens to students on MondayPrevious photoNext photo