Many consumers create budgets for their holiday shopping. Rather than getting stressed out over holiday shopping, plan ahead of time to make the most of your shopping trips. Knowing where to find good deals is a wonderful way to purchase gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.

Weekly Store Advertisements

Each week, department stores release sales circulars to notify consumers about items that are on sale. Check these circulars every week to find the best deals on must-have items for the people on your gift list. In addition to weekly store advertisements, many retailers are willing to price match or even beat another merchant's advertised price for like items.

Shop Early

Retailers know that many consumers wait until the last minute to buy their holiday gifts. This can put your wallet in a bind. Not only will the selection be greatly reduced towards the end of the season, the prices aren't usually as competitive either. Shopping early in the holiday season will allow you time to find the deals on the products you want.

Discount Blogs and Coupons

There are a variety of websites and blogs on the Internet that feature hard to beat deals every day. From food products to specialty purchases, there are deals to be had. In addition to searching online blogs for deals, use manufacturer and store coupons to reduce the cost of items. Coupons can be found in weekly newspapers, product labels and boxes, magazines, store advertisements and be printed online. For exact items, many stores allow you to stack a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon for additional savings.

Online Deals and Promotions

Online retainers want shoppers to "shop from their seat instead of their feet" and are willing to provide discounts for doing so. Often times, online deals are different than in-store promotions and can save you even more money. A variety of coupon codes can be found online for online merchants as well.

Shop Discount Stores

Instead of shopping mall stores and other major retailers at full price, look in discount stores such as Ross, TJ Maxx, Big Lots and Marshall's.  Discount stores carry name brand merchandise for 50% (or more) less than chain retailers.

Homemade Gifts

Nothing says, "I love you" more than a homemade gift. Consider your skills and talents and then think of a way that you can create memorable gifts for friends and family members on your shopping list. Whether you are crocheting blankets, baking holiday treats or making handmade candles, recipients are sure to cherish the gifts that you worked so hard on.  Not to mention, you can save a lot of money by creating homemade gifts.

Don't Be Afraid To Ask

If an item you want is priced too high, ask a manger if he will reduce the price. Though this won't generally work in large department store chains, local retailers are generally willing to negotiate prices with their patrons. In addition, if an item is slightly damaged, ask for a price reduction. Many retail merchants want to move their products out during the holiday season before new merchandise is delivered for the next season; they are willing to negotiate prices to make the consumer happy.