Save Big This Holiday Season with Top Free Apps and Websites

As the holiday season approaches, many consumers are looking for ways to save money while shopping for gifts. Despite economic challenges, individuals are expected to spend thoughtfully on presents for loved ones and themselves. To make the most of your budget, numerous free apps and websites can help you uncover the best deals available both in-store and online. Here are five standout options to consider.

Flipp: Your Local Shopping Companion

Flipp is a user-friendly app designed to enhance local shopping experiences. It aggregates weekly store flyers from retailers such as Walmart and Staples, allowing users to browse for the best deals available. By searching for specific products or stores, shoppers can efficiently flip through advertisements to locate discounts, including those for Black Friday sales.

One of Flipp’s unique features is its smart shopping list, which lets users search for items like “Nintendo” and instantly find related deals in their vicinity. The app also includes a Watch List feature, which tracks items users are interested in, notifying them when sales occur. Additionally, Flipp supports loyalty cards, enabling users to scan them at checkout for added savings on consumer electronics, clothing, and groceries.

Rakuten: Earn Cash Back on Purchases

Rakuten offers a different approach by rewarding users with cash back on their online purchases. With over 750 participating retailers in Canada, users can sign up for a free account and receive a $5 bonus upon registration. By launching the Rakuten app or website before shopping, users can select stores like Sephora, H&M, and PetSmart to earn cash back on their purchases.

The cash back percentage varies by retailer, with potential earnings of up to 15% during Black Friday and Cyber Monday at select stores. Rakuten also offers a browser extension that automatically applies coupons and compares prices to ensure users receive the best deal.

Slickdeals: Community-Driven Deal Sharing

Slickdeals boasts a community of approximately 12 million users who share and vote on the best online and retail deals. The most popular deals are featured in the Popular Deals section, where users can find significant discounts, such as 35% off a new 75-inch 4K LG TV. Deals are further vetted by the company’s Deal Editors to ensure quality.

The app includes a dedicated Black Friday section, allowing users to sign up for Deal Alerts. This feature notifies them when targeted bargains are posted. A Slickdeals browser extension offers early access to top deals, making it a valuable tool for savvy shoppers.

PayPal Honey: A Smart Shopping Assistant

Now owned by PayPal, Honey is a popular browser extension that helps users find the best prices and applicable coupon codes across thousands of websites. Upon adding Honey to their browser, users can shop online as usual, with the extension actively searching for better prices and promotional offers.

The Honey Gold rewards program allows users to earn points towards gift cards. Whenever eligible purchases offer Honey Gold, an activate button appears, enabling users to accumulate points and redeem them for gift cards from well-known retailers like Apple and LEGO Canada.

Kijiji: Discover Local Marketplace Deals

In addition to apps focused on traditional retailers, Kijiji serves as an online marketplace where users can find exceptional deals year-round. This platform features new, open-box, and used items, often at reduced prices. The app facilitates communication with sellers, allowing for price negotiations.

Buyers are encouraged to consider a seller’s star rating, which reflects their trustworthiness based on reviews. Meeting sellers in public spaces is advised to ensure a safe transaction. Kijiji also connects users with small businesses looking to expand their reach beyond traditional sales channels.

As the holiday shopping season approaches, these free apps and websites offer valuable resources to help consumers maximize their budgets. By using multiple tools, shoppers can ensure they are getting the best deals on the market, making this holiday season both joyful and economical.