Unlock Holiday Savings with Top 5 Free Apps and Websites

As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are poised to spend on meaningful gifts despite economic challenges. To maximize savings, several free apps and websites are available, each offering unique features that help shoppers find the best deals. Here are five essential tools to consider this year.

Flipp: Local Deals at Your Fingertips

Flipp focuses on local retailers and compiles weekly store flyers, making it easier to discover discounts, especially during high-traffic shopping events like Black Friday. Users can browse by store, such as Walmart or Staples, or search for specific products. The app allows users to create a “smart” shopping list, highlighting the best deals nearby based on keywords like “Nintendo.”

Additionally, Flipp’s Watch List feature enables users to track specific items and receive alerts when prices drop. This versatile app covers consumer electronics, clothing, and groceries while also storing loyalty cards for seamless checkout experiences.

Rakuten: Earn Cash Back While You Shop

Rakuten presents a unique approach to online shopping by offering cash back through over 750 retailers in Canada. After signing up for a free account, users can access the Rakuten app or website to shop at popular stores such as Sephora and H&M. With each purchase, customers earn cash back, which can be received via cheque, PayPal, or Interac e-Transfer.

The platform also features a browser extension that automatically applies coupons and compares prices to ensure users get the best deal. During peak shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Rakuten members can earn up to 15% cash back at select retailers.

Slickdeals: Community-Powered Savings

Slickdeals boasts a robust online community of approximately 12 million users who share deals and discounts. The platform organizes deals based on community votes, with the most popular offers featured prominently. Users can also receive Deal Alerts to stay informed about price drops on specific items.

A browser extension is available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, providing early access to top deals. While primarily focused on U.S. offers, Slickdeals also includes Canadian coupons and promo codes, making it a valuable resource for shoppers in both countries.

PayPal Honey: Smart Savings Across the Web

Now part of PayPal, Honey is a browser extension that searches for the best prices and coupon codes across thousands of websites. By adding Honey to their web browsers, users can receive notifications about price changes and available promo codes during their online shopping experiences.

The Honey Gold rewards program enables users to earn points towards gift cards at various retailers. Whenever eligible purchases are made, a prompt appears to claim Honey Gold, which can be redeemed for gift cards from popular brands.

Kijiji: Local Marketplace Bargains

In addition to apps that focus on discounts, Kijiji serves as an online marketplace where users can find great deals on new and used items. Many sellers offer items that are still in their original packaging, while others may post open-box or second-hand products at reduced prices.

Kijiji allows users to communicate with sellers directly, enabling them to negotiate prices and assess item quality. The platform emphasizes safety, encouraging users to meet in public places and inspect products before completing purchases. Similar classifieds apps such as Craigslist, Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace also provide opportunities for local shopping without the need for shipping.

As the holiday season approaches, leveraging these tools can lead to significant savings, allowing shoppers to find thoughtful gifts without overextending their budgets. Whether through cash back offers, local deals, or discounted items, consumers can navigate this year’s festivities with confidence and creativity.