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Holiday Spending Will Top $1 Trillion. Spend Less of It

NRF expects record holiday sales. Here's how to get the gifts on your list without adding to that number more than you need to.

By the Deal Dudes · Monday, November 2, 2026

Holiday shoppingDeals we checked for this story

Americans are expected to spend $1.013 trillion this November and December, up 4.2% from last year. The trick to not overspending isn't skipping gifts. It's buying them when they're marked down, from a list you made in advance.

Takeaway: make the list first, then shop the sales, not the other way around.

Today's picks

$22.42 at Walmart · ✓ verified
LEGO Speed Champions Back to the Future Time Machine at Walmart Only $22.42 (Reg. $27.99)! A fun stocking-sized build for kids and nostalgic adults.
Why we picked it: 4.8★ from 1.8K reviews · $5.57 below Walmart's regular price · Solid Deal on our Dude Meter
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$79 at Walmart · ✓ verified
Barbie Malibu House Dollhouse at Walmart Only $79 (Reg. $99.97)! $20 off a big under-the-tree gift.
Why we picked it: 4.5★ from 3.4K reviews · $20.97 below Walmart's regular price · Solid Deal on our Dude Meter
See the deal →
$17.97 at Walmart · ✓ verified
Fisher-Price Giant Rock-a-Stack at Walmart Only $17.97 (Reg. $24.99)! A classic for babies and toddlers, rated 4.8 stars.
Why we picked it: 4.8★ from 1.5K reviews · $7.02 below Walmart's regular price · Solid Deal on our Dude Meter
See the deal →
$23.96 at Walmart · ✓ verified
LEGO Icons Chrysanthemum at Walmart Only $23.96 (Reg. $29.97)! Flowers that never wilt, for the adult on your list.
Why we picked it: 4.8★ from 1.4K reviews · $6.01 below Walmart's regular price · Solid Deal on our Dude Meter
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More Dude Facts

Bottom line

Write down every name and a budget for each, then grab those gifts when they show up on sale.

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Sources

Prices change fast; the store's price at checkout is the one that counts. Some links earn us a commission, which never changes our picks or ratings.

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