How to save money on Diwali shopping?: Avoid 10 mistakes and ask 5 questions before buying anything

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• Diwali Shopping Tips: Avoid Wasteful Spending & Save Money | 2026 Guide

How to save money on Diwali shopping?:Avoid 10 mistakes and ask 5 questions before buying anything
2 days ago

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Diwali offers of various kinds are running in markets and on e-commerce platforms. In the rush, people often shop more than they need and buy unnecessary items simply because they are available at low prices. This upsets the festival budget and can lead to financial difficulties later

However, a little planning and preparation in advance can help you save a considerable amount on Diwali shopping. From setting a budget to choosing the right offers, it is important to keep a few things in mind

So, today in we will discuss Diwali shopping tips. We will also learn:

• How should you plan a budget for Diwali shopping?
• What mistakes should you avoid to ensure that your pockets are not empty after Diwali?

Expert – Jitendra Solanki, Financial Adviser, Ghaziabad

How can you plan a Diwali shopping budget so that the rest of the month’s expenses are not affected?

It can be quite difficult to estimate expenses during Diwali. So, keep the following points in mind-

• Set aside essential expenses such as rent, groceries, electricity, school fees, medicines and EMIs first.
• Only then decide how much to spend on Diwali shopping.
• Set separate amounts for clothes, gifts, decorations, sweets and eating out.
• Do not consider your credit card limit as an indication of what you can afford when making a budget.
• Set aside money for bills that will arrive after the festival and expenses during the last week of the month.

See an example of a budget in the graphic-

How should you make a shopping list so that you do not buy unnecessary items after reaching the market?

There are many things in the market that are not needed at home, but people often buy them. Therefore, it is important to make a list in advance. Keep three rules in mind while making the list:

Essential:Things without which the festival preparations would be incomplete

Necessary: Things that genuinely need to be replaced or bought new

It simply looks good:Things you like but do not need right now

Check these things before Diwali shopping

• Diyas, lights, decorations and puja items from last year.
• Clothes in the wardrobe that can be worn during the festival.
• Flour, oil, spices, dry fruits and other staples already available in the kitchen.

Keep in mind- Write the maximum price for each item next to it on the list. If the item costs more than that, look for another option or postpone the purchase

Online shopping or the market: where is it more beneficial to shop?

It depends on the item and its price. Do not decide solely on the basis of an online discount or bargaining at a shop. Consider it this way-

When is online shopping beneficial?

• When the price of the same product is identical on several websites.
• When the price remains lower even after adding the delivery charge.
• When the return and replacement terms are clear.
• When the product is available from an authorised seller with a valid warranty.

When is the local market better?

• When you need to try on clothes to check the fit.
• When you need to inspect the product to assess its quality.
• When the shopkeeper is willing to offer a reasonable discount.
• When you need the product without waiting for delivery.

How can you save money when buying clothes and shoes for Diwali?

Understand this through the following pointers-

• Set a separate budget for each family member.
• First, check the clothes already in your wardrobe. You can pair a new dupatta or accessory with an old kurta.
• Choose clothes that you can wear to the office, functions or on a daily basis even after Diwali.
• Do not buy expensive shoes or bags for just one festival.
• Instead of buying clothes simply because they are on sale, consider their fit, quality and how likely you are to use them.
• Before buying very expensive clothes for children, consider how long they will fit them.

How can you save money when buying groceries for Diwali?

Grocery expenses increase during Diwali, but you can avoid unnecessary spending by keeping a few things in mind while shopping-

How can you save money while giving gifts to relatives and friends during Diwali?

Keep a few things in mind for this-

• First decide whom to give a gift to.
• Set a maximum amount for each gift.
• Choose neat, simple packaging instead of expensive packaging.
• Do not buy an expensive gift solely because of social pressure.

Low-budget Diwali gift options

• Oil lamps and candles.
• A small box of sweets.
• A small pack of dry fruits.
• A small indoor plant.
• A puja thali.
• A rangoli set.
• A small table clock.

How can you decorate your home for Diwali on a low budget?

Instead of buying new decorative items every year, you can save considerably by reusing old ones. Here is how:

• Check last year’s diyas, decorative garlands, lights and other decorations first.
• Clean old glass jars or bottles and use them for decoration.
• Use fabric available at home to make small decorative covers or torans.
• Use safe colours available at home or flower petals for rangoli.
• Buy a few good-quality lights as needed instead of buying new decorative garlands for every room.
• When buying decorations, consider their quality and whether they can be used next year.
• Do not buy lights and decorative items solely because they are trending or discounted.

How can you save money when buying electronics, mobile phones or household appliances during Diwali?

Instead of buying something immediately after seeing a discount, check whether the new item is actually necessary. Also, keep these five things in mind-

• Check the price of the same model at least at two or three shops or websites.
• Understand the difference in features between the old and new models.
• Read the terms and conditions of bank discounts, exchange bonuses and cashback offers.
• Calculate the final price after adding delivery, installation and other fees.
• Check the warranty, service network and return policy.

Remember, if an old appliance is working properly, it is better to have it serviced rather than replace it

How can you avoid being misled by offers and discounts during Diwali shopping?

Not every big discount always results in savings. Some offers encourage us to spend more than we need to. Therefore, before shopping, be sure to ask yourself a few questions-

How can you avoid being misled by offers and discounts?

• Check the price of the same model at other shops.
• With buy-one-get-one-free offers, check whether you need both items.
• Do not buy extra items just to qualify for an offer.
• Do not shop in haste or under pressure from limited-time offers.

Which mistakes should you avoid to ensure that your pocket is not empty after Diwali?

Small mistakes while shopping for Diwali can throw your budget off. Avoid these mistakes:

How should you plan your shopping if your Diwali shopping budget is only 3 or 5 thousand?

Understand it this way:

3-thousand budget

• Clothes or essential accessories ₹800
• Groceries and sweets ₹900
• Puja and decorations ₹400
• Small gifts ₹400
• Additional expenses ₹500

₹5,000 budget

• Clothes and shoes ₹1,500
• Groceries and sweets ₹1,200
• Gifts ₹800
• Puja and decorations ₹500
• Additional expenses ₹1,000

This is just an example. You can modify it according to your needs

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• Diwali 2026,