You might associate holiday season as a time when the streets are lit up, Christmas carols play on every corner, and the malls are packed with shoppers on a mission. But in truth, the joy and infectious energy of the holidays doesn’t stop at the New Year–especially if you’re Filipino. Special occasions like Valentine’s Day and graduation season come just a few months after the initial end-of-year holiday high, and just like that, you and your loved ones may already be preparing for more momentous events.

If you’re a member of the "Last-Minute Gift Squad” for any of these occasions, shopping promos can save you a ton of money and stress. Plus, with a little strategy, you might even score the most amazing freebies or perks.

Ready to dive into the world of shopping promos so that you can get the most value for money all throughout the year, no matter what you’re celebrating with your loved ones? Here are some awesome shopping promos to keep an eye on:

1) Exclusive Credit Card Promos

The savvy shopper is often the MVP of holiday shopping thanks to their knowledge of credit card promo deals. Credit card programs like that of the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya can unlock some fantastic deals and serious savings, from awesome cashback offers on Landers products to discounts on dining and shopping.

Typically, credit cards partner with major companies or online platforms to spread the good cheer. If you have memberships for different platforms, be sure to check out the apps or websites for those sizzling hot deals.

2) Buy One, Get One (BOGO) Promo

The classic buy one, get one (BOGO) deal is necessarily always a seasonal one, but many will come in handy during the holidays or during gift-giving occasions like graduation season. BOGO usually means you get a 1:1 freebie, but some deals entail getting the second item at 50% off or getting one different product free.

These promos are gold if you’re shopping for family gifts or party giveaways. You’ll often find these deals on apparel, shoes, and even beauty products. Tip: check out your favorite brands’ social media pages to stay updated on flash BOGO promos, and see if you can use additional promos or discounts alongside these.

3) Flash Sales

Everybody loves a good flash sale, and it’s proven a pretty savvy marketing strategy for brands. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is strong with these time-sensitive promos. On the other hand, they do offer massive discounts—sometimes as much as 70 percent off.

Major e-commerce platforms in countries like the Philippines typically run flash sales every hour of every day. But the offers are significantly more enticing during the holiday season or during shopping holidays like 3.3, 8.8, and 11.11, especially when shoppers have their end-of-month pay or even their 13th month pay at the ready.

Here’s another tip: add items scheduled for a flash sale to your cart at a later time, but don't check out. Set an alarm for when the promo activates, and then check out as soon as you receive a notification.

4) Free Shipping Bonanzas

Free shipping offers can often tip the scales when customers make purchasing decisions online, and for good reason. Even though shipping fees are often minimal, depending on one’s delivery location, free shipping is always appreciated for the convenience and the room it frees up in shoppers’ budgets.

A number of online stores and platforms waive delivery charges on certain occasions, especially if you hit a minimum spend. Make the most of this by buying in bulk or teaming up with friends to split costs.

5) Gift Card Bundles

Gift cards are always a good bet for gift-giving. Many people would rather give cash, but some worry about being seen as making no effort towards gift giving. Gift cards are a happy compromise, and during special occasions, some brands may offer awesome promos on them.

Deals like BOGO or discounted second purchases are common with both restaurants and retailers especially during holidays like Valentine’s Day. Take advantage, as you’ll be able to give a valued gift and get more bang for your buck at the same time.

6) Loyalty Program Perks

Are your loyalty cards sitting forgotten in your wallet? Now's the perfect time to put them to use! Retailers are happy to show appreciation to their loyal customers by giving them access to perks like special sales, discounts, or bonus reward points during peak shopping seasons.

Of course, these benefits can help you save big time. And here’s an added bonus: those accumulated points can often be redeemed for gift vouchers, giving you even more spending power for different seasons. Don’t miss out on these opportunities—your loyalty could translate into significant savings!

7) Holiday Clearance Sales

Holiday clearance sales are perfect if you’re okay with being fashionably late in your gift or essentials shopping, or if you can spot items that will be relevant to you all year long. Retailers often clear out their inventory right after Christmas or New Year’s, slashing prices by as much as 80 percent. If you’ve got the patience, wait a few days after the holiday rush to grab amazing deals on clothes, gadgets, and decor.

8) Bundle Deals

Bundle deals are everywhere during the holidays, and even beyond. Think tech bundles like a smartphone with free earbuds or grocery bundles that will make a special family gathering a breeze. Keep an eye on your local supermarkets, electronics stores, and online shops for these offers, and cash in on the ones that would be most beneficial to you.

9) Price Matching Offers

Big retail stores may also offer price-matching guarantees as early as during the start of the year. If you find the same item cheaper elsewhere, they’ll match the price or even beat it. Just make sure you have proof of the competitor’s price—and enjoy the savings.

10) Social Media Giveaways

Brands go all out on social media during particular seasons like summer or on occasions like graduation months; contests, giveaways, and special deals for their followers all abound during this time. Some giveaway mechanics are as simple as tagging a friend, while others require a bit more creativity. Either way, it’s worth keeping an eye on your favorite stores’ Instagram and Facebook pages for a chance to snag free gifts.

11) Holiday-Specific Discounts

Finally, let's not forget the discounts tied to specific days, like post-New Year blowouts and 8.8 and 11.11 shopping holidays. These dates are goldmines for discounts on a wide range of items. Mark your calendar for these so that you don't miss out.

Make Bank on Promos All Throughout the Year

There may always be special occasions to shop and to pamper your loved ones, but remember that they don’t always have to burn a hole in your wallet. If you stay alert to these promos and plan your shopping spree strategically, you’ll score great deals and make your loved ones smile without breaking the bank. Happy shopping, and here’s to an awesome year in terms of both giving and receiving!