Christmas can be a really expensive time of year, when you factor in buying presents, extra food, festive clothing, themed days out… the list goes on! Here are some ways you could begin preparing for the Christmas without spending a fortune.
Decide who you’re buying for
We have trimmed our list right back since having children. With many friends, we’ve agreed that a meet up, play date or a little bring and share party at one of our homes, is much better than exchanging gifts. With family, we only buy gifts for the children and our parents nowadays.
Consider intangible gifts
While some people love to receive the latest Lego set or box set of books, others prefer to go clutter free and receive things like ebooks or tickets. This can also save on postage costs. Just because you can’t physically hold something, doesn’t mean it’s not a great gift. For example, gifting a day out or trip is a lovely thing to do, perhaps you might even go along with the recipient and give the irreplaceable gift of your company as a bonus!
Ask people what they’d like
Maybe you’re buying for someone with a specific passion or hobby, or for a family member with a love of The Lake District. If you know what you’re looking for, you can regularly check charity shops, eBay and Vinted for pre loved versions at a fraction of the cost. You can also look out for sales, discount codes and special offers if it’s something that needs to be bought from a specific place. This also reduces the risk that your gift will be unwanted or go unused, ensuring a more eco friendly Christmas.
Make the most of special offers
Many shops offer an incentive if you download their free app or apply for their free loyalty card. I recently got a free £5 Hobbycraft voucher with no minimum spend (offer expires 31/10/23), just for downloading their app. I used it to buy three stocking fillers. You also get a £5 voucher on your birthday if you’re in the free Hobbycraft Club.
I have also used Boots and Nectar points that I’ve accumulated over the year to buy useful stocking fillers like bubble bath and lip balm.
Now is a great time to cash out on any cashback apps or survey apps. you may use. Usually, these apps send money straight to your PayPal or bank account, so you can spend it wherever you like.
Start picking up bits with your weekly shop
I’ve got decorations, Christmas cards and Christmas clothing already covered, either using things we’ve had for years, or things I bought in January sales last year, however there are some things that need to purchased annually.
One way to spread some of the cost is to start picking up little things like candy canes or chocolate coins each time you do a big shop. Next on the list to stash are a biscuit box, tree chocolates and a bottle or two of prosecco!
Use up any gift cards
We have had a Smyths card with £2.36 left on it for about 2 years, so this week I popped in and bought a fidget cube with it to give as a stocking filler (adding £1.63 in cash to make up the difference). It’s worth checking purses and handbags to see if you have any leftovers lurking!
Have fun for free
Many towns have light switch on ceremonies and outdoor carol concerts which are usually free to attend. Why not make it even more of an occasion by taking a flask of hot chocolate along. You could even make gingerbread men to compliment your hot drinks!
As you drive to work, make a mental note of where you have seen decorated homes and plot a route to go and see them all lit up after dark one evening. We also like to go on a scavenger hunt around our local area and search for homes and gardens displaying specific decorations or certain colours of lights. You can download our scavenger hunt below, it’s one A4 page in black and white, so it won’t use up all your ink. Just print, add your child’s name and off you go. Do let us know if you give it a try!
So, while presents and all the other frivolities that surround Christmas are great fun, do try to remember that the most important thing at Christmas (as well as any other time of year) is your presence. Spend time over money (easier said than done, I know) and look for ways to have fun, that won’t break the bank or result in piles of clutter you’ll still be dealing with by February.
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