10 Ways To Save Money This Christmas?

We all know that Christmas expenses can easily run away with us.  If you’re anything like me, you see so many things that are ‘perfect’ for gifts, that people end up with piles of presents.  Although everyone loves gifts, Christmas is magical for so many other reasons; so here are some tips to save some money without compromising on the wonder of Christmas.

Write a Gift List

The earlier in the year you write your list the better. Write down everyones names, ideas of what they might like and the amount you wish to spend on each person.  Then you can shop in sales or use sites such as VouchaCodes.co.uk to pick up bargains through the year, which will save you lots of cash.

Consider Making Gifts

Last year I sent a couple of friends a Brownies in a jar.  I filled a Mason jar with all the dry ingredients for some awesome brownies. I decorated the jars, so they looked festive and wrote the baking instructions on a cute label. Boom, a fab and thoughful present that didn’t cost the earth.  So even if you can’t sew or knit, there is always something you can make for someone that will be appreciated.

Change Up Your Gift Giving

Along the homemade present lines, you could decide with family and friends to have a homemade Christmas or no gifts above £10.  Whatever you all fancy, it helps if everyone is doing the same thing.  I remember a friend telling me that one year her family did a ‘Make, Bake or Find Christmas’ and they gave only presents that they made, baked or found in charity shops. I think this sounds like a very creative Christmas!

Do you always go to a pantomine that costs £20 per ticket?  Maybe try finding a free pantomine or why not get your kids and their friends to put on their own little production?

Make Your Own Christmas Decorations

Plan Your Travel Outside the Normal Times

If you have to travel home (or elsewhere) for Christmas do plenty of research to find out the cheapest times to travel and avoid peak times, this can make all the difference.

Wrap Gifts Frugally

Consider using recycled wrapping paper or brown paper and last years Christmas cards for tags. Wrapping paper may not cost that much but every little helps.

Plan Your Meals

By planning what you are having, you can resist the temptation to just throw stuff in the trolley, some of which you will never eat.  It also means you can look out for bargains on the run up to Christmas and snap things up.

Sending Christmas Presents

Do you have to send presents to family and friends? If so, then make sure you send them in good time.  The closer you are to Christmas the more you are going to have to pay to ensure the gifts get there on time.

Use The Sales

Make the most of the Boxing Day sales by hitting the shops armed with your list for next year.  Then keep an eye on sales all year to make sure everything gets ticked off, at the best possible prices.  Make sure you pick up cards and decorations too.

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Disclosure: Collaborative post.