Easy Ways to Enjoy Christmas on a Budget

Christmas will be here before we know it, and every year I promise myself I am going to be more organised and more careful with money. This year, with the cost of living rising by the day, many of us are tightening our budgets and trying to save money where ever possible. Here are my hints and tips to enjoy Christmas on a Budget.

1) Embrace the Secret Santas

If there are ots of people in your family, buying individual presents can cost a fortune. Not only that, but limited expenditure on each person can often result in gifts that aren’t really needed or desired, inevitably wasting much needed funds for everyone! If people are in agreement, a Secret Santa can work well and allow you to enjoy Christmas on a budget. In my family there are six adults on my partners side, so we buy one person a gift for £60. This is MUCH less hassle from a shopping perspective, and also means each person gets a relatively substantial gift. We use ELFSTER to select who is buying for whom. That way no one needs to have their surprise ruined.

2. Set a budget

This can be challenging, but one way to enjoy Christmas on a budget is to actually set yourself a budget and stick to it. In the current climate this can be easier said than done, but I use the app the free Santa’s Bag App to track how much I have spent and tick off gifts as I buy them. This is a great way of ensuring you don’t overspend, and also helps stop you forgetting about gifts you bought a while back and stashed away!!

3. Look out for a bargain

BLACK FRIDAY sales are running throughout the whole weekend (in fact almost all of November!) this year so much less stressful than the previous one day sales. I personally am not brave enough to head to the High Street, but will definitely check out the sales online in order to try and fund Christmas on a budget.

4) Explore the Facebook groups and Marketplace

People often sell things on in the run up to Christmas to make room for the onslaught of new toys – some of which are brand new or have had minimal use. If you want to keep Christmas on a budget, keep an eye on your local Facebook groups, eBay and Facebook Marketplace for some last minute finds – someone else’s unwanted goods could be just what you are after!

5) Consider making your own gifts

Family often love personalised and unqiue gifts, particularly when children are concerned. Salt dough ornaments are great for marking the occasion, particularly if you have young babies and children, and serve a great purpose of keeping them entertained too! You can easily bring the magic of Christmas without needing to spend money on Christmas Eve boxes or fancy Elf on the Shelf merchandise. You can even download our free santa footprints template here/

6) Use your loyalty points

I save up my Nectar and Boots Advantage points throughout the year, leaving me with a little pot of “free” money to spend. It’s not massive amounts of money, but it all helps!

7) O2 Priority

For O2 phone users, the O2 priority app often has a few freebies on the run up to Christmas. At the moment for example, you can pick up a free pack of Christmas cards from WHSmith – just as a thank you for being a customer!

8) Shop the sales

It’s too late for this year, but think ahead and plan for Christmas next year and you can almost guarentee Christmas on a budget! I always buy wrapping paper, cards and ribbon in the sales, so each year I never have to buy at full price. I also am a Next VIP customer, meaning that I get early access to the sale before the Boxing Day madness begins.

Whilst I wouldn’t buy my kids main presents in the sale (as they are likely to change their mind before the big day arrives!), sales are great for picking up stocking fillers or clothing. I usually buy boots and coats in the next size up ready for the following winter. I also agree with my other half to treat him to items from the sale, as he doesn’t mind getting them a few days late!

How do you keep control of your spending at Christmas? Do you have any tips for Christmas on a budget? Please share any other tips that may help! x