With the increased cost of living, many people are left wondering how they are going to cope with this festive season. Fortunately, there are a few ways to keep the cost down without having to sacrifice the Christmas spirit. 

Here are my top 12 money-saving tips for living a happier and stress-free Christmas.

Money Saving Hacks for Christmas Gifts

Keep reading if you are looking for new ways to budget for Christmas gifts. 

1. Do ‘family gifts’ or a Secret Santa

Christmas can easily drain your wallet if you’ve got a big family or friendship group to consider for gift-giving. Suggesting a Secret Santa with a spending limit is a great way to keep costs down, and it allows you to focus on shopping for one person. Alternatively, you can buy something that can be enjoyed by the whole family, such as a board game, food and beverage hamper, or gift experience.

2. Buy second hand

No one looks down at secondhand items as long as there has been some thought put into it. Purchasing second-hand is more sustainable, and you can find some treasures. Online sites to obtain such pieces include Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, and eBay for Charity. The latter is partnered with several second-hand charity shops like the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research. 

3. Combine your online orders

Many stores provide shipping free of charge when customers spend a certain amount. To avoid hefty delivery charges, look at presents for your loved ones from the same online store. Otherwise, check if the website offers free delivery to their physical stores if the threshold is too high for home delivery.

Top Tip: Look for further discounts such as 2 For 1, 20% off, buy one get one half-price to make your money last longer etc. 

4. Dedicate one day to Christmas shopping

Another major cause of overspending on Christmas is leaving everything until the last minute. Therefore, try and find a whole day to set aside to get all the gifts you need. Alternatively, you can use this day to craft or get started on any DIY presents.

Related Reading: Create a Self-Care Box

5. Say ‘No’ to random gift exchanges

Don’t feel obliged to succumb to social pressure if it is detrimental to your budget. It is acceptable to turn down invitations to random gift exchanges at your work or social groups. Nonetheless, continue to be kind and show appreciation when saying “no”. 

6. Plan your food shopping

Instead of buying your Christmas dinner last minute, start thinking of your food shopping early on. That way, you can stock up on the essentials whenever you see them on offer. In addition, it will reduce the need to pay for all your Christmas food in one go, making spending more manageable. 

7. Don’t over-buy on groceries 

It is tempting to gather masses of food and drink during the holidays “just in case” someone might fancy it at some point. Many of us will be hosting family and friends, therefore, we feel compelled to load up on snacks such as mince pies and cakes which can be difficult to finish, especially after eating Christmas dinner. Try to avoid being lured into adding more things to your shopping cart which is likely to go to waste.

8. Swap the turkey

There is no written rule that turkey is a must-have to feature on the menu. As it is an expensive item, why not select a cheaper alternative to carve this Christmas? For example, a whole chicken or pork shoulder is a more affordable and crowd-pleasing option. Alongside the several side dishes, you can still have a delicious dinner. 

9. Spend less on traditions

Save money this Christmas by cutting down on the extras, such as sending out Christmas cards, purchasing expensive new ornaments, etc. Instead, create personal and less costly traditions that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Top Tip: Most towns and villages host a free holiday festival where you can enjoy family-friendly games, drink mulled wine, get pictures with Santa, and more, all for free or a small charity donation. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!

10. Buy an artificial Christmas tree

While real Christmas trees are stunning, their price tag is quite dear, especially when you have to buy a new one every year. An artificial tree is long-lasting and guarantees to be a perfect fit for your home. There are plenty of styles to choose from like snow-covered branches while others come pre-decorated so you do not have to pay out for baubles and glittery tinsel.

11. Check before you travel

If you’re planning to travel for Christmas, be sure to check ticket prices and journey times as demand will increase closer to the Christmas period. Try to avoid travelling at peak times for maximum comfort, and book your ticket as early as possible. 

Top Tip: Bring some food and water from home while you travel to avoid another expense. Also, use a railcard for a discount on your Christmas and future tickets. 

12. Use loyalty points and vouchers

Redeem loyalty points and vouchers that you’ve accumulated throughout the year. By doing so, you can reduce the final cost of your shopping and stretch your money further. Popular retailers like Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer have regular promotions for their customers. However, it’s still important to compare prices to ensure the loyalty discounts are worth it.

Boots UK is my favourite store for obtaining toiletries and skin products. I’ve been delighted with the quality and diversity of their recent vegan range and recommend that you check it out.

Related Reading: Easy Ways to Save Money

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