It’s that time of year again, the time that our wallets and purses are out so much that giant holes are burnt through them. Despite Christmas being the happiest time of year, there’s a huge amount of effort and energy that goes into it. From the food, to the presents, to the table decor and the mistletoe – we all want that picture perfect Christmas, and ultimately to make our loved ones happy – however we choose to surprise them. Some people go all out and flash the cash, but others can’t (or don’t like to) be quite so liberal with their money. Either way, extra cash around Christmas is always a winner, right?
Here are some hacks of how to save a little more, and spend wisely this year:
- Sell all of last years gear; Whether you have a wardrobe full of clothes you don’t make the most of, or kids toys floating about under your toes that your children have outgrown you can quickly list your unwanted bits on eBay or Gumtree and sit back and relax. Alternatively, some prefer to make a day of it by carting shed loads of it off to a car boot sale. Either way, you’ll be hitting two birds with one stone; the clear out is bound to make room for whatever Father Christmas decides to bring this year, AND you’ll still be coming away with a few extra pennies!
- In the lead up to the big day, make a Christmas budget. From presents for loved ones to the perfect tree, it all adds up. If you plan and organise your spending, your credit card won’t get such a shock.
- Rather than doing all of your Christmas shopping in one hit, why not If you put aside a few pounds each week for all of the things that make you happy over the festive period. Spending gradually will stop you going into overdraft this year!
- Get in the kitchen! Instead of buying presents for all of your neighbours, why not bake them some mince pies or goodies of your choice? Not only will you save money, but they will be touched by the sentiment. Plus, you can get the kids involved which they’ll love!
- Keep your eyes peeled for legitimate deals! Buy one get one free on cosy jumpers? That’s Dad and Grandad sorted then.
- Plan your pressies. Have you ever bought someone a gift and then gone into panic mode about whether they’ll like it? You may even go out and buy them lots of random bits to go with it. This is a mistake. You end up spending way more than you planned when you could have just bought them someone fabulous to begin with. If you really think hard about something they’d love before you hit the shops and get in a frazzle, you won’t go wrong.
- Think outside the box; it doesn’t have to be clothes or perfume. Why not surprise a family member with a spa treatments or a day trip? There are some nifty deals out there, and you’ll be giving them a memory as well as a gift.
- Ever thought of the crazy possibility to get paid to do your Christmas shopping? Well, it turns out it’s not that crazy after all. Every time you purchase something through a big branded cashback website – you can earn up to 16% cashback.
Christmas time is known as the season of goodwill, and there is plenty we can do to show our appreciation to our family and friends without going into debt!
Love Maddie x
Thank you for these tips as I having to save a double whammy this year. Both Christmas and me travelling next year. So these tips are much appreciated. Xx
No problem, we hope they are helpful for you!
These are really helpful tips! I have so much trouble trying to afford all my Christmas shopping.
So do so many of us, hope these tips help this year 🙂
This has reminded me to start doing some Christmas shopping. I am a fan of selling last years gear or unwanted items as that really does help with the costs of Christmas. I tend to have a budget of £10 per family member which works quite well.
That’s a good idea!
Lots of brilliant tips here. On the odd occasion that I am feeling organised for Christmas I like to stretch the shopping out throughout the year. I always try to get it done by November too…
Yes getting it done early takes so much of the stress away!
These are all fantastic tips. I like to stretch my budget as much as possible when Christmas shopping. So using cash back sites and finding 3 for 2 offers are a must 🙂
Louise x
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Definitely 🙂
I have so much stuff I keep meaning to sell; I really need to have a big clear out!
Better late than never 🙂
Such great tips here. I have a ton of stuff in my closet I’m sure I’ll could sell.
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Great tips, these! We’ve gone a bit overboard the last few years and so this year we’re keeping it small. Immediate family; no extravagant gifts.
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It’s the thought that counts at the end of the day, less is more at Christmas when everything is already so expensive!
I’ve already planned most of my Christmas shopping thanks to some bargains in the post-Christmas sales !
This is an excellent way to do it!!
Oh I definitely needed to read this! I’m always so last minute with Christmas shopping and spending. I’ll definitely be trying out some of your tips.
Great! Thanks for reading 🙂
Some great tips here – better get started!
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I hope your tips help this Christmas. The hardest for me is to choose the appropriate present. I think I will do it better this year thanks to your tips. Thank you.
Some top tips here! Baking gifts is always a good one. Also being organised and get everything all at once 🙂 x
I love the idea of making a Christmas present. It can be anything from baking cookies to making candles, or a personalised picture! It just makes it all more memorable and personal.
Very timely! I’ve been trying to figure out how I would be able to manage my finances this holiday season. Thank you so much for sharing this. I learned a lot.