Christmas on a budget

Halloween has been and gone, which can only mean one thing – it’s time to talk Christmas!

With the cost of living still on the rise, we’ve uncovered some of the best tips so you can enjoy the festive period without it costing the earth.

Set a budget

On paper, we tend to overplan and under-budget, which leaves most of us out of pocket during Christmas. Use the next month to rethink the amount you usually spend and create a budget that you can stick to.

Calculate what you can actually afford to spend and plan accordingly, taking into account food, presents, decorations and transport costs – it quickly adds up!

Make your own presents

While you may be tempted to fork out on loved ones, chances are they’ll be just as happy (if not more so) to receive a gift crafted with love. From hampers and candles to knitted jumpers and homemade jams, there's no limit to your creations.

Try picking up a whicker basket from your local supermarket and filling it with lots of small items like the recipient’s favourite chocolate, cheese, chutney and tipple. Complete the hamper with a cellophane wrap tied together with a ribbon and voila, you have a bespoke Christmas hamper.

Buy it, sell it

Take a look around your house. Chances are, some of the presents you received last year have barely been touched – some not even opened.

Why not sell these items on a reselling site? Not only are you making some extra cash, you’re also helping people have their own budget Christmas.

You may find some bargains yourself! Reselling sites are great for finding nearly new toys and other gifts, meaning you’re able to buy more for less.

Find a discount code

If you’re shopping online, there’s likely to be a discount code you can use to knock the price down. Shop smart and try a couple of different retailers to see where you can get the most for your money, taking into account any voucher discounts.

If you’re struggling to find a discount code, try adding the items to your basket and leaving it for a day or two. The last thing a retailer wants is for you to leave empty handed, so in a bid to get you to buy, they’ll send a discount code.

Better still, wait until Black Friday and Cyber Monday at the end of November. The American tradition has become popular worldwide, with most retailers offering huge discounts just in time for Christmas.

It's always worth double-checking the price before Black Friday, as that deal might not be as great as it looks.

Use cashback sites

Imagine if you could earn cashback on the Christmas presents you buy. If you purchase through a cashback site, you can! All you need to do is sign up for free, click on the link via the cashback site and then buy as normal.

As you spend more during the festive period, cashback sites are an easy way to earn a little money back.

Opt for a Secret Santa

While it’s common in most offices around the country, there’s no reason why you can’t do it with your loved ones.

In case you’re unfamiliar, everybody’s name goes into a hat before you draw out who you’re buying for. You can either pull names from a physical hat or use an online tool that does it for you.

Ultimately, a Secret Santa means you only have to purchase one gift, usually within a pre-agreed budget. It’s up to you whether you decide to reveal who you’ve bought for, although a game of guess the Santa is likely to go down a treat.

Start saving early

While it might be too late to take the advice on board this year, why not start putting money aside in January? Sometimes, it’s easier said than done. But putting away just a small amount each month can help you budget for the year ahead.

If saving is out of the question, why not make the most of the January sales? Start stocking up on gifts ready for Christmas next year and you’ll get much more for your money.