If you need to save money this Christmas, but the thought of cutting back on how much you spend on presents for your loved ones fills you with dread, fear not.
Sentiment goes a long way. A memorable photo of you and your best friend in an inexpensive frame is worth more than anything available on the High Street. Or maybe someone in the family has a sweet tooth? Buy a cheap jar and fill it with their favourite sweets, showing that it’s the thought that counts.
Get cleverly crafty. No one wants to have to force a smile as they unwrap a hand knitted, misshapen jumper, so when it comes to making a gift – keep it sweet and simple. You can never go wrong with a food hamper or a charm bracelet.
Use your loyalty cards. By utilising your loyalty cards, at least you’ll generate points as you spend. Or, even better, use the money you have saved up on them.
Buy presents online. This way you can compare prices of each item across stores. Even if you have to leave it until the last minute and end up opting for next day delivery, you’ll still save more money than an impulsive buy in an over-priced shop. When buying online, many websites offer free delivery if you spend a certain amount, so collate as much of your present buying as possible onto one website to get it delivered for free.
Many stores offer free gift wrapping. Speak up to avoid the cost of wrapping paper. And let’s face it- despite our best efforts, shop wrapped gifts always look better than a homemade job.
Avoid joke presents. As tempting as it is to stock up on dirty joke books and anything rudely shaped, the novelty of a quick laugh on Christmas morning will slowly evaporate and leave a useless present in its wake, so spend money on more thoughtful gifts and leave the rude jokes to the Christmas crackers and drunk uncles.
Take organisation to the next level. Why not shop for some of your Christmas presents in the January sales? Without getting anything specific, you can stock up of stocking fillers and gift sets and make massive savings. The only downside is storing them somewhere for the rest of the year whilst resisting having them for yourself!
Look to the past. If you have a relative particularly fond of vintage clothes, second hand books or antiques, don’t feel like you can’t buy them something that’s not brand new. Someone who loves a dusty old book will appreciate the thoughtfulness and won’t care that it isn’t in a plastic wrapper with a price sticker half-heartedly scraped off it. As well as it being a better suited gift – second hand is a lot cheaper.
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