The most expensive time of the year is fast approaching and no matter how old I get, I never start early enough to use more than one paycheck!
However, I do have some hacks I’ve learnt over the years to save a bit of money on gifts which definitely helps with limiting the Christmas stress.
If you haven’t done your Christmas shopping yet and are worried about spending too much, have a look at these tips for saving money at Christmas…
Disclosure: these links are affiliate links which means I may receive a small commision at no cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
Stick to your budget
If you’re doing Christmas on a budget this year it’s important to make sure you actually set one.
Before you start shopping you’ll know roughly how much you can afford to spend. Work out your budget and stick to it to avoid running up debts you’ll still be paying off in the new year. Be strict with yourself stop spending when you reach your budget.
Keep track of spending
When you need to have a more frugal Christmas, you need to make sure you don’t go over budget by keepign track of how much you’ve spent as you go along. You can write it down, keep a note on your phone, or get really organised with a Christmas Budget Planner spreadsheet.
Search online for presents
Always, always do an online search if you’re looking for a particular gift to make sure you’ve got the best deal. A Google search and hitting the ‘Shopping’ tab will show prices across various retailers and these can differ massively.
I swear by doing my Christmas shopping online so I can check prices as I go along and hunt down those bargain Christmas presents!
Always check for voucher codes
If you’re buying gifts online check for vouchers and discount codes first. Good voucher sites are Voucher Codes and Hot UK Deals and also Groupon for discounts.
Use a cashback app
Last year I used the Quidco cashback app every time I shopped online and saved almost £40. Another good one that I’ve just joined is Swagbucks where you can earn points to put towards gift cards.
This post also has some great money saving app suggestions.
Secret Santa for the adults
If there are a few adults in the family why not do a Secret Santa where you set a budget of say £10? This avoids spending too much and it adds a bit more fun to the gift opening when you don’t know who it’s from.
Left-over Christmas cards
This one might sound a bit frugal, but if you have leftover cards (or even wrapping paper) from last year why not use it this year? I’ve got a drawer full of random Christmas cards that are leftovers from previous years (I don’t like throwing things away!) so that’s what people will be receiving this year.
Use Amazon Prime
Sign up to Amazon Prime before you start your Christmas shopping and you can get all of your presents delivered for free. There are also various discounts just for Prime members. You can even get a free trial here so it won’t cost you anything at all:
2 for 1’s
Lots of sites do 2 for 1 offers in their Christmas sales so take a look and see what deals you can snap up. This is especially good when you have lots of toys to buy for other people’s kids!
Make money by selling stuff
Not a money saving tips, but it’s a great idea to make some money to put towards Christmas by selling unwanted stuff – especially things like bikes that many people will happily buy second hand as Christmas presents. I’ve just sold loads of kids books on Facebook and made £20.
Do you think these suggestions will help you to save some money this Christmas? If you have another money saving tips let everyone know in the comments section below!
Alice V-DIYerfy
Great Ideas! I also like to use websites that give me incentives like Zulily. #KCACOLS