50 Ways To Save Money This Christmas
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
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We've scoured the web for money saving tips to ensure that you can have a fab Christmas without breaking the bank!
Tip 1: Write a list…and stick to it
Make a list of gifts and carry it around with you – tick things off as you buy them so you don't duplicate. Also, if you know exactly what you've bought people you won't overspend on additional surplus things you see while shopping. It's very easy to find one member of the family has a whole stash of pressies in the upstairs cupboard which you forgot you had bought! Internet shopping can also help you avoid temptation – it's less likely you'll get carried away online than when you step into a 'winter wonderland'-style shopping mall with temptation in every corner! (From http://www.netmums.com)
Tip 2: Make what you can
Christmas cards can really bump up the seasonal expenditure, and while there are cheaper versions around, a nice home-made card which the kids have put their creative efforts into is a lovely alternative. Crafty, home-made decorations are really fashionable – the over-dressed Christmas look is sooo over – so get the children involved in some Christmas interior design, too. Look out for magazines in the run-up to Christmas with features on Christmas decor for inspiration. Cheap but effective touches include dotting pine cones sprayed with artificial snow around the room, or making snow-flake paper-chains. Salt dough decorations are also really effective or decorate cheap plain baubles with glitter for a personal touch. Easy Living magazine has a particularly good pre-Christmas insert, packed with easy-to-make, tasteful decorations, as well as table settings and recipes for delicious edible presents, such as home-made biscuits and preserves. Make hampers up for friends and family, filled with their favourite foods, such as yummy homemade fudge, shortbread or gingerbread men. Grandparents will love personalised presents from the kids. Why not pick up some cheap canvases from the local craft shop and do handprint or footprint pictures, or other artistic ideas? (From http://www.netmums.com)
Tip 3: Buy quality…without paying the earth
You can buy luxury, branded goods without paying a premium. One particularly good place for Christmas presents is TK Maxx, where you can pick up 'designer labels for less'. Its range includes prestigious cosmetic ranges and perfumes, including Clinique and Clarins, an impressive array of handbags and clothes for all ages.
Look out for the toy section too – on a recent visit we came across cut-price Playmobil and Lego items – and the homeware section has everything from beautiful lamps and venetian mirrors to luxury Egyptian cotton bedding and cushions. It can also be worth making a journey to a designer outlet village or factory shop. There are quite a few all over the country, with the best-known including Bicester Village Outlet Shopping near Oxford (shops include Molton Brown, Donna Karan, Jigsaw and Karen Millen), Clarks Village in Somerset (featuring Coast, Gap, Monsoon and Marks & Spencer) and the McArthur Glen outlets(in Ashford, Brigend, Cheshire Oaks, East Midlands, Livingston, Swindon and York). These are not the kind of places to come for specific purchases but if you fancy an afternoon shopping somewhere different or are after a particular brand you can make substantial savings on high quality products. (From http://www.netmums.com)
Tip 4: Use pretty magazine pages to wrap small gifts (From http://www.betterbudgeting.com)
Tip 5: Cut up old Christmas cards - they make wonderful gift tags too! (From http://www.betterbudgeting.com)
Tip 6: Save Money by Spreading Purchases
It's all too easy to overspend when Christmas shopping is left until the last minute. People get into a panic as they know they have to buy something and will often spend more than they can afford. Why not try to spread the cost here by buying some presents in the months leading up to the holiday? Buying just a few stocking fillers or small gifts a month, or even just one big one, can help bear some of the cost burden. (Taken from http://www.suite101.com)
Tip 7: Don't phone your relatives
Wishing every family relative across the world a Merry Christmas? Avoid pushing up your phone bill by using a service like Skype via your PC or laptop – as long as your family are on Skype too, your calls will be entirely free. If you don't have a landline and are on the go with your mobile then use Fring to make cheaper calls through Wi-Fi, or if you've got an iPhone download the Skype application to call abroad even when you're not at your computer screen (Taken from http://www.guardian.co.uk)
Tip 8: Get out and walk
Deliver as many cards as possible by hand instead of spending money on stamps and petrol. It'll help burn off those mince pies, wine and chocolate.(From http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk)
Deliver as many cards as possible by hand instead of spending money on stamps and petrol. It'll help burn off those mince pies, wine and chocolate.(From http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk)
Tip 9: Take inventory before christmas gift shopping.
A painless tip is to scour your closets, under your bed or anywhere you might have stashed your clever, early purchases. Think back: Did you stock up on Grandpa’s argyle socks at last year’s post-christmas sales? Check before buying more pairs. (from http://theadventurouswriter.com)
Tip 10: Make sure you check out Christmas money saving deals on the internet.
The internet has revolutionised shopping making it easier to compare prices and is frequently cheaper than buying on the High Street. (From http://ezinearticles.com)
Tip 11: When shopping in stores, always pay with cash.
When you are spending the cash in your pocket you will be much less likely to overspend than if you pay with a credit card. (From http://www.essortment.com)
Tip 12: Make new decorations instead of buying them.
Many craft stores have special Christmas sections with supplies for everything from wreaths to cards. (From http://www.suite101.com)
Tip 13: Let it sit overnight
After you picked out what you want from an online retail store, leave items in the shopping cart overnight. Some stores will send you a coupon for 10% off or free shipping to persuade you to complete your order. (From http://christianpf.com)
Tip 14: Buy wrapping paper and cards last
Most stores start discounting in the last week before Christmas to shift stock. (From http://www.pricerunner.co.uk)
Tip 15: Ask the people that you wish to buy presents for what they would like
Rather than buying them something they don’t want. It might just surprise you when they turn around and ask for a really cheap gift. (From http://www.buzzle.com/)
Tip 16: Stay Cold this Christmas
One of the biggest home expenses during the winter season is the heating bill. Some families are taking their saving to an extreme by turning off their heat this winter. Stay warm by building a fire in the fireplace, layering up your clothes and having everyone sleep together in the same room to generate body heat during the night. You can pretend that you’re celebrating the holidays in an old-fashioned manner and celebrate accordingly.
Tip 17: Save Leftovers
Make the most of your Christmas leftovers – not only is leftover turkey great for making sandwiches, salad and pies, but leftover vegetables can be used in soups or curries. There are many recipe available online – visit: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for lots of recipe ideas for leftovers.(From http://www.wasteawarenesswales.org.uk)
Tip 18: If you are on a very tight budget what about creating a Christmas hamper of low priced gifts. One friend of mine created a hamper from pound shop items with great effect. These shops can provide you the best prices that can cope with on your budget.(From http://ezinearticles.com)
Tip 19: Compare prices from different stores before buying an item, do not limit yourself to just one shop. There are stores that offer the same quality but can have a lower price. Use the internet prior to going shopping this is a great way to identify cheap items prior to purchase. (from http://ezinearticles.com)
Tip 20: Take advantage of coupons
While checking the local paper is still advantageous when it comes to finding store discounts, sales, and coupons, the range of coupons available online is almost endless. By way of specialized coupon websites or through stores sites themselves, always check for the latest coupons before you buy. (from http://ezinearticles.com)
Tip 21: Send postcards or letters, instead of Christmas cards. (From http://www.betterbudgeting.com)
Tip 22: Save your children’s (or grandchildren’s) christmas crafts and artwork from school each year, after a few years you’ll have a houseful of free and beautiful decorations! And the joy your child will feel seeing his/her artwork proudly displayed year after year is priceless.(From http://www.betterbudgeting.com)
Tip 23: Invest in a good quality artificial tree after Christmas – when they go on CLEARANCE SALE! Buy good quality because they will last many more years. (From http://www.betterbudgeting.com)
Tip 24: Making Homemade Gifts Can Save Money
A thoughtful handmade Christmas gift may save money and actually mean more to the person that receives it. Getting the kids involved here can also be useful. So, for example, parents could take a nice photo of their children, buy a frame and give it to relatives as a present. Buying a frame that the kids can decorate first will make it even more special. Making homemade chocolates, Christmas biscuits and cookies, sweets, chutneys and jams are also popular options. (From http://www.suite101.com)
Tip 25: Offer Social ServiceChristmas is the best time to visit the orphans, or the elderly at old age homes. They often have no one there and if you go there to offer some help, some care, some love, it would surely be a pleasant Christmas both for you and for them. Christmas is not always about spending money on Christmas gifts, it is also about givingcare and love. (From http://www.fairloanrate.com)
Tip 26: Buy One or Two Extra Christmas Gifts Those extra, unexpected Christmas gifts can throw off your Christmas budget. You can prepare for this by purchasing one or two generic gifts that you can give in return when you receive an unexpected gift or have an unexpected party to attend. Gift cards are a great way to do this, but you could also consider a bottle of wine for a party or another type of hostess present. (From http://moneyfor20s.about.com)
Tip 27: Forget the office secret santa! Unless you're particularly attached to it, don't waste money on an office secret Santa – most people end up with something they'll never use anyway, with a recent survey showing that 62% of employees would rather not bother with it. Save your £5 for something nice for a friend or relative.(From http://moneyfor20s.about.com)
Tip 28: Don’t go crazy on boxing day! The Christmas sales will be in full flow on Boxing Day, but try not to overdo it on the credit card, particularly if you've already slapped a lot on it pre-Christmas. Shop sensibly and don't buy something that doesn't fit just because it is reduced. (From http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/)
Tip 29: Guard your Christmas gifts The number of house burglaries soars over Christmas, so take precautions, lock up carefully when you go out and check that you're insured. (From http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/)
Tip 30: Got stockings to fill? Do check out Stocking Fillers who have gifts starting at 10p – some quite cute and nostalgic too. (From http://www.frugal.org.uk)
Tip 31: Make your own Gravy! Create your own brown gravy from meat drippings, flour, spices and broth. Gravy is more expensive to buy than to make yourself–and it tastes better homemade, too. (From http://www.ehow.com)
Tip 32 : Use empty boxes and cans, wrapped in Christmas themed paper, as decoration. Stack them in a corner or on a table for a festive look. You can use cereal boxes, or boxes you pick up from the grocery store. (From http://www.promotionalcodes.org.uk)
Tip 33: Take a digital picture and send an email instead of a card. It’s even cheaper (virtually free) and you know it will arrive on time! (From http://www.promotionalcodes.org.uk)
Tip 34 : Cook at home. No matter how busy the Christmas season is, if you want to save money you need to cook at home. Resist temptation of buying ‘ready to eat’ packaged foods. They are less healthy and they cost more money. (From http://www.promotionalcodes.org.uk)
Tip 35: Throw a party! You can do simple things like throwing a party and asking everyone to bring gifts. You can make a large pile of all the gifts and then play interesting and fun filled fames like bingo etc and the winners get to have the gifts from that pile. In this way everyone can enjoy and you can't get the blame if the recipient didn't like the gift! (Fromhttp://financial-mgt-budgeting.bestmanagementarticles.com)
Tip 36: Instead of buying an extravagant gift for your spouse, how about going in on a gift for the house instead that will benefit you both? (Fromhttp://www.milliondollarjourney.com)
Tip 37: If you decorate your house with Christmas lights, use LED lights to reduce your light bill.(From http://www.milliondollarjourney.com)
Tip 38: The 2 for 1 offers can be great – if you need 2 of that product. Have a good think about what you actually need before you find yourself with too much food and too little money!(From http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk)
Tip 39: Get creative with homemade holiday gift coupons
Another Christmas money saving tip is to get into the at-home “gift card” tradition with homemade coupons. Kids can give parents coupons for prized commodities like “No whining” or “No begging.” Parents can offer up unexpected treats kids love, like “Make cookies together,” “Get out of one punishment free” or “Choose candy for movie night.” Or, buy an Amazon.com Gift Card – it’s one of my favorite Christmas gift ideas! (From http://theadventurouswriter.com/)
Another Christmas money saving tip is to get into the at-home “gift card” tradition with homemade coupons. Kids can give parents coupons for prized commodities like “No whining” or “No begging.” Parents can offer up unexpected treats kids love, like “Make cookies together,” “Get out of one punishment free” or “Choose candy for movie night.” Or, buy an Amazon.com Gift Card – it’s one of my favorite Christmas gift ideas! (From http://theadventurouswriter.com/)
Tip 40: Have a Christmas card signing party.
In lieu of gifts to friends, an easy way to save money at Christmas is to prepare holiday cards together. Ask each attendee to bring cookies or an appetizer. You provide drinks, tables to write on, and plenty of pens. The fun will provide more memories than a gift and incur no stress, and is good way to brainstorm gift ideas!(From http://theadventurouswriter.com/)
In lieu of gifts to friends, an easy way to save money at Christmas is to prepare holiday cards together. Ask each attendee to bring cookies or an appetizer. You provide drinks, tables to write on, and plenty of pens. The fun will provide more memories than a gift and incur no stress, and is good way to brainstorm gift ideas!(From http://theadventurouswriter.com/)
Tip 41 : Don’t overspend on your children, it is far better to sit down with your older children and explain that money is tight at the moment and you cannot afford the present they wanted. If your children are very young then you will need to explain that Santa Claus has been hit by the Credit Crunch and that this year there may be less presents. (From http://www.buzzle.com)
Tip 42: Get a big gadget as a “family gift”. Consider getting the entire family a shared gift such as a new video game system or other big gadget. Individual family members can get smaller, more affordable low-tech gifts and everyone can enjoy the big gadget. (From http://www.saycampuslife.com)
Tip 43: Make and bake. Making gifts is a sure fire way to save money so if you are handy with a sewing machine why not whip up some Christmas stockings for your nieces and nephews, or if you want to give out hampers, bake the cookies and make the jam yourself, there are hundreds and thousands of free festive recipes online. (Taken from http://www.fillyourmoneybox.com)
Tip 44: In the run up to Christmas keep an eye out for any special offers and try and save money wherever you can. (From http://www.savingtoinvest.com)
Tip 45: Take some of your old glass ball ornaments (you know, the ones that look so drab compared to your other tree decorations!) and arrange them in a bowl. Clear glass bowls are especially striking, as the ornaments show through. If you don't have an appropriate bowl, use a basket. (Taken from http://www.allthingsfrugal.com)
Tip 46 : Recreate the Nativity with your children's toys. I admit that you probably will get some interesting comments- especially if you don't have kids! – but this can be a great way to reinforce the Christmas story. Arrange them on a small table, using a sheet for the ground if you'd like. Just make sure any Barbie dolls you use are dressed. (Helps if they have their heads attached, too.) (Taken from http://www.allthingsfrugal.com)
Tip 47: Write a list of the people you'd like to buy for and put a price limit next to each name. If it adds up to too much, review the limits you set. (From http://www.money.ninemsn.com)
Tip 48: If there are any friends and family you won't see until the new year, hold off on buying presents until the January sales. (From http://www.money.ninemsn.com)
Tip 49: Take advantage of complimentary gift-wrapping services. If you end up wrapping some presents yourself, you can use the paper you bought in last year's post-Christmas sales. (From http://www.money.ninemsn.com)
Tip 50: Ask about a shop's returns policy when buying a present. That way a gift can be exchanged if it's unsuitable. (From http://www.money.ninemsn.com)
We'd love to add to this list so please post your Christmas money saving tips in the comments below!
