How To Save Money In The Lead Up To Christmas
I absolutely love the festive period and the lead up to Christmas, but part of that reason is because I am super duper organized and generally will have all my presents sorted well ahead of time. At the present moment, my cards have all been written, about 80% of my shopping is complete, I have wrapped around half of the presents I do have and I’ve ordered a new Christmas tree.
I know not all of us are organized but I do think it goes hand in hand with saving money and not landing yourself in debt. Although if you do find yourself in debt because of Christmas, or for any other reason then get help today. Here are some ways to save money and spread the cost of Christmas ahead of the big day.
Make a Plan
When I first start thinking about Christmas I always make a plan with a list of everyone I need to buy for so that whenever I buy items or come up with ideas I can list them down. This means I can quickly have an overview of what I’ve bought for who and it means if there are people I like to spend similar amounts on I can work out this as well.
I always think planning is the most important set but it means you won’t somehow end up buying way more presents than you need to for your sibling while having nothing for your grandma.
Stick to a Budget
Everyone’s budget is going to be different and this can not only be down to your financial position but also how you’ve grown up and what Christmas is like in your household. For me, I’ve always been brought up pretty spoilt and have had quite a lot of presents from my direct family so I now do the same as I like to spoil those who I love. This isn’t going to be the way everyone else will do it though so have an idea in your head of roughly what you want to spend on each person on your list and stick to it.
Shop Around
It’s quite rare that I’ll find something I like and just buy it there and then because there’s always differing prices and deals to be had, especially on items like watches, branded skincare, branded clothing, and accessories, perfumes and loads of other things. For example, I knew a present I wanted to get my boyfriend and it was one price on the brand’s site but a whole £40 cheaper on Asos, I then waited until Asos had a 20% off day and bought it then saving myself quite a lot of money.
I always use my mobile phone in shops and take pictures of things and tend to look at the deals and items on offer in case it’s something I’ve been looking for.
Look for Online Vouchers
Much like my point above I always shop around and online vouchers can be great and all it takes is quick Google. Phone app’s like Voucher Cloud can be great – especially for The Body Shop – and it’s quite often that particular brands will have sales on especially around this weekend as it’s Black Friday.
If you sign up with Marks and Spencer they always do a 20% off weekend in November and if you have a student card New Look and Asos are great for additional savings up to 20% off.
Use Cashback Site’s
I do a lot of my shopping online and just got into cashback site’s this year as a way of getting a little extra money for things I’d already planned on buying and generally you can get 5-12% of your total shop back. My only issue with this is I am constantly forgetting to actually use it, I buy something from a site and then think ‘CR*P I could have used the Cashback site.
If you do want to use one then Topcashback is my recommendation. If you use my referral link then even better.
DIY and makeshift gifts
The final way to save money before Christmas is to do DIY and makeshift gifts, and these can be anything from food-based hampers (which work out a lot cheaper than buying them in the store) and night in boxes with hot chocolate, sweets, fluffy socks and a movie to making your own cushions and homeware items. I am not the most crafty person but I do love making hampers and boxes which include loads of small items to make one larger present.
24 responses to “How To Save Money In The Lead Up To Christmas”
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Rhian Westbury
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Great ideas the only one I don’t actually do is diy gifts as i am pretty rubbish at it.
These are some great ideas, this time of year can be so expensive and you really need to try and look at how you can save every penny possible.
Plans are great as long as you stick to them. I love a good list.
Great ideas thanks for sharing it certainly can be an expensive time
These are fab tips, definitely need every penny possible at this time of year. I’m a big fan of cashback sites
Great tips, I never shop around or use cashback sites and I really should do, I spoil my children so badly at Christmas but luckily we are about 75% done so far xx
So many lovely ideas to save money. I always try to shop around and to stick to my budget!
Some top tips here. I find that shopping around and planning are key for me :)x
I used to splurge a lot during holiday season and it gives me problem afterwards. Now I have learned my lesson and couldn’t agree more on your points. Indeed sticking with the budget it the very first thing to do.
Amazing ideas and I am always open to saving money on the run-up to Christmas because, well, we’re all known for going a little mad around this time of year, aren’t we?
Great Ideas, I definitely second Cashback sites. I still can’t believe how many people are wary of them!
I definitely shop around which is why it takes me so long to buy anything and my other half just buys the first one listed in Google. I find I spend less on adults though now that I have a child and I have less time so this year we are doing secret santa for grown up friends and family
Super tips. I’m a big one for shopping around and will ask if a store does price matching if I know it’s cheaper elsewhere. John Lewis and Toys are us are great for that. I’m really bad with cashback sites, I just never got my head around them
These are fab ideas I think that a plan is so important especially writing down who you need to buy for so you don’t forget anyone x
I tend to do most of my shopping online and love a discount code!
Some great ideas to save money. This year one of my resolutions will be money saving. Thanks for this post much needed.
I am all for shopping around. People who do it all under one roof have too much money to waste as there are deals to be had all over
We definitely do this – we budget all year round usually and then buy when we see things on offer. However, we have made a decision that now there are more children us adults would like to just have one gift in a secret santa style way. We don’t really need anything and it’s just lovely spending time with everyone. x
Great tips! We use online vouchers and codes all the time to keep costs down x
These are all brilliant ideas, Rhian. I use as many vouchers and cashback sites as I can over the festive period 🙂
Louise x
A quick google really can make a huge difference, shocking how prices can vary so much between stores. I use up all the food that is lurking in my freezer and cupboards before Christmas and try and eat frugally and modestly before the over indulgence of Christmas which helps me to save money.
Some great tips Rhian. I always try and use cashback sites. I like saving with supermarket stamps too. In December you usually get an extra stamp for free if you save so much
I always make a list too. Definitely a great way to keep track of things at Christmas.
Great ideas! I really do tend to overspend at this time of year!