Any top tips for saving at Christmas this year?

[thisisthejess]

As the post above suggests, I'd love your help on some saving ideas?

Buy less. It’s as simple as that.
Cut down on gift giving. Don’t buy for the sake of buying. Last year’s decorations are fine - don’t get new ones.

Set expectations now for those who you buy for - you’re tightening your belts and setting a tighter budget - and ask them to do the same so it’s fair

Also food, just buy enough for xmas day and Boxing Day (or which days you choose)snd dont overbuy. Make sure you freeze leftovers

We’re havjgn a couple of chickens with all the trimmings - will still be delish!

Cut out unnecessary stuff like Christmas eve boxes, December 1st boxes, matching pyjamas, duvet sets, cards.

Instead of expensive days out, have walks at country parks, many have trails on. A nice hot drink from a thermos. Or look at the lights after dark. Invite friends round to play, or for an evening drink.

Stay out of shopping centres and supermarkets where possible to avoid the consumerism.

Charity shops have nearly new gifts, often you can't tell. Books, games, toys. Facebook marketplace is great for children's wooden toys or big play kitchens etc. No building big toys is a bonus too.

Keep it simple, you don't need to buy loads of expensive booze and snacks and sides and treats. Just do a normal shop including a roast and a few packs of pigs in blankets plus chocolate coins.

Don't bow to the pressure. Most Christmas spending is pointless.

Don’t buy a load of treat food in November and eat it all and then buy it again in December

I’ve been having a bit of a clear out and selling anything I can get £10/20 for online.

I’m trying not to buy too early this year as I was so organised I missed the Black Friday sales and all the pre Christmas sales

I start a Christmas spreadsheet

Put everyone down that I need to buy for
Then allocate a sensible amount to spend

Then once I’ve bought for them I mark on it how much I’ve spent and I can keep a track and not go crazy or forget about buying presents

Maybe suggest a secret Santa if you have a big family

I do this with friends and family for the adults and then we just buy for the children and then set a budget for the secret Santa.

Don't bother buying for adults. We do a secret santa in our family one adult to buy for for 30 quid. Easy. With nieces and nephews I limit it to 20 each. There is a lot in the shops at the moment on sale for toys. So I will prob spend less than 20.

Xmas lunch. Its just a roast. With stuffing. And pigs in blankets. In years past when we're had less money we just had a large chicken, usual roast bits the pigs in blankets, bread sauce and stuffing. Much cheaper than turkey. U don't need a starter, cheese board or Port or any of that's usual Xmas crap that never gets eaten. Xmas pudding and mince pies are cheap too.

Kids get loads of chocs for Xmas so there isn't much need to buy extra sweets and biscuits.

Crackers in pound land.

B and m have some great toys, gifts and sto king fillers.good for perfume too.

Don't bother with secret santa at work.

Avoid the work do if u have to pay, they are usually rubbish ime.

Aldi have Xmas veg for around 30p ususlaly in the days leading up to xmas

Aldi do some nice toys too. I think their toy event starts tomorrow.

Some really good tips on here, definitely agree with them all.
Especially buying less. Have a no gift pact.
It really is life changing

We switched to a secret santa in our family last year - there are nine adults (no kids) which makes it easier. Now, instead of spending £25 on each of them, I only have to spend £40 (our family limit) on one. It's a winner because:

1. I can completely by-pass the Christmas shopping madness - I've got him a pair of walking socks and a hip flask
2. I actually get something really nice from whoever, instead of a load of Soap and Glory shite.