Mumsnet users share their best budget buys for Christmas 2020 with Park Christmas Savings

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When it comes to Christmas, planning ahead is key, especially if you want to stay within your budget. It can be so easy to get swept up in the excitement of Christmas and spend beyond your means, but festive fun doesn’t need to cost a fortune - you just need to be a savvy-shopper. With this in mind, Park Christmas Savings would like to hear what your best budget buys are this Christmas.

Here’s what Park Christmas Savings have to say: “For over 50 years now, families have trusted Park Christmas Savings to take the stress out of saving for Christmas. With our huge range of digital and physical gift cards with online spending options that allow you to shop in all your favourite retailers, we help you make Christmas truly magical.
Whether it’s covering the Christmas ‘big shop’ and not holding back on the fancy crackers and prosecco, using Love2shop Gift Cards to buy all the gifts on your list, or simply sending them to the people you can’t visit over Christmas – we’ve got you covered! To find out how you can start saving today and be the smug organised mum next year, take a look at our site”.

So, we are asking you, what are your best budget buys this Christmas? Have your past experiences of not properly budgeting for the festive season made you a super-saver this year? What steps have you taken to plan ahead and to make sure you stick to your budget? Maybe you have some tips and tricks for getting the best discount codes, recommended retailers, or you think getting crafty with homemade presents is the best way to keep costs down?

Share your best budget buys on the thread below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £200 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

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I've been making up food hampers over the past couple of months for a couple of people - when I've been shopping and seen nice bits on offer, I'll add some fresh produce to them next week to finish them off.

Seems like a good thing to do for older people as they don't really want gift items, so it would be wasteful to buy something for the sake of it, with hampers it's guaranteed to get used.

I buy things from about July onwards when I see them on offer and are fairly generic so not for a specific person necessarily. Then the costs of bigger or more specific presents are easier to handle by the end of the year as the costs are spread out. I love second hand purchases online too.

We save £100 a month from jan - dec to help cover the cost! And then shop in Boxing Day sales, Black Friday etc etc! Literally any sale! I never pay full price for anything. I also add things to baskets and then keep checking back to see the prices etc

My best budget buys definitely came from the amazing annual bargain threads on here (and Flying Tiger's magic pink £1 table back in the spring). But the best thing FOR my budget was to really think creatively about finding one unique touch to make each person smile (like having something personalised, tracking down a childhood favourite etc.) instead of decimating the overdraft in search of 'wow factor.'

It really is the thought that counts. And this year a little thoughtfulness means more than ever.

After Christmas I,ll take any Christmas cards we've received and cut out any designs and make them into gift tags for future years.

Also books from second hand shops.. especially kids books. Often in perfect condition and cost pennies.

For teacher presents this year, my DCs have just written a card and included a tree decoration inside them (decorations were in a kit from Baker Ross).

I buy throughout the year, partly to take advantage of sales but also because if I spot something perfect for someone it makes sense to buy it while I remember. This helps spread the cost out.

I've bought lots from facebook marketplace. Higher price things that we wouldn't be able to afford new. I'm trying to teach my eldest son the importance of re-using instead of buying new and my younger children couldn't care less if something is pre-loved.

I keep an eye out through the year - so summer sales and black friday.

My best bargain was actually some second hand train track from gumtree. I've put it into a Xmas box and wrapped it - my 3 year old DS is going to be thrilled.

I also found some bits on esty that were more competitively priced than I would have originally though - like some dice for DS's DF.

I always start early so I can buy when the item is on offer and always use TopCashback when I can even for tiny amounts.

I also budget for each person and write a list of what I'm going to get and stick to that list.

I start buying in september and shop around for the best price, i write a list and stick to it, give a lot of xmas cards by hand so less stamps.
Go to pound shop for stocking fillers.

We stock our freezer with reduced items throughout the year. It is surprising what you find in there when Christmas comes round. A whole salmon for only a fiver - cheap chipolata for the pigs in blankets and some lovely deserts

I have hit the charity shops this year and got some great gifts for my daughter who is a skinny size 8 - gold dust in charity shop terms! Some boden jeans, a blue and white zara top all practically perfect plus mini christmas trees which both my daughters have been delighted with. There is no need to spend a fortune !

Start as soon as you see a bargain! I get boots, jumpers and Christmas pyjamas in the winter sales and pick up any good offers through the year. I’d only avoid doing this for big presents for kids as they tend to change their minds once all the Christmas adverts start!
Always check if there are any voucher codes available before buying something online and use TopCashback where possible.

TK maxx is great for bargains and the designer shopping outlets are worth a trip too.

I subscribe to beauty gift boxes throughout the year. The things I won’t use or things that would suit someone else better I put to one side and the make a Christmas beauty hamper for my Niece for Christmas.
Not a budget buy as such but it’s turns into a lovely gift.

I make my own hampers, I add items to it over a couple of months making it cheaper overall. I also build up our "secret stash* of goodies adding a few to the shop at a time but only when on offer.

Borrowbox library app links to your local library so completely free has children's books on as well. Vegbox online £25 for Christmas veg salad and fruit x

Buy online and take advantage of the discounts available. My son has Uni days and he can always get at least 10% off if not more.

I budget throughout the year for both food and presents. Always take advantage of the sales whenever they appear - starting in January. Talk to those who are getting presents to make sure that you are giving them what they want. Keep your eyes open for discount vouchers and deals, especially as the big day draws near.

Planning ahead is the real key to make significant savings. I buy Xmas cards, wrapping paper and some gifts in the January sales at a fraction of the full cost.

I buy tree decorations / wrapping paper / decor and cards coming up to Christmas and after Christmas. You don't get long out of them, but its worth it to pull them out of the box the following December. And a year doesn't take long to roll around!

my best budget buy was 6 christmas cacti for £6 which then arrived with an amazingf ree indoor gardiner plant that was worth £12

I buy second hand in good condition. No shame in it. Saves lots of money and so much better for the planet.

I start in the January sales. I realise you need to be able to have disposable income to do this. Eg, Boots fragrance gift sets come down a lot from about Boxing Day online. I know what fragrance DH wears, and then I just have to hide it, but I have a designated place for stuff so I don't lose it. I also keep track with lists. I don't buy stuff 'ad hoc'. When I buy it, it has an intended recipient.

Totally agree with starting in the sales. I'm usually done by the end of October except for the main present for my children (as that swaps and changes up til about Christmas Eve!!!)

And rechargeable batteries. More upfront but they really pay for themselves just in time saved not having to go to shops for more batteries for the new toys every five minutes!!!

I always wait for the Pre-Christmas Sales, I got some dressing Gowns for £12 should have been £22 and Pjs reduced to £7 from £14, I always wait for the Tins of Chocolates to go to 2 for £6, I also wait for 25% off 6 bottles of Wine brilliant savings.