It’s the most wonderful stressful time of the year! With less than 5 days to go, we have compiled a list of tips to help make things a little easier this Christmas.
Tip #1
Don’t feel pressures to buy everyone gifts! Make or bake gifts or even offer your time.
There are lots of ways to say that you care about someone without spending loads of money! Bake cookies, offer baby (or pet!) sitting, cook meals, or get crafty. Sometimes showing that you are willing to give up time for somebody means a lot more than spending money.
Tip #2
Arrange exchanges in your local community; swap food, clothes, house items or toys.
Wardrobe full of unworn clothes? Kid’s toy box overflowing? Check your local community groups to see if there are any exchanges going on or set one up yourself. It could help you and others to save money on expensive items such as: toys, books, clothes, food and toiletries. You will be amazed at the generosity of people at this time of the year, and the quality of items they give away.
Tip #3
Keep and eye on the sales and bag some bargains!
The sales can be a brilliant time to save some money on Christmas gifts (both before and even after Christmas!) - and don't forget to check smaller/local businesses too, because many also offer discounts, and who doesn't love supporting small?
Tip #4
Arrange a Secret Santa with your family or friends so you only have to buy one gift.
Love or hate secret Santa?
A great way to take the pressure off buying for family members and arrange a secret Santa, so that you only have to spend money on one gift. To keep things socially distanced, you could even do this by post!
(Just keep your fingers crossed you don't get the person who's impossible to buy for!)
Tip #5
Support local businesses!
Handmade items that have been hand wrapped with a personalised thank you messages from the seller, what's not to love about supporting a real person?
Try to support local or small businesses wherever you can, including when doing your Christmas food shop.
Tip #6
Don’t be ashamed to regift - just remember who gave the gift to avoid any awkward situations!
There’s absolutely no shame in regifting! Instead of letting something you don’t like go to waste, save it and gift it to someone who would like it. Alternatively, you could always donate products such as toiletries to homeless shelters or food banks.
Don’t forget that you can set up a festive budget or Project within Moneyhub to ensure that you are always on top of your finances. Download the app today.