Ten quick tips for saving at Christmas

Friday, 18 December 2009 04:05

In these tough economic times, Christmas can seem an unnecessarily expensive burden. You don’t want to stop the fun, but you’d like to make some Christmas savings! If you’ve not yet In these tough economic times, Christmas can seem an unnecessarily expensive burden. You don’t want to stop the fun, but you’d like to make some Christmas savings! If you’ve not yet.

1. Instead of buying something way above your budget, agree with your loved ones to limit your spending to a particular amount – say, £10. You will be surprised at the fun you will have and what you can get when you’ve got a limit and giving, as well as receiving is much more fun.

2. Buy online if you can, and buy in one go from one supplier to save on postage.

3. Try getting presents for free! Look for your local freecycle website www.freecycle.org ans see what’s on offer.

4. What about waiting until the New Year Sales begin? Agree with this with your loved ones. Enjoy the company at Christmas, but the presents and savings a couple of weeks later!

5. Buy wrapping paper at the last minute as shops will discount it to get rid of it.

6. Instead of using gift tags, either cut small squares from wrapping paper or from last year’s Christmas cards.

7. Buy a fake tree that will last for years rather than buying a real one.

8. Avoid high food prices – and maybe even the worst of the queues – by waiting till the last minute to do your grocery shopping until Christmas Eve afternoon. Check opening times!

9. Don’t get tempted by too may offers at the shop. Think – do you really need all those nuts and mince pies?

10. Instead of struggling to buy and cook a huge turkey, why not share the effort and reduce the time, by asking your visitors to pre-cook and bring round a much smaller bird. It will save getting up so early and having so much worry on Christmas morning!

We'd all like to make some savings at Christmas, and having a bit more money left over for New Year. Shop wisely - have a Happy Christmas!

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