A Cost-Effective Christmas: Presents on a Budget

3 minute read

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting people in all walks of life.  Many will be viewing Christmas with much dread – can we have any festive fun when everyone is struggling? It is important to remember that Christmas has become over commercialised in the last fifty years and the most important elements for a good Christmas are human contact, love, affection, understanding and empathy.

We can protect and enhance the environment by giving “natural gifts”. How about some bulbs in a pot? (Charity shops abound with these). Bulbs can be bought quite cheaply in garden centres and supermarkets and you can split the packs up. Make the wrapping interesting with brown paper and some fresh greenery.

Set yourself a Christmas budget to cover food, gifts, decorations and other items. If you are welcoming friends, neighbours and family to share the festivities with you, don’t be afraid to ask for a contribution. Given the cost-of-living crisis, people will understand.

We are now into November, so it may be a little late to start a Christmas savings account for this year, but you could start one for next in January. Try an online savings account with a bank or building society. Some only require an initial deposit of £1.

Plan Ahead

• Make a list of who you are buying for this year.
• Make a note of what you need to buy – such as presents, food and decorations.
• Plan when and where to buy to avoid unnecessary purchases.

Be Money Savvy

• Use loyalty cards and programs - you might end up with a few seemingly “free” items.
• Look out for gift packs (the items inside may be a little smaller than the regular individual items, but who will mind?) Split the packs and wrap items separately for a number of friends and family.
• The same tactic can be used for sweets and chocolate in a Christmas stocking.
• Don’t succumb to scams. The scammers are out there 24/7 preying on people looking to find cheap gifts on eBay, Gumtree and social media sites. Sign up (free of charge) to the Which scam alert service and stay switched on to scams. The Which service has helpful advice about what to do if you think you have been scammed, how to avoid being scammed and what to do to try and recover your money. 

Children

Children love the latest games and gadgets but last year’s model to one child is this year’s new model to another. Join village or neighbourhood Facebook sites or other genuine social media pages. Post what you are looking for (e.g. toy cars, books, board games) and ask if anyone has these items to offer “free to collect” or for a small payment, as appropriate.

We have all seen our children (and other small family members) have as much, if not more fun, with packaging as with what’s wrapped inside. If you have a second-hand toy, give it a good clean and a little TLC and then pack it in a cardboard box (obtainable in the mornings at supermarkets while they are stacking the shelves and before being flattened and placed on trollies outside). Here is what this can mean for children.

Friends and Adults

How about having a gift “swishing” event at evening or lunchtime in a children’s play area. Swap previously unwanted gifts or “mistakes” (e.g. an online purchase that never got returned). Someone’s unwanted or unloved item can be another’s treasure.

Overall, the best advice is – do not put too much pressure on yourself and keep things simple. Enjoy your Christmas!

Alex Ware is owner of spaciallyaware. To find a Professional Organiser in your area this Christmas, visit our Find an Organiser page.