Save Money

24 Ways to Save Money This Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner, and with it come the inevitable stresses and expenses that this period brings. From buying presents for friends, relatives and colleagues, to large amounts of money spent on meals, going out and festive decorations, Christmas can end up being an expensive time of year. 

Although Christmas is a time for giving, it can also be a time when your bank account takes a hit.

It seems that during the holiday season, everything costs more than it does every other time of year. But it doesn’t have to be this way! In this article, we outline our favourite tips for ways you can save money this Christmas.

How much do you need to save for Christmas?

How much do you need to save for Christmas? This is a question that I get asked a lot this time of year. And my answer is always the same: it depends.

You see, there are a lot of factors that go into how much you need to save for Christmas. The number of people you have to buy gifts for, the types of gifts you want to give, and your overall budget are all important considerations.

But as a general rule of thumb, experts say you should plan to spend about 2% of your annual income on Christmas gifts and holiday festivities.

So, if you make $50,000 per year, you should aim to spend around $1,000 on Christmas. Of course, this number can go up or down depending on your individual circumstances. If you have a large family or a lot of friends, you will need to set aside more money. If you want to give expensive or lavish gifts, you will obviously need to set aside more money than if you’re okay with giving more modest presents.

Thus, it depends vastly on several factors. If you have a tight budget, you consider omitting several things keeping only the Christmas tradition intact.

No one could give you an exact figure on how much do you need to save for Christmas.

Just ensure you don’t end up in debt by the end of the year.

Ways to save money this Christmas
Photo Credit: Unsplash

24 Ways to Save Money This Christmas

Set a spending limit on the gifts you buy

One way to save money during the holiday season is to set a spending limit on the gifts you buy. This can help you stay within your budget and not overspend on presents.

When setting a spending limit, consider how much you can afford to spend without putting yourself in financial hardship. Then, decide how much you want to spend on each person on your list. Make sure to leave some wiggle room in your budget in case you find a great deal or need to buy an unexpected gift.

Once you have set your spending limit, stick to it! This means saying no to impulse buys and staying within your budget.

Another way to set a spending limit is to choose a certain number of gifts you want to buy beforehand and stick to that number. This can be helpful if you have a lot of people you need to buy gifts for and don’t want to overspend.

how to save money on Christmas gifts

Shop early

If you want to save money this Christmas, one of the best things you can do is start your shopping early. Start shopping for presents in November, or even October, to take advantage of early sales.  You can also avoid the last-minute rush, which can often lead to overspending. Additionally, you’ll have more time to comparison shop and find the best deals on gifts for your loved ones. 

 By doing so, you’ll be able to stick to your budget and still give great gifts this holiday season.

Avoid ‘buy now, pay later’

The holidays are a time when many of us overspend. We want to make sure our loved ones have a good Christmas, so we charge up our credit cards and take out loans to buy presents.

Then, we end up paying for those gifts for months—or even years—after the holiday season is over. Credit card companies prey on this by offering “buy now, pay later” deals that seem irresistible.

But the truth is, these deals can end up costing you a lot more in the long run.

Interest rates on these schemes are often high, so you could end up paying significantly more than the original purchase price.

If you do decide to use one of these schemes, make sure you understand the interest rates and terms before you commit.

It’s also important to remember that many ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes require you to make minimum monthly repayments, so if you miss a payment, you could be charged late fees. 

Avoid the “buy now, pay later” trap. Only buy what you can afford, and do not put any holiday purchases on credit. 

Do not lose your head over sales

Sales can be a great way to save money, but they can also be a great way to lose money if you are not careful. When it comes to finding the best deals on gifts this holiday season, it is important to not get too caught up in the hype of sales and doorbusters.

While these deals can be tempting, they are not always worth it – especially if you end up spending more than you planned.

To avoid getting swept up in holiday sales madness, here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

Make a budget and stick to it. 

Only buy items that you need or really want. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you have to buy it.

Compare prices before you buy. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it’s the best deal. Make sure to compare prices from different stores before making a purchase. 

Don’t fall for marketing tricks. Stores often use sales and discounts as a way to lure shoppers in, but beware of impulse buys.

HAND DELIVER AS MANY CARDS AS YOU CAN

There’s no doubt that Christmas can be an expensive time of year. Between presents, food, and travel, it’s easy to let your spending get out of control. But there are ways to save money and still you can have a wonderful holiday season.

One simple way to save is to hand deliver as many cards as you can. Sure, it takes a little more effort than just popping a card in the mail, but you’ll save money on postage and your cards are sure to stand out from all the rest. 

If you live close to family and friends, hand delivering cards is a great way to show them you care.

Plus, it’s a great way to connect with loved ones who you don’t get to see very often. So take some time to write out your cards by hand and deliver them in person whenever possible. Your wallet will thank you!

USE LEFTOVERS WISELY

If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of food left over after Christmas. Instead of letting it go to waste, there are some things you can do to make sure you use it up.

Now, what do you do with them?

Here are some tips for using leftovers wisely:

Store leftovers properly. Proper storage can extend the life of your leftovers and help prevent food spoilage. Be sure to wrap or cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate them.

Reheat leftovers safely. When reheating leftovers, be sure to bring them to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria that may have survived the initial cooking process.

Get creative with recipes. There are lots of great recipes out there that use up leftover turkey, ham, or vegetables. A quick internet search will give you plenty of ideas.

Donate it to a local food bank or shelter. If you have more food than you can reasonably eat, consider donating it to a local food bank or shelter. They’ll be grateful for your generosity, and it’s a great way to help those in need this holiday season.

USE LOYALTY POINTS

If you are a regular shopper at a particular store, you may have accumulated loyalty points. These can be used to save money on your Christmas shopping.

Many stores offer special deals and discounts for customers who use their loyalty points. If you are a member of any loyalty programs, be sure to use your points when shopping this holiday season.

Some stores require you to reach a certain number of points before you can start redeeming them, while others have tiered systems where the more points you have, the greater the discount. Make sure you understand how your chosen store’s system works so that you can maximise your savings.

ALWAYS LOOK ONLINE FOR ANY COUPON CODES OR DISCOUNTS

There are many ways to save money during the holiday season, but one of the best ways is to always look online for any coupon codes or discounts. There are a ton of great deals out there, and by taking the time to look for them, you can really stretch your holiday budget.

There are many websites and online retailers that offer special deals and promotions around the holidays, so it’s definitely worth taking a few minutes to look for any coupons or discounts before making your purchase.

One great resource is online deal sites like Groupon.

You can also check the websites of your favorite retailers to see if they’re offering any holiday discounts. Another great way to save money is to take advantage of cash back programs offered by many credit cards.

By using these programs, you can earn a percentage of your purchase back in the form of cash back or store credit. This is an easy way to save on all your holiday shopping, and it’s even easier if you have a card that offers double or triple cash back during the holidays. 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BLACK FRIDAY

Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to save money on gifts. Many retailers offer deep discounts on popular items, so it is a good opportunity to save some money. If you’re looking to save money this Christmas, take advantage of Black Friday sales.

You can often find great deals on electronics, clothing, toys, and more. To make the most of Black Friday sales, it is important to plan. Make a list of the people you need to buy gifts for, and research which stores are offering the best deals on the items you need. You can also check online on Black Friday.

Be prepared for crowds and long lines. Patience is key on Black Friday.

Do not just assume that because an item is discounted on Black Friday, it is automatically the best deal. Use a price-comparison app or website to make sure you are getting the best price possible.

Even if it is a Black Friday sale, ensure you stick to the budget.

Spend less on traditions

Christmas is a time of year when many of us go overboard with spending. We buy gifts for everyone on our list, purchase holiday decorations, and travel to visit family.

If you are looking to save money this Christmas, there are a few things you can do to cut down on your spending. One way to save money is to spend less on traditions.

This does not mean you have to forgo all your favorite holiday activities, but it does mean being mindful of how much you are spending.

For example, if you usually host a big Christmas dinner, consider scaling back this year and having a potluck instead. Or, instead of gifting everyone luxury items, consider giving them homemade accessories.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you communicate your decision with friends and family ahead of time so there are no hurt feelings. 

No matter how you choose to celebrate Christmas this year, remember that the best way to save money is to focus on what is truly important: spending time with loved ones and creating lasting memories.

Wrap gifts creatively

There are plenty of ways to get creative with your gift wrapping, and doing so can help you save money on materials like wrapping paper and ribbons. 

This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or appearance, but simply be more resourceful with what you have. For example, consider using old maps or newspapers as wrapping paper. You can also get creative with ribbons, using items like string or even recycled fabric scraps. 

This can be a fun activity to do with kids, and it is a great way to personalize your gifts. There are plenty of DIY wrapping paper ideas online, so take a look and see what inspires you.

Sometimes, all you need is a pretty piece of fabric or some pretty paper to wrap a gift in – no need for expensive materials. You are not only save money but also adding a personal touch to your holiday gifts.

Christmas gift wrap

Buy a cheap turkey or turkey alternative

One of the best ways to save money during the holidays is to buy a cheap turkey or turkey alternative. While turkeys are typically the centerpiece of most holiday meals, they can be quite expensive. A good way to save money on a turkey is to buy one that is on sale or to purchase a turkey alternative, such as a ham or roast beef.

This is often the best time to find good deals on turkeys, so it’s worth keeping an eye out. Even if you don’t find a sale, you can usually find a reasonably priced turkey if you shop around. 

A smaller turkey will feed fewer people and cost less than a larger one. If you are planning to host a Christmas party for fewer people, consider purchasing a smaller one to save money on a Christmas dinner.

If you are broken financially, you can buy chicken instead of a turkey. Chicken is comparatively way cheaper than a turkey for Christmas.

Yes, it will be breaking the tradition, but when you cannot afford a luxury dinner, you better consider what is cheap.

Turkey on the table

Book train tickets in advance

If you are traveling by train this Christmas, make sure to book your tickets in advance! You can often find cheaper fares when you book ahead of time, especially if you are willing to be flexible with your travel dates and times. Look for promotions and special offers from the train companies, and compare prices to find the best deal. 

You can also save money by traveling during off-peak hours. If you are flexible with your travel dates, you can also take advantage of last-minute deals.

traveling by train

Shop around and check prices

Shopping around and checking prices is a great way to save money this Christmas. When you’re out shopping for Christmas gifts, take the time to compare prices between different stores. You might be surprised at how much you can save just by doing this. This may require some extra effort, but it can pay off in the end.

Try shopping online. There are often great deals to be found online that you won’t find in stores. 

Sales and coupons can help you save a lot of money on your Christmas purchases.

Another good tip for saving money during Christmas is to avoid buying things on impulse. It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and spend more than you intended to on gifts. 

If you plan ahead and take the time to shop around, you’re sure to find some great deals this holiday season.

shopping

Avoid paying delivery fees where you can

With so many holiday purchases being made online these days, delivery fees can really add up. This can be done by ordering online from stores that offer free shipping, or by picking up your orders in-store.

Many stores offer free shipping around the holidays. Take advantage of in-store to pick-up. This can be a great way to avoid delivery fees. Some stores will deliver your purchases right to your door for a fee.

But if you are order is over a certain amount, they may waive the delivery fee. Additionally, you can try to find coupons or promo codes that will give you free shipping on your purchase. 

If you are ordering multiple items from different stores, try to have them all shipped to the same address. This way, you will only have to pay for shipping once and can save yourself some money in the process.

Regardless of which method you choose, avoiding delivery fees is a great way to save money this Christmas.

delivery guy

Make inexpensive gifts at home

Making your own gifts can be a great way to save money during the holiday season. There are plenty of easy and inexpensive DIY gift ideas that you can make at home with just a few supplies.

By making gifts at home, you can avoid the high cost of store-bought presents and still give your loved ones something special.

Homemade gifts are not only cheaper than store-bought gifts, but they also show a lot more thought and effort. 

If you are not sure where to start, here are some easy and inexpensive gift ideas that you can make at home: 

One simple and affordable gift idea is to make your own homemade candles. All you need is some wax, wicks, and essential oils to create a custom candle that your loved ones will enjoy. You can also add personal touches like herbs or dried flowers to make each candle unique. 

If you have a talent for crafts, you can make handmade jewellery or scarves. 

Everyone loves homemade cookies, cake, or pies, so this is sure to be a hit with your loved ones. You can also make baked goods and packed them in pretty containers or jars to make them extra special.

Get creative and use your imagination – your friends and family will love whatever you come up with.

Whatever you choose, take the time to think about what would mean the most to your loved one and go from there.

homemade gifts

Make extra cash by decluttering

Why not get rid of some of that clutter and make some extra cash at the same time? 

Not only will you clear out some space in your home, but you can also make some extra money to help pay for Christmas gifts. 

You can have a garage sale and get rid of unwanted items and make some extra cash. Just be sure to price your items fairly so you do not end up giving them away for free.

There are plenty of websites and online marketplaces where you can sell your unwanted items. You can sell them there.

Be realistic about the condition of your items. If they are well-worn or damaged, it is unlikely you will get top dollar for them. However, if they are in good condition and just taking up space, you could make a decent amount of money. 

Check with your local recycling centre to see what they accept and how much they pay for recyclable materials. By following these tips, you can declutter your home, save money, and help others all at the same time.

Spend less on your Christmas dinner

One of the biggest expenses during the holidays is the Christmas dinner. Instead of spending a fortune on a feast, opt for a more budget-friendly option. If you have a large family or a lot of friends, consider doing a potluck style meal where everyone brings a dish. This can help to cut down on the cost of the food. This way, everyone chips in and you’re not stuck footing the whole bill.

Another tip is to shop around for the best deals on your holiday meal. Compare prices at different stores and see if there are any specials or sales that you can take advantage of. 

Or, you could try cooking something simpler this year like roasted chicken instead of an expensive turkey. 

Gather some budget-friendly cooking ideas and look for ways how and where you can save the maximum without ruining the family tradition.

Spend less on Christmas dinner

Skip your aboard vacation

This Christmas, instead of spending money on a lavish vacation, why not skip the trip altogether? Staying home can be just as fun – if not more so and it is a great way to save some cash. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays without spending a lot of money on travel.

You can still get away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season by taking a staycation. Spend a few days relaxing at home, visit local attractions, or take a road trip to visit family and friends. Not only will you save money, but you will also be able to create new memories with your loved ones.

You can visit tourist attractions you have never been to before or take part in festive activities that are happening in your area. Whatever you decide to do this holiday season, make sure it is something that will bring joy to you and your loved ones.

Travel

Buy eco-friendly gifts

If you want to save money this Christmas, one of the best things you can do is buy eco-friendly gifts. Not only will you be saving money, but you’ll also be helping to save the environment. 

There are a number of reasons why eco-friendly gifts are a great option for those looking to save money. 

First, eco-friendly gifts tend to be less expensive than traditional gifts. This is because they are often made from recycled materials or from sustainable sources.

Additionally, eco-friendly gifts often come with a lower price tag because they require fewer resources to produce. 

Second, eco-friendly gifts are often more unique and memorable than traditional gifts. This is because they often have a story behind them or because they are made from sustainable materials.

There are many creative and beautiful items made from recycled materials.

You could buy them a reusable water bottle or coffee mug, or, a LED light bulb, for example, uses far less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb and will last much longer. Alternatively, you could give them a solar-powered charger for their phone or tablet. 

Check out the products online to gather ideas.

Look for better travel deals

Christmas is one of the busiest and most expensive times of the year. There are a few things you can do to try to get better deals on travel this Christmas.

Look for better travel deals. There are often great deals to be found on travel websites during the holidays. So, if you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out some of the travel deals that are available.

Tickets get more expensive the closer you get to the date of travel, so if you can book early, you will save yourself some money. You can also use sites like Skyscanner or Kayak to compare prices and find the best deals.

If you are willing to travel on a less popular day, you’ll often find cheaper flights and hotel rates. And if you are driving instead of flying, try to avoid peak travel times like weekends or holidays. You will avoid traffic congestion and save on gas. 

There are plenty of other ways to save money on travel during Christmas.

Travel plans

Skip the dinner

If you are looking to save money this Christmas, one way to do so is by skipping the traditional Christmas dinner. This does not mean you have to forgo a delicious meal altogether – there are plenty of other, more affordable options available.

For example, you could have a potluck dinner where everyone brings a dish to share. Or, you could make a simple meal at home using ingredients you already have on hand. Whatever you do, skipping the expensive Christmas dinner is a great way to save money and still enjoy a festive feast.

Go Vegetarian

Have you ever considered going vegan during Christmas?

Meatless meals are not only cheaper to prepare, but they are also healthier for you. This does not mean you have to go completely vegetarian – although that would be the most environmentally and budget-friendly option – but simply scaling back on the amount of meat you consume. Consider serving smaller portions of meat or only having it as an accompaniment to other dishes.

There are plenty of delicious vegetarian Christmas recipes out there, so you are sure to find something to please everyone. A vegetarian main course can be just as festive and tasty as a meat-based one, but it will often be cheaper. So, if you are looking to save some money this Christmas, go vegetarian! You might be surprised at how much you save.

Get creative with your protein sources. Beans, tofu, and lentils are all great options for meatless dishes. They are packed with nutrients and they are very budget-friendly. – Incorporate some international flavours. Vegetarian cuisine from around the world is often very flavourful and exotic. 

Vegan dinner

Skip serving liquor

Skipping the liquor can be a great way to save money this Christmas. Alcohol is often one of the most expensive items on a grocery list, so skipping it can help you stick to your budget.

There are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available that can still be festive and enjoyable for your guests. Ensure to have a likable selection so that everyone can find something they like. You may also want to consider serving alcohol-free versions of popular cocktails.

Thus, you can save both the party and your money.

christmas family dinner

Final words –

With Christmas just around the corner, it is important to start thinking about how you can save money.

We have put together a few tips to help you get started. By following these tips, you will be sure to have a more affordable Christmas this year.

We hope you enjoyed our tips on how to save money this Christmas. Stay tuned for more great content like this in the future.

In the meantime, be sure to start planning early and budgeting for your holiday shopping so that you don’t end up spending more than you can afford. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

error: Content is protected !!