Wednesday, 24 November 2021
With Christmas approaching, some people tend to get carried away with the concept of gift exchanges and keeping up with the latest trends. Not everyone can afford to do this within their means. Some people simply can’t afford this and shouldn’t feel pressurised in keeping up appearances which is often at the expense of their credit card.
We have listed below some of our suggestions on how to keep the spirit of Christmas alive without the designer price tag:
1. Family Secret Santa
This is a popular present exchange within workplaces but why not bring it into your extended family circle. This is a fun and budget-friendly activity between family and friends. Agree on a budget, everyone gets a present, no-one misses out and no-one feels that more has been spent on one person than the other. Not having to buy for everyone will have a huge saving benefit. You also have the added fun element of trying to figure out who bought your gift!
2. Make a budget
And stick to it. Write it down and review it. Ensure all the essentials are included, food, electric bills, heating oil etc. Keep things simple. If money is tight and you can’t afford presents, speak to family, explain your situation. Quite often it’s felt like there is an obligation to purchase presents, however, you may be surprised that other people are feeling the same way. Have the conversation with family and you may realise that this is not just one-sided.
3. Shop around
Compare prices, use price comparison websites. Don’t get sucked in by promotional deals. Look for cheaper alternatives. Search for discount codes online. If you need to purchase items why not make money while doing so! Use a cashback website that offers cashback on 100’s of retail websites such as www.topcashback.co.uk or www.kidstart.co.uk
4. Consider alternatives to gift exchanges
Offer up your time to someone in exchange for a gift. Babysitting vouchers, homemade goodies, offers of lifts home on a night out to save them a taxi fare, teach them a new skill which you have etc. These can be appreciated much more than an actual physical gift.
Don’t try to impress others, don’t live beyond your means, create memories, not debt.