How to have a Very Merry Christmas on a Budget
Every year is a race as we jump on the white-knuckle ride to the 25th of December, waiting to see which will run out first: the bank balance or the shopping list.
As household bills skyrocket to unprecedented levels, for many of us this year looks set to be the toughest yet.
We’ve pulled together 10 of our favourite money-saving tips to help make your money go further this Christmas.
1. Make a list – and check it twice
Christmas shopping on impulse is dangerous. So make an old-fashioned shopping list and stick to it. Remember, shops spend a fortune on targeting your spending impulses – a list helps you beat them.
2. Don't spend on Christmas tags
You can make your own gift tags from last year's Christmas cards. Simply cut out the front picture, add a hole and some ribbon or string, and voila! Recycling at its best, and it will brighten up each and every Christmas present while you’re at it. Bonus!
3. Or wrapping paper
A fun activity for you and your little one to do on a rainy day. Just use a roll of brown wrapping paper and some red and green finger paints to make a repeat print Holly design. Much cheaper than shop bought paper and the recipient will find it completely charming.
4. Remember your loyalty points
You've been digging through your handbag or your pockets at the checkouts to find that elusive loyalty card all year round, so now it's time to reap the rewards. Check out which offers and freebies you are owed before you hand over any cash.
5. Make what you can
A homemade gift such as fudge, lemon curd or biscuits always goes down well, and you can create some amazing packaging that will make your loved ones feel extra special.
6. Don’t waste money on the wrong gift
Choosing that perfect present is tricky and can be easy to get wrong. A Bloomsbury Mill Gift Card can be used to buy anything from our entire catalogue - from Newborn Blankets to Toddler Nap Mats. Ideal for new mums or gifts for little ones, gift cards also work really well if you need to send a present across the miles.
7. Regift presents that don’t work for you
Take it from us, this is totally acceptable in a world where waste is our enemy. Just remember NOT to give them to whoever gave them to you in the first place! That make-up palette may have missed the mark with you but could be a perfect present for your niece.
8. Choose Christmas bedding that will last for years
We know children love special Christmas bedding to make the countdown even more cosy and magical. Our Winter Wonderland Duvet Set is created from a fit for life poly-cotton blend so it can be used year after year. It comes in three sizes meaning no-one in the family needs to miss out. You can even choose to pay with Klarna to spread the cost.
9. Track Santa as he delivers prezzies
We had to share this … There's a nifty free site for your little ones to watch Santa's progress on Christmas Eve. Log on to NoradSanta.org (this year it launches on 1 December).
10. Ditch the cards and donate to charity
By foregoing the expensive shop-bought Christmas cards you can still make a saving and help people at the same time – it is the season of goodwill after all!
11. Don’t leave Secret Santa at the office
Here’s a bonus extra tip to cut the cost of gift giving that we’ll definitely be doing. Every family member puts their name in a hat and you each pick one person to choose a present for this year. With only one family member to buy for you can spend a little more on your Secret Santa so everyone will receive one special, thoughtful gift.