Although pretty much everyone is excited about Christmas, what’s not to love, the food, the presents, seeing family and friends, a month free of university woes as well as Christmas parties and gatherings. One thing about Christmas that gets us every year is the cost especially regarding Christmas presents. Once you have gone through the process of who will be receiving presents and decided what they want which can be a task in itself. The cost racked up once one has added the price of all the presents can be quite dear. So I’ve put together a few tips to help you save money when buying presents during Christmastime.
Buy gifts online
It’s easier and faster to compare prices of several shops and department stores online as opposed to traipsing through dozens of outlets especially with the hoards of people with same agenda as you. There are usually several ‘exclusive online’ prices, which are slightly cheaper that the in store prices to encourage online shopping.
Store newsletters
As a by product of shopping online several stores offer a free newsletter sent directly to your email which will inform you of upcoming sales or deals which would prove an optimum time to purchase presents at a discount. There are usually several deals and discounts leading up to Christmas to encourage spending.
Vouchers and coupons
There are several voucher websites, which can offer up to 25% off hundreds of stores from John Lewis, Debenhams, New Look to Comet and Travelodge to name but a few. Some of best ones include vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk.
Joint presents
It may be an idea when buying presents for parents, siblings and friends to split the price of a present so your money goes further.
Secret Santa
Another way of saving money when it comes gifts is Secret Santa. With a group of your friends or flatmates it maybe an idea to do Secret Santa so that everyone gets a present and gets into the Christmas spirit. Most people set a price limit to meet all budgets of usually £5-£10 but that’s up to you.
Innovative presents
Giving presents that you don’t have to buy could also save a few pretty pennies. There are several ideas to choose from, from giving someone a coupon for a treat which can be redeemable at a later date such as a facial, manicure, pedicure, massage etc to cooking them a 3 course meal. Another interesting idea would be to bake the recipient something e.g. muffins or cookies, the ingredients don’t cost too much and it gives you to chance to be creative.
By Maya Mercury
Tags: christmas, christmas ideas, coupons, family, gifts, ideas, money, money saving, newsletters, pennies, presents, santa, secret santa, spending, stores, vouchers
