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Christmas with a tight belt – 7 cheap and creative gifts

Christmas is getting closer by the day. Relax, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy a time with your loved ones.

Christmas is getting closer by the day, so it’s time to set up the tree and crack out your favorite hot beverage. But are you experiencing financial difficulties during this season of cheer? You don’t need to end the year, unlike Santa, in the red. Here are some of our best suggestions for cutting costs and planning a budget-friendly Christmas.

The Bank of England estimates that consumers will spend £740 more in December than they will in subsequent months. Accordingly, the typical Christmas expenditure represents a 29% increase above regular monthly spending.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”  Benjamin Franklin

To help remedy a financial squeeze, avoid the crowds by having a well-defined overall budget in mind. Plan out how much of your entire spending limit will go toward food, presents, beverages, decorations, and other expenses. Now that you have a budget, you may search for the greatest offers in each area.

Don’t panic!

You could think that the only option for you and your family to enjoy Christmas is to incur debt. That is, however, not true. A financial adviser can assist you with planning, offer guidance on credit cards and overdrafts, and ensure that you aren’t taking on more than you can handle. Try to avoid the three biggest mistakes people make during this festive time. It is not all about the money.

If you resort to material gifts, you may save a lot of money over time by using store loyalty cards. If you already have gift cards for your favorite businesses, think about using them in December to offset the cost of your holiday shopping. Sign up for a card if you don’t already have one so you can take advantage of the increased Christmas expenses and earn points for future savings.

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You don’t need to buy expensive presents to show your loved ones how much you appreciate them. It is a hundred times better to receive a small gift which has some thought put into it, then a random last-minute purchase that will collect dust. Also, chiming in for a bigger present for the whole family is a good idea. Sometimes this can help acquire an item that is really needed in the household, without asking for loans. If none of that works for you, do not worry. We have you covered with the following gifts that everyone will enjoy.

1.Give an experience

We believe that the finest things in life are always free. A free babysitting coupon may be more valuable to new parents than a Bluetooth speaker or an air fryer. Nothing makes a young family happier than a break from all the fuss around the young ones. Even if for a day, friends and family may be pleased if you organize a fun day out for them while taking care of all the heavy lifting. The best thing about this gift is, you can repeat it with anyone, and it is for free!

2.Give a keepsake

Do you have great memories of your loved ones? Moments that would be lost in the thousand pictures online can be saved forever in a physical album. With the low cost of photo printing, you may create meaningful, individual gifts without breaking the bank by purchasing inexpensive frames or albums from your neighbourhood DIY store. You can add you personalized flare and inside joke mentality to each one of them.

3.Activate the kitchen

Alternatives for Christmas presents can be made in the kitchen. To make a lovely and thoughtful present, bake some treats like brownies, wrap them in cellophane, and tie with a ribbon. Sometimes, just the simple fact of helping in the kitchen and then enjoying the results is a gift on its own. A kitchen can bring the family together.

4.Be imaginative

If baking isn’t your thing, you have access to a wide variety of different handcrafted presents. You may make jewellery, candles, or soaps, and the materials cost less if you make identical presents for several recipients. Have you ever created bath bombs? It is easier than you think, and you can have fun with the whole family. There is a lot of DIY videos on Youtube and the best part is, the ingredients are really simple and easy to find. On top of that, you can make a big batch and have a gift for several people.

5.Organize a family swap market

Here is a fun activity you can do. Get the whole family together and just trade stuff. You can recycle, swap clothes, gift something to another family member who will have more use of the item you may not need anymore. You would be surprised how many times someone would love to have the appliance you use once a year. You can also refresh and organise your closet at the same time!

6.Save on your own decorations

At this time of year, everyone wants their homes to gleam a little, but how can you accomplish it on a budget? No one will likely remember the ornaments and tinsel you used for previous Christmases, so get out your old box of decorations. Why not advise trading some decorations with a pal if you wish to update your appearance? Both of you will feel refreshed without spending any money. You can also use second-hand shops or the dollar store. Make your tree random. It can be both cute and hilarious. Anything can hang from a branch!

7.Remember, kids want new toys every minute

Maintain the four-gift limit for your children. Nowadays, kids have a ton of toys. When it’s time to tidy the playroom to make place for new toys, they may easily feel overwhelmed. According to the “four-gift rule,” you should give your children gifts for things they need, want, wear, and read. They should have more than enough to enjoy their Christmas season with these four gifts.

Last, but not least, give the present of your presence. Make sure to enjoy the time with your family and friends. Let us remember, that Christmas is first of all a time to re-connect and relax with your loved ones. It does not have to be expensive. 

Tomáš is a financial reporter with US markets as his main field. Tomáš is an aspiring author and entrepreneur aspiring to help people get better in financial knowledge.

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