Memories last longer than expensive gifts. Spending time, showing love, and giving thoughtfully to friends and family are often more meaningful (and affordable) than overspending at Christmastime for the sake of it.
There are so many clever ways to save money at Christmas, from decorations and food to energy use at home, which can help reduce costs without sacrificing the festive spirit.
Click or scroll to find out ways you can cut the spending, but maximise the memories this year...
First things first, set a realistic budget with some wiggle room to stick to. It will help to focus your spending.
Determine your overall Christmas budget, then allocate specific amounts to categories such as gifts, food, travel, and decorations.
Having a clear plan in place helps prevent impulse purchases and keeps you on track throughout the season. If your bank offers alerts for when your account balance drops below a certain amount, consider opting in for an extra layer of control.
It’s perfectly acceptable nowadays to regift items, although be savvy; it’s probably not the best idea to regift Aunt Jean the bath set from last year.
But if you’d rather make some money, get selling on online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where the buyer can collect, or Vinted, which is best for clothes and accessories.
Top tip: sell in batches rather than all at once, for the best results on Vinted.
Even if you’re not hosting Christmas dinner this year, start a shopping list early. From seasonal treats to main meals, you’ll need to stock up on enough supplies to last you until the shops open.
Then work through your friends and family to create your present-buying list. Don't forget to create your own list for Santa!
Whether you prefer a notebook, a budgeting app on your phone, or a spreadsheet, choose a system that works best for you.
While online shopping and the Black Friday deals and sales are undeniably useful if they include something on your present list, all too often they can just be a source of temptation and unplanned, spontaneous purchases.
Take away temptation by unsubscribing from mailing lists once you have worked through your shopping list.
Coordinated gift wrap is aesthetically pleasing, but it’s not always eco-friendly. Instead, raid your stash and put to use those off-cuts, ribbons, trims, and sheets of brown paper, which can be jazzed up with coloured pens and ink stamps.
Some stores’ shopping bags can even be used as gift wrap at this time of year, so think outside the box when it comes to your gifting.
Turn old Christmas cards into unique greetings this year. Cut out the fronts to reuse as cards, tags, or handmade collages. It’s nostalgic, budget-friendly, and eco-conscious too.
Before buying new greetings, always take stock of what you already have. It's a good idea to build up a stash of decorations and papers from occasions over the year. It'll encourage creativity too!
It's tempting to add to your festive decorations each year, but do you really need to?
Often, you can get creative with what you already have. Use cardboard tubes and paper offcuts to make ornaments that can be turned into one-of-a-kind decorations. Respray old baubles to create a new colour scheme, or make paper chains from old magazines for a touch of nostalgia.
Involve the kids in the making process for some festive (and affordable) crafting fun!
Gather pinecones, holly, and other fallen branches from your garden to create rustic garlands, wreaths, and table settings, which cost next to nothing but look bespoke.
Why not spice it up? Dried orange slices and cinnamon stick bundles can add a festive look and scent, which will take your Christmas table to a new level.
Put together small and meaningful hampers based on someone’s interests. A cat-themed mug and cosy socks for a feline fan, for example. Or, miniature bottles of a beauty fan's favourite skincare range.
Charity shops are treasure troves for budget-friendly trinkets and gift baskets, which can be filled with shredded paper and special tokens you have chosen.
Set a budget and make it a fun challenge to see what you can find!
If you’re green-fingered and have grown lots of seedlings or baby plants throughout the year, why not package them up and gift them for the perfect present for plant lovers? You could add a cute plant marker with the recipient’s name, for an extra personal touch.
You could also create gift bags filled with seeds harvested from your perennials. It's a thoughtful, personal touch, perfect for fellow gardeners or nature lovers.
Decorate the bags with handwritten labels or recycled materials for a rustic, homemade feel.
Think back to your childhood, what do you remember most? Probably not the priciest presents, but the little moments: carol singing, rewatching favourite films, going on a walk to look at local Christmas lights, or leaving treats out for Father Christmas.
Recreate these low-cost, high-impact traditions with your own family or friends. They’re the ones that truly stick.
If you're great in the kitchen, a DIY expert, or a craft queen, why not gift your skills or time? Create a homemade 'voucher' for a special meal, a decorating session, or a craft day. It’s thoughtful, personal, and low-cost, but will mean a lot.
Another alternative is to book tickets for a day out after the festivities, during the dark days of January, when prices may be cheaper and a fun outing can help lift everyone's spirits.
Festive baking makes a lovely, low-cost gift. Think cookies, gingerbread, or chocolate bark tied with ribbon. Stock up on basic ingredients, then package your bakes in cellophane bags or gift boxes to make them feel extra special.
A super easy stocking filler idea is to stock up on sweets and create treat cones using cellophane bags, adding a festive bow and a label to finish them off.
If you're posting cards or gifts this Christmas, plan ahead and send them early to avoid expensive express delivery charges and last-minute stress. Check the final posting dates for both domestic and international deliveries.
When online shopping, shop around. Would it be cheaper to order from one store? Consolidating items can save on delivery costs and reduce packaging waste.
A little planning now can help ensure everything arrives on time and within budget.
LED light bulbs typically use around 80% less energy than halogen lights, so replace old halogen Christmas lights with energy-efficient LED or solar-powered lights. Even on cloudy days, you should be able to capture enough light to power your festive decorations during the evening.
Put your LED lights on a timer so they are only on when you're home in the evenings, and remember to switch them off at the plug when you go to bed.
This year, instead of individual gifts, give one thoughtful group gift. It’s a great way to pool resources and give something more meaningful, useful, or special.
Group gifts allow you to focus on quality over quantity and reduce the stress of multiple small purchases, which may end up in landfill. They are great for parents, grandparents, family groups or kids’ 'big wish' items, like tech.
Planning to get your food shopping delivered? Then book your delivery slot early. Secure a cheaper time slot by adding a few items to your online trolley well in advance. As the big day approaches, affordable slots disappear, and you might end up paying more to get a convenient delivery.
When Christmas gets closer, simply add your usual groceries and special offers to your order. Check out supermarkets for fantastic deals on stocking fillers too.
Create a meal plan and shopping list in advance to avoid overbuying and food waste. Also, start buying non-perishable items like frozen vegetables and tinned goods early to spread the cost.
If you are hosting a gathering, ask guests to bring a dish. This spreads the cost and shares the work.
For example, Nan can bring the special showstopping dessert while other family members bring the starters or sides. It'll add variety to the table and taste buds too!
Use an air fryer, microwave or slow cooker for cooking extra side dishes, as they can be more energy-efficient than a large electric oven. Most of us could not be without our trusty air fryer, and as they are small and work like a small conventional fan oven, they are often cheaper to run.
If you’re cooking for family or hosting several guests, batch cooking in an electric oven is a smart way to make the most of the heat and save energy.
Prepare multiple dishes at once or cook in larger quantities to reduce the cooking time and electricity use.
Renting a Christmas tree or buying one with roots is a great, eco-friendly, and money-saving option. A rooted tree can be replanted and reused yearly, reducing waste and long-term costs.
Renting a tree means it’s returned and replanted after the holidays, avoiding landfill waste entirely. While both options may cost more upfront, they save money over time and help the planet. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate Christmas sustainably, especially if you're trying to cut costs or reduce waste.
Not quite in your budget? Look out on Facebook Marketplace for a local faux bargain you can use year after year.
Remember, Christmas doesn’t have to be on December 25, especially if you don’t have young children in the family. If money’s tight, celebrate after when decorations, gifts, and food typically go on sale. It’s still meaningful and filled with love, but without the financial stress.
What matters most is time together, not the date on the calendar. Celebrate when it works for you and your nearest and dearest.
Loved this? Check out Grandma's money-saving Christmas tips