It seems to come around faster and cost us more every year! If you’re looking to spend less this Christmas without cutting down on the festive cheer, here are some simple, savvy ways to help save money before the season arrives.
Declutter and Sell Unwanted Items
If you haven’t used something in a while, consider letting it go! A wardrobe bursting at the seams or toys you can’t find room for? Clear out items you no longer need and sell them to make some extra Christmas cash. Facebook Marketplace or Vinted are free, popular platforms to help find new homes for your pre-loved items
Create a Christmas Cupboard
Pick up festive goodies when you spot early deals and set up a “Christmas cupboard” to store them. It’s a great way to spread the cost and avoid last-minute price hikes! Just keep a list so you don’t end up overbuying.
Make a Christmas Budget
Think about who you need to buy for and set a realistic budget for each person. Having a list can make shopping easier, and sticking to your budget means no January regret.
Use Cashback Sites
Sign up for cashback sites like Quidco or TopCashback. They’re simple to use, and you’ll earn a percentage back on purchases made through their links. You could earn some extra cash on items you’d buy anyway.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
While the UK’s Black Friday isn’t as massive as in the US, there are still good deals to be had. Keep an eye out for discounts on big items, but make sure to research prices beforehand so you don’t fall for fake “deals.”
Sign Up for Newsletter Discounts
While emails can pile up, signing up for newsletters can often net you a discount code right away. If you shop regularly with a retailer, these discounts could really add up.
Save Your Loyalty Points
If you use supermarket loyalty cards, save up those points and redeem them closer to Christmas. Many supermarkets allow you to double or triple points for seasonal offers, giving you even more savings.
Download a Price Comparison Extension
Tools like Honey and PriceSpy can automatically search for the best price as you shop online. You might find unexpected discounts or codes that give you a better deal.
Look for Community Festive Events
From local Christmas markets to free carol concerts, many communities host low-cost or free festive events. Check your council’s website for family-friendly activities that don’t cost a fortune.
Start a Christmas Savings Account for Next Year
We know that we haven’t even had Christmas yet, but why not start saving for next year and set up a Christmas savings account? You can pay in as much as you like but can only withdraw from it in November and December meaning you are less likely to keep dipping into it. If you saved £5 a week for a year that would be £260 towards Christmas.
