10 Tips to Save Money During the Holidays (But Still Have Fun)
This end-of-the-year season is about meeting with loved ones and having the time of your life. However, it shouldn’t put you into debt when all is said and done. Get the best of both worlds by following these holiday-saving tips this year.
1. Thrift Your Decor
Holiday decor helps you and your loved ones get into high spirits. How about considering thrifting some of the lights and tinsel instead of buying new ones? You can also seek secondhand stockings or use one of your favourite everyday socks.
2. Accumulate Your Gifts
Gifts are one of the largest expenses. Britons were expected to spend an average of 300 pounds on them in 2022. Make sure you keep your purchases to a minimum and be mindful of when you buy them. You can shop a little each week before the holiday. Get one or two items from your list.
3. Regift Your Items
Received a pack of coffee beans recently when you had just decided to quit caffeine? Get a set of earphones when you just bought a new pair? Regifting can be a good option to save money. Just make sure the present goes toward someone you know who wants or needs the products. Good etiquette also dictates you only regift unused items. Let the recipient know why you’re giving them something that was intended as a present for you.
4. Create DIY Presents
Never underestimate the power of a witty Christmas card or handmade key-chain. Do-it-yourself (DIY) gifts, which still convey your love and affection on a budget. Just ensure you create something you know the recipient will adore and use. It also helps to accumulate all the materials a few days beforehand to avoid bigger purchases for the crafting.
5. Partake in Free Activities
Activities like shopping or ice skating can rack up a pretty penny. Consider other free activities, like having at-home karaoke or doing board games by the fireplace. Instead of going out to a Christmas concert, holding your own caroling session can feel nostalgic. You’ll get a good laugh out of it as well.
6. Have a Potluck Party
If you’re hosting a holiday party, make it a potluck to save yourself from having to buy everything. Each person can prepare their favourite seasonal dish for a fun, low-cost feast. For a fun drink to serve with dinner, make a batch of mulled wine. This is a great option because you can make it in a slow cooker. You can serve up to 12 people depending on the recipe. It can be more cost-effective than buying multiple bottles of wine or beer, as well as more delicious.
7. Book Things Yourself
If you’re set on heading out for the holidays, avoid the package “deals” and book things yourself. You could be more thorough with your search for cheap flights and accommodation. Just try to be flexible with dates during this season to save up on money.
8. Consider Digital Hangouts
If your friends or family live far away, having a virtual hangout is the perfect solution. It costs nothing to hop on FaceTime and catch up. You can play a game or just talk about what’s going on in your life. Talking with friends and loved ones benefits your mental health. It’s easy to do on any day of the week.
9. Customise Your Wrapping
Gift wrapping paper has questionable price tags. Save money by using older newspapers and prints as the cover. You can customise it with paint or markers. Draw doodles or write a funny message to your loved ones.
10. Take on Extra Christmas Chores
You’d technically save money during the holidays if you’re getting a seasonal income and using that as your funds. Look out for people who need a babysitter or pet sitter. Becoming a candy store associate or Christmas decorator is also fun.
Have Holiday Fun on a Budget
It is more than possible to have a fun holiday season while saving money. Surround yourself with the people you love and intentionally manage your finances. Guaranteed, you can keep your smile up for the rest of the year.
