Today is all about spending less and saving some money during the beautiful, festive season that is Christmas. A lot of people worry about where they are going to get the money from, how much they have to spend on who and on how many people, how expensive everything is when you go Christmas shopping etc. I somehow got the idea for this post at some point in the middle of the night, so this is what we're doing today, we are going to help us all spend less money and even save some even when the spendy time of the year is just around the corner, a wink of an eye away. If you have any other tips, definitely make sure to leave them below, to help some friends out! 😊
Listen closely, plan early
This is probably one of my favourite tips, which has actually helped me a lot throughout the past few years. Get yourself a notebook, or a section in your notebook that is completely dedicated to presents. This section will include empty boxes for each person you need a gift for, and for each occasion, where you can write down all the ideas that you get. The best way to get many ideas, is to listen closely whenever those people are mentioning anything they would like throughout the whole year, not just close to Christmas. Write anything down immediately, before you forget it. Not only will it save you a lot of worrying and struggling to find a nice present, but it will also make the person happier because you will probably give them something they didn't expect, and they know how much thought you have put into this (at least I hope that's the case..). Keep in mind the things that that person really enjoys and likes, as well as the things that he/she hates. It's a great way to save some time, keep track of your ideas and know exactly what you can get that person when it's time to go shopping or order online!
Save money throughout the year
If you generally want to start planning early for Christmas presents and the money you spend on them, try putting aside some money each month throughout the whole year which will be dedicated to presents. And if you still have got some left after Christmas, because you were able to save a lot by using some of these tips, you could either put that towards next year's present budget or you could treat yourself to something.
Budget
Set yourself a certain budget and stick to it. Decide how much money you want to spend on each person and don't go over that. If you aren't sure about what budget to set for someone, talk to them and decide together how much you are going to spend on each other. Tell them that you want to save some money, and decide for a budget that will fit both of your wallets.
Share
This is something you can easily do if you have siblings that also need presents for your parents, or if you have friends that also need presents for someone that is also your friend. Team up with them and buy something together. You will get to throw more ideas in the pot and all save a little money by buying something as a group or a team.
This also counts as planning, but I personally think lists really are the best thing to keep track and remind yourself, especially when you are like me and you easily forget things. Make lists of who you need a present for, for what occasion - is it only for Christmas or do you also need a birthday present because their birthday is close to Christmas? - how much do you want to spend on who, what ideas have you got, what do you need to get etc. Write everything down in one place, it will make it a lot easier, or at least, that's what I think it does.
Buy early
Prices usually rise the closer it gets to Christmas, so try and buy as early as possible. It is also a huge stress relief because not everyone is out at the same time to buy these presents. But to be honest, I wouldn't blame you if you wouldn't follow this tip, because I honestly prefer doing it as soon as the Christmas market has started, because that's when I fully get into the mood and feel a lot more energized to run around shops to buy presents.
DIY's and personal presents
This part is probably also one of the most fun ones, at least if you are a creative kind of person. Pinterest is your best friend if you are looking for DIY and personal presents. You can find something for everyone on here, something everyone can easily make themselves. There are so many amazing ideas out there I've got no idea who I am going to gift all of these amazing ideas to that are sitting on my Pinterest board. Personalized presents also often have a much deeper meaning to them, and they mean a lot more, even if they cost a lot less, which is a great way to save some money but still give a really nice presents. It shows that you have put not only thought but also time in making this present.
That doesn't mean you have to gift everyone a picture of yourself and them, or a photo album, but if you are a painter for example, why don't you paint them something? It's just an example though. I will leave my Pinterest board with all of the amazing ideas that I have found
HERE, for those of you that want to get a better look at it.
Do I really need this?
That's a really important question to ask yourself if you want to save some money, even more so around this time of the year when you are planning on having to spend even more money. Everything you want to buy, ask yourself whether you really need to get that. Do you really need that expensive make-up calendar for 50€, or could you also just go with a plain and inexpensive chocolate one from the supermarket? Remember that you could always put stuff like a new lipstick or a new pair of shoes onto your wishlist instead, you don't need to buy everything yourself.
And if you don't end up getting that, then you can still buy it after Christmas when you might have gotten a little more money, or you still have some left that you saved or put aside.
This question of whether you actually need it, also counts for everything that you get to wrap, decorate and put along with the presents, like wrapping paper, ties, sweets etc. Instead of getting a wrapping paper each for boys, for girls, for man, for woman, for grandma, for grandpa and who else, get a unisex one that will suit all. That way you will get a lot more for less money.
Save the little coins
You know that annoying little money that are pieces of one, two or five cents for example that no one ever seems to use or need? Get yourself a jar or something similar and collect them in there, once the jar is full, take it to the bank and let them put it on your bank account. Saving these little pieces of money instead of letting them get lost in your room, is a great way to at least save little money.
Check dollar stores
I don't even know what's the actual definition of these stores, but stores that sell stuff for very little money are better for presents than some of you might think. I never used to go in there a lot, only when I had to, but honestly, now I love them and I go in there quite a lot. Obviously the quality isn't always as amazing, but there's a lot of awesome stuff in there, whether you are doing a DIY or not. There's a lot of stuff where, if you wouldn't know it better, you would never see that it was less than 2€, for example.
Enter giveaways
Yes, the chances of winning might not be that high all the time, but the more ones you take part in, the better your chances are getting that one day you will actually win something. Don't only take part in giveaways for yourself, but also in giveaways that include stuff a person you need a present for might like. That way, if you are lucky and you actually win, you don't need to spend money on another present but give them something they really want and you won instead.
Ebay/Depop...
These websites are an opportunity both to save money and find presents. You could sell stuff that you no longer need and that is flying around but never used, and by that gain some money. Especially around Christmas time a lot of people check these platforms for cheaper alternatives to original and new products. This is also something you can do, have a look on these websites for presents yourself. You don't need to get a new John Green book for full price on Amazon or in the book store, get it on eBay instead for a lot less money, sometimes even without ever being read.
This also leads me to the next point - checking prices. Check several websites, stores etc before you get anything. That's a really good way to save some money when the thing you want to get it is a little more expensive. Check eBay, check dollar stores, check amazon, check etsy and everything else before you end up annoyed because you just spend a lot more on that DVD than necessary.
Vouchers and Discount Codes
Last but not least, vouchers and discount codes are another amazing way to save some money when you are Christmas shopping. Some stores have lay them out in stores, others you can find on their websites, on their Social Media or in their newsletter for example, there are even apps out there that are all focused on this.
I really hope that was helpful in the slightest. Before you leave, tell me your favourite thing about Christmas, and if you have any other ideas to give better presents and save some money, make sure to let all of us know down below! :)
Have a beautiful day 💖
Love, Jacqueline Xx
