How To Save Money When Buying Christmas Presents

Welcome to a new post!

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.

Make lists

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.

Check prices

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

What I got for my 17th & Christmas

Welcome to a new post!

I personally absolutely love seeing what other people got for their birthday or for Christmas, for example. I thought it would be a nice thing to show you what I got from my friends and family for my 17th and Christmas. As they were very close together (23rd and 24th), and I got a few connected presents, I thought I would put them together into one post.

I don't want to show off with this post at all, just to clarify! I am only showing you these things for fun and inspiration for people that might be looking for presents themselves! 

Before I start I also want to say a huge thank you, to everyone that wished me a Happy Birthday on Wednesday, and that thought of me. It really brightened my day. :)

I don't think apart there'll be many people reading this that actually took their time to give me something, but if any of these people are reading this again - thank you so much, again! I am so greatful!

My main present this year was my Kindle, as it is much more affordable to read on it for me, more organized and I can also read much more english books. I also got two cases for it, and I'm already hocked on the books they put onto it!

For my secret santa in school I got some chocolate and a voucher for a German book store, which was quite cool, and my friend got me one of my favourite chocolates and this really nice bath salt!

This is what I got from my Internet bestie, and I literally screamed when I opened the box and saw that Lush stuff. It's probably one of my favourite presents, and it's already being used and loved, just like the wristbands. 

I got this Maybelline lipstick, which I actually chose myself :D,  and I love it!

For Christmas I also got this really cute shiny powder spray, which I think has the cutest packaging ever!

My Naked palette is probably my favourite Christmas present ever. I didn't expect to get it, as my parents was completely against it, but you have no idea how happy I was when I found this under the Christmas tree! I'm SO IN LOVE!!

I also got loads of sweets and a few vouchers, but I'm obviously not going to show you that all. Can't wait to show you though what I'll be buying from the vouchers for the make-up store. *-*

One of my closest friends got me these things, and I love them! It's my favourite sprinkling water, plus a cute mug, plus a cute calendar, which I really needed anyway. She also got me a shampoo, but since our faces are on it and it is quite personal, I didn't want to publish it, but it's so lovely and thoughtful!

This is what I got from my best friend, and I am so exited to try this fondue! I've always wanted one for myself, and now I've got one, plus two packages to try it out, so this is definetely going to be used veeery soon, and I cannot wait!

I also got this cute packaged Merci chocolate and also this set my Rituals, which I can't wait to try, as I have only tried their shower foam so far.

I love a good film, so I'm happy I got all the ones that I asked for, as I've wanted to see Insurgent and Paper Towns for quite a while now. I haven't seen the 5SOS one yet, but I especially loved Insurgent so far!

From someone else I got this cute star stuff, which I think is so nice, as I love decoration, and the towel and stuff will definetely be used.

I feel like I now need another room for all of the stuff that I got, as I feel like I'm about to move out with some of the stuff that I got haha. I'm not though, don't worry, not for a few years. 

Thank you to everyone that thought of me, and that read this, I am beyond greatful!

If you enjoyed this post, let me know, and also tell me what was your favourite Christmas present that you got this year, if you celebrate it. :)

Love, Jacqueline Xx

Xmas Gift Guide for Women & Teens

Welcome to a new post!

Since Christmas is coming up very soon, and there is always at least one person that you don't know what to get, I decided to hop on the train of Christmas Gift Guides, and do some this year. Starting off with today's ideas for women and (female) teens. 
I can't promise you that these things will be for everyone that you are trying to find something for, since every person has different interests and passions. I tried to cover different types of interests somehow. And I do hope, that these will help at least some of you a teeny tiny bit!
A male version will be up very soon :)

 Starting off with the typical female stuff: Make-up.

There is so much great make-up out there, and to be honest if you don't know what to get there are always lovely people in the shops that will help you find something nice. As an example I have chosen one of the Benefit Sets that has been created for Christmas. There are a various of different sets, so you can get the products that you want. They are a great way to try out a few products at the same time, without spending money on each of them! I know that I would love to get this by someone, and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only female.

Next is beauty. 

As you may already know I love Zoe Sugg aka Zoella, and she also owns her own range at Superdrug and feelunique.com. Her products always have the cutest packaging, but the Xmas ones top them all. You can now get cute little sets for example including cozy socks and her Soak Opera Shower Gel & Body Wash, or the Lipbalm Set. 
I love the products that I own from her range, so go have a look!
 Tanya Burr's make-up range is also incredible, and she has launched some christmas limited editions as well, like this cute nail kit, which I think is pretty cute and would be a lovely gift!
Shower gels are also always an essentials so this cute set by Philosophy which included four differently smelling shampoos is really nice for any person that you don't know what to get! We all need them at some point in our daily life ;)

 
Fashion wise I have only picked out this lovely white Zara scarf, since I find that fashion tastes are to different to do a proper gift guide on them. Scarfs are always a nice gift though because they make you warm and cozy in a cold winter (if it will every get any colder though *cough*). Zara scarfs might be a bit more pricey than one from H&M or Primark, but they are much better quality, much softer in my opinion, and you got a lot of different styles to choose from! 

If the person you are gifting isn't technically asking for a certain jewellry piece, but you know that they love necklaces or bracelets for example, I always find it a really nice idea to personalize something. Wether it's putting on the date you got together or it's just the first letter of her name. Be creative!

Candles around christmas time are a statement piece in every household in my opinion, wether you light them or they just stand there to look pretty. In my opinion Yankee Candle has the best range of different types of smells, so you are likely to find something for every candle lover out there!
 
Who doesn't love a good phone case? They look pretty and help to protect your phone at least a tiny bit. I LOVE all of these phone cases that come around at christmas time, and you might not want to put them on your phone for the whole year, but they are still a really nice idea as a gift! You can even get personalized ones on the internet!

 Mugs are always something you need, even if it's just for guests. I have found this absolutely adorable deer mug, and I HAD to include it! Isn't it the cutest thing ever?? *-* You could even fill this with some nice christmassy sweets or biscuits, or with a tea if the person likes tea, and put in a nice packaging.

 

To buy a book for a book nerd is probably very hard if you don't know what books they own, but you could always get a gift card from the book store. To mention a certain book that I recently read and loved, I would say get 'The Girl On The Train' by Paula Hawkins! It's incredibly well written, and such a good plot!
For the more creative or stressed type of person, why not try a zentangle book! These are really hyped at the moment, and basically the new versions of colouring in books from back in the past. They are also meant to release stress, which I find so cool!

For the kitchen lover that still mixes via hands in a bowl, why not get them a Kitchen Aid? It's so amazing, and you don't have to do anything else apart from clicking some buttons and put in your ingredients! I personally think this is an amazing invention!

Who doesn't love a good tv series or a good film, let's be serious. I love Once Upon A Time, Pretty Little Liars or The Originals for example, series wise, but the best is probably to find out what type of series the person watches, and then google or ask and choose something similar! You can never go far wrong with DVDs or CDs.

Calendars are always a nice idea too, wether it's one with pictures of New York or just a weekly planner with a cute flower pattern. Everyone needs to be organized in a certain way in this hectic nowaday society, so why not? If you want something more personal, why not make one with pictures of you and that person, for example?

Now onto a bit more of the DIY section.
I personally find it a great idea to print out some pictures and either put them in a scrapbook or in a nice frame, for example. On some websites you can even get them in a polaroid style, which I find gives them an even cuter touch!
You could also put together a basket, with lots of little treats! I always love seeing these, as you can get so creative with them, and put in whatever you want! You could do a Pamper Night or an Anti Stress one, for example! There's tons of inspiration on weheartit, tumblr or pinterest that can help you get inspired!


I hope I was able to help and give you some inspiration somehow. Look out for the male version very soon ;)
Let me know something that is on your wishlist this year, maybe we can all somehow inspire each other that way! :)


Love, Jacqueline Xx


 
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