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It is estimated that almost half of all adults in the UK go into debt at this time of year. Don't be one of them.
To help you make the most of our top tips, we will be sharing big deals on Christmas gifts every day on our social media channels. The emphasis will be on gift ideas under £10.
The crux of this hassle-free plan is to start your shopping early and to get the bulk of it done and dusted before the first week of December when the cost of heating your home is likely to start to really bite.
Write A Christmas List
Make a note of all the people you want to buy presents for and keep it somewhere safe. Every time you buy a gift, mark it off on the list. Don't be afraid to reduce the list - why not ask some people if they would like to take a break this year? You never know, they may be relieved.
Helpful advice on spreading the cost of Christmas
Set a budget for each gift - and don't be afraid to keep it low. With savvy shopping, recipients will think you've spent a whole lot more.
Set A Weekly Gift Budget
Because life can get in the way of even the best-laid plans, accept that this sum is always flexible.
Some weeks you may spend less while, at other times, you might spend a little more depending on what you can realistically afford.
The important thing is to ensure you don't leave yourself short on essentials.
If you have got a total of 15 people to buy presents for, you may want to set a weekly budget of £30 (less if you can't stretch to that and more if you are able to) - with, perhaps, a more expensive gift purchased when you can best afford it.
Start With The Hardest To Buy For
Aunts, uncles, friends, work colleagues... This group can be the hardest to buy for.
Often left until the last minute, the cost of even small gifts can seriously mount up and become a real worry. So, get them out of the way.
What you want to achieve is a haul of presents that look gift-worthy but don't cost a lot. Look out for limited-time and three-for-two deals, and bulk buy if you spot a really good one.
Don't Buy Pre-Filled Toy Stockings
What you get in them is often not worth the cost. Buy stocking fillers regularly, so you don't notice the outlay. Bargain shops are the best place to stock up. Limit your spend per item to no more than £1.50. Save up loose change to pay for these, if you can.
You may want to angle this year's shopping on more practical, but still attractive, gifts that will help the recipient save money. Here are some examples:
Men: Razor sets (bought when on special offer) Women: Bath-time / pamper treats Teens: Deodorant / body mist sets Anyone: A small food hamper Bigger Items - Save Money
Christmas is the time of year when parents, in particular, come under huge pressure to buy very costly gifts.
The latest technology and fashion trends don't come cheap - a massive worry. Nobody wants to let their child down, especially at Christmas.
But, if you can't afford what a child wants DON'T BUY IT, and don't take out credit to get it either. Be honest about your finances with your children so they understand what you can and can't afford. Here are some workarounds that should keep everyone happy:
Buy secondhand / reconditioned - this is a good idea for electronic goods, such as laptops and computers. Look on platforms that offer a money-back guarantee. Shop around for a product that appears as-new and has the right spec. For clothing, take a look at apps like Vinted or check out what's on eBay.
Choose a cheaper make. Go for a product that looks similar to the more expensive make and has great reviews. You can save a fortune when it comes to tablets, smartphones and trainers. You have to be disciplined to do this. The end of November is a good time to make a big purchase - during Black Friday, which falls on November 25 this year. It is often followed by Cyber Monday. If you have already finished the bulk of your gift shopping, it will make it much easier. Hence, the earlier you start your Christmas shopping the better. It is always worth keeping an eye on prices for a specific product - so you can be sure you really are getting a bargain during big sale events and three-for-two offers.
Paid monthly? Don't make a big purchase out of a single wage packet - you could end up struggling until the next payday. Save towards this purchase.
Sweet Treats
Don't pay more than you have to for the likes of After Eights and tins of sweets. Start buying them now whenever you see an offer and slowly build a 'Christmas station' - don't forget to check best before dates.
Buy an item during your regular shop and pay for it by swapping some of your branded purchases with cheaper alternatives. If you already only buy Saver brands, cut out a nonessential or unhealthy item to cover the cost. Store items in one place, preferably out of the way so the temptation isn't there to eat them before December 25.
Buying For Children
Everyone wants to make Christmas magical. There's is nothing quite like seeing a child's face light up with excitement when they wake up and see a mound of presents under the Christmas tree. But there is no need to buy all those little gifts in one go. Try this...
Weekly gift budget: £30
Best friend: Feather and Down Sleep Set £6 (on offer) Aunt: Silver feather bookmark with charm, gift boxed - £5 Niece: Travel spa set in carry case - £5.99 (on offer) Uncle: Bath scrubber set - £4.50 (on offer) Child Aged 9 - Fart - The Explosive Card Game - £5 Girl Aged 9 - Bubble bath - £1 Girl Aged 9 - Hair accessories - £2.50
You can adjust your budget according to your means. If you really have very little cash to spare, you could even consider a budget of £1 per adult.
Think you can't get much for that? Take a look at some of the small faux succulent plants in places like Poundland and you may just change your mind! Think along the lines of chocolates, pretty notebooks, mugs, and ornaments.
If you find yourself with some extra cash one week, you can always top up an inexpensive gift with a second small present. DIY Gifts
This is a really savvy thing to do - but only if you have everything you need already. Sometimes, the cost of materials can make a homemade gift more expensive than something you could have bought off the shelf. And what if that thing you make doesn't quite come out as you hoped for? You will have wasted money.
Your Wellbeing
Christmas is a time to get together and celebrate as a family. It is about sharing the spirit of the festive season. It should not be about gifts.
Nobody should put pressure on someone to buy something they can't afford. Know your limits and don't exceed them this year.
It's better to be warm and well-fed than left with a cold, empty feeling once Christmas Day is over.
After all, it is just one day.