With the current cost of living crisis in the UK, many of us are feeling the pinch. Christmas can also cause a lot of financial pressure, especially if you are already struggling. But there are some simple ways that you can save money, and still have a great Christmas. Here are our top 10 tips!

1. Create a budget

This seems quite obvious, but most people don’t create a budget for Christmas. This can lead to overbuying and even debt if you spend more than you can afford. Create a budget and decide how much money you are comfortable spending on the festivities. You can create a simple spreadsheet or there are plenty of budgeting apps you can download. Remember to account for everything Christmas-related including gifts, decorations, food, drink and travel.

2. Take advantage of Black Friday & Cyber Monday

If there is a specific gift you want to get someone, it may be worth waiting until Black Friday (25th November) and Cyber Monday (28th November). Retailers often have generous discounts on these dates that you can take advantage of. So be sure to add these dates to your diary!

3. Talk to friends & family about expectations

Many of us feel pressured to purchase someone a gift, or to spend a certain amount on a gift. It’s a good idea to have an open discussion with friends and family to discuss a gift budget, or to simply decide not to buy each other gifts this year. This might be something you feel uncomfortable doing at first, but the truth is that many of your friends and family members may be feeling the financial pressure of Christmas too. Setting clear expectations can lift a weight off your shoulders and help you cut down on spending.

4. Opt for an artificial Christmas tree

Real Christmas trees look great, but bear in mind that they are quite expensive, especially when you consider that you need to buy a new one every year. It is much more economical to opt for an artificial Christmas tree which can be reused for years to come. You can also choose from a wide variety of styles and heights so that you get a tree that fits your home perfectly. Check out some options below!

5. Search for discount codes

Before completing a purchase online, always make sure to search for any available discount codes. Even small savings can add up. Fairwayrock has a dedicated page of discounts and special offers which you can find here. We also list discount codes on applicable products so that you don’t miss out on savings.

6. Get crafty with homemade gifts

Homemade gifts are always well-received as it shows the recipient that you have made an effort. They can also be very affordable to make! If you aren’t great at crafting, you can make something simple like a hamper/basket of their favourite things, or bake some Christmas cookies or brownies. If you are stuck for ideas, Pinterest is a great resource. You can also check out our yummy chocolate chip cookies recipe here.

7. Be smart about festive food

Festive food is another expenditure which can really add up. If you are hosting Christmas dinner, you should start by writing a list of the items you need and in what quantities to feed your guests. This will help you stick to your budget. And if you do end up with leftovers, you can use these for a Boxing Day lunch or dinner! Turkey soup is always a favourite. Also, if you are cooking for a large group don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a dish of their own for the meal. This way, the cost and work is shared.

8. Be conscious of Christmas lighting

With energy bills rocketing, it is also important to pay attention to your Christmas lighting. You should use LED lights wherever possible, as these utilise 90% less energy than standard lights. You can also purchase lights which come with automatic timers like these 200 Multi-Coloured Christmas Battery Operated Chasing LED Lights. This makes it easy to manage when the lights are switched on, helping you cut down on energy usage. Also, try to avoid keeping your outdoor lights on overnight. Not many people will be seeing them at those times anyway, and switching your lights off for even a few hours a day can go a long way in cutting costs.

9. Christmas card savings

Christmas cards are another expense that can add up. One way that you can save money on cards and postage is by sending e-cards instead of physical ones. There are many free options and festive designs available online, and all you need is the recipients e-mail address. If you want to send physical cards, try to send them early so you don’t need to pay extra for faster postal options.

10. Compare prices at Fairwayrock.com

Here at Fairwayrock one of our brand missions is to provide fairness and best value. Our online marketplace allows you to compare prices from reputable suppliers, so that you can find the best deal every time. This is a great and easy way to make sure you aren’t unnecessarily overspending on Christmas gifts. Browse our website here.

We hope that you have found this blog helpful! Do you have any Christmas money saving tips to share? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to follow us on our socials where we share the latest updates and industry news. Find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Tags: christmas, christmasgifts, costofliving, money, savemoney, xmas