Cut The Cost Of Christmas Gifts
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Probably the biggest expense at Christmas is presents - with extended families some of us can end up forking out for sacks of gifts that would put Father Christmas to shame!
But not to worry, there are ways to save - check out these tips and cut the cost of presents this Christmas.
1. Secret Santa
If you will be seeing a lot of people at once on Christmas day, why not arrange to do a "Secret Santa"? Everyone pulls a name out of a hat and has to buy that person a gift (you can set a budget, too). It saves a fortune and everyone still has something to open on the big day.
2. Families
If there are lots of children in your family, why not make a pact with all the parents to only buy presents for the kids? Alternatively, consider buying the whole family a gift (such as a board game) rather than individual presents as it's bound to work out cheaper. And beautiful photos of your kids can be inexpensive, but much appreciated presents for grandparents.
3. Make presents
A great way to save money is to make your presents. Homemade chutneys, pickles, jams and conserves can cost a small fortune in the shops but be made relatively cheaply (especially if you do so in bulk!) and are sure to be much appreciated. Alternatively, homemade chocolates, truffles and fudge are sure to go down a treat! Check out sites such as Delia online and the BBC for recipe ideas.
4. Give "gift" vouchers
Alternatively, if you can't cook, why not offer your time (and labour) instead? Making (and wrapping) your own "gift" vouchers offering the recipient a night's babysitting, a week's dog walking, a couple of days of gardening, a car wash and valet, a weekend of decorating or a week's worth of ironing are sure to be far more appreciated in most households than any gifts!
5. Skills
And on that note, think about your skill set could you offer a driving, music, language or computer skills lesson? Or how about teaching someone how to sew or knit?
6. Free gifts
If you're really stuck (or broke) look at what you can get for free. Supermarket reward vouchers can be traded in for magazine subscriptions, theatre vouchers, tickets to theme parks and a whole lot more; just investigate the Tesco and Nectar websites. Check out nearly new sales for good quality items and Freecycle Network members often give away unwanted gifts.
7. Ethical gifts
And, for a feel-good Christmas, why not agree to give ethical presents or donations to charity instead this year? Check out Oxfam for unusual gift ideas.
8. Have a Foolish Christmas!
And finally, why not use all of the knowledge you've gained from the Fool this year and give your parents/neighbour/friend a promise to help them sort out their finances in the New Year? They could save hundreds of pounds by switching to a higher paying savings account, ISA, current account or re-mortgaging to a better deal with a little bit of help from you!
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