How to Cut Down on the Cost of Christmas Gifts

Christmas is supposed to be a happy occasion but many people become too stressed to enjoy it. There’s so much to do and to think about. And gift shopping – that can be so expensive, can’t it? Many people, especially people with chronic pain, illness or disabilities are unable to work and cannot afford to spend lots of money on gifts. But surely Christmas can be special without spending a fortune? Perhaps if we cut down on the cost of Christmas gifts, people would be able to enjoy the season more.

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Cut Down on the Cost of Christmas Gifts

There are lots of ways to cut down on the cost of Christmas gifts. I have put together a list of ideas. Hopefully, you’ll find something that works for you.

Gift-free and Guilt-free Christmas

This suggestion won’t appeal to everyone, but please hear me out.

Some people cannot work or they may be on a low income and cannot afford to buy everyday essentials, never mind Christmas gifts. However, people in this situation often feel obliged to buy gifts meaning that Christmas is a financial nightmare for them. It puts a huge burden on their shoulders.

If you’re in that position, talk to your family and friends and suggest a gift-free, guilt-free Christmas. Other people might also be feeling the pinch but feel obliged to buy gifts, therefore, you might actually be solving a problem for them as well as yourself.

Edit the Gift List

There often comes a time when you have to decide to edit the gift list. It’s maybe time to stop buying gifts for your second cousin twice removed. They might not be able to afford it either, but because you give to them, they feel obliged to give to you.

Budget

Set yourself a budget. Don’t go over it, no matter how tempting it may be.

Secret Santa

Set up a Secret Santa within the family or a group of friends where each person buys only one gift. Set a price limit that everyone can afford. A Secret Santa will save time and energy as well as money.

The Gift of Time

Presence is better than presents – so give the gift of your time to people by visiting or inviting them to your house. It doesn’t cost you a penny but it might the most treasured gift for the recipient.

Many people live lonely lives, therefore would appreciate your gift of time.

Shop Throughout the Year

I’m a bit late in suggesting this, but bear it in mind for next year. When you see a bargain early in the year, buy it and put it in a safe place (But do remember where the safe place is).

High Street and online stores often have sales or special deals.

Check out on Amazon. Look at the “Today’s Deals” section. You might be able to grab a bargain there. Use Amazon Prime to get free next day delivery. If you don’t have Prime, you can get a thirty-day free trial here.

Amazon also has some last minute Christmas deals. Click here to find them.

Charity Shops

Not everything in charity shops has been used or worn. People donate brand new clothes, bags, shoes and jewellery. They also donate unwanted gifts and new, still packaged kitchen goods, DVDs and computer games.

Cut Down on the Cost of Christmas by Making Instead of Buying

A unique hand made gift is special because the recipient knows you’ve put love and thought into making it. So why not get creative? As well as becoming an extra special gift, creativity is a good distraction and therapeutic if you live with a health problem.

A handmade gift really is an excellent way to cut down on the cost of Christmas. Perhaps some of the following ideas would appeal to you.

Cardmaking

If you enjoy cardmaking, as well as making your own Christmas cards, you could also make some celebration cards to gift to people. A mixed selection of birthday, get well, congratulations and thank you cards inside a decorated box or folder would make a lovely gift.

Paint a Picture

Give someone a piece of art of your own making. Not artistic? You can get beautiful paint by numbers kits for adults.

Get Poetic

Why not get crafty with words? You could write a few lines about the person or write about a memory you share.

Alternatively, you could find a verse you know they would like.

Print it and put it into a frame.

Frame a Photo

Find a photo you know the recipient will love and frame it. Perhaps they’d appreciate a special photo of you together, a photo of their family or their pet.

Needlework

A cross-stitch or embroidered picture makes a beautiful gift and there are some gorgeous and affordable kits for beginners, so you don’t need to worry if you’re a novice.

Knit or Crochet

Get out your knitting needles or crochet hook to make a scarf for someone. Doesn’t everyone need winter woollies at this time of year?

Make Jewellery

You can make the perfect gift of handmade jewellery for someone you care about.

Amazon has kits which have everything you need to get started.

You could also find cheap strings of beads in charity shops which you can take apart to use for making new jewellery using the findings in the kits.

Cakes, Cookies and Candies

If you’re able to bake, your homebaked treats would a delicious Christmas gift for someone.

Personalise a Gift with Acrylic Paint Pens

Acrylic pens work on practically any surface – glass, ceramic, stone, metal, pottery, wood, rubber, plastic – therefore, you could decorate almost anything you choose. Try designing mugs, glasses, mirrors or vases with the recipient’s name, flowers, hearts, butterflies or something relating to a hobby. A Zentangle design would look fantastic.

Don’t use normal Sharpie markers because they will wash off.

Mugs may need to be baked after being designed. Details may come with the pens. If not, you’ll find simple instructions online.

Jar of Joy

This is a personal favourite of mine because it is such a simple but thoughtful gift.

Decorate an empty jar. (You could use those acrylic pens). Write notes, fold them and put them into the jar for the recipient. You want the jar to be full of joy, so write happy, positive, uplifting messages or notes about memories you share.

Or leave the jar empty, so that the recipient can fill it themselves with their own thoughts. They could write a daily gratitude note or write about a happy moment from each day. They will then have a jar full of positivity to look back on. It’s like keeping a journal in a jar.

Upcycling

One person’s trash is another’s treasure.

Upcycling is so trendy just now. It’s practical, environmentally friendly and it’s also fun. You’ll find old furniture, mirrors, frames and crockery in charity shops, goodwill or even at tips. Work some magic on them and transform them into something unique to give as a gift.

I hope this post helps you to cut down the cost of Christmas so that you can enjoy it more. Remember there’s more to Christmas than expensive price tags, so don’t burden yourself with guilt for doing what’s right for you.

Check out this post for tips on how to have a stress-free Christmas.

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