This may be a little late, as we’re getting so close to Christmas now, but I can’t be the only person who hasn’t finished their shopping right? Christmas can be a pretty expensive time, and I’m pretty sure we’ve all been guilty of spending too much. Which might make for brilliant gifts, but it’s not so good for our bills.
I’ve been guilty of spending too much this year, and considering I’m still not done; it’s not looking good. In this post I’m going to go through some ways to help you to stick to your budget.
Use Your Store Advantage Cards
You know those points you’ve been gathering throughout the year? Christmas is a great time to spend them. My Boots card has really come in handy this year, as they have had so many amazing deals on, and I’ve been able to get them with my points. If you can stack up points, then it’s definitely worth spending them on presents if you’re a little stuck for money.
Remember to Save Room for Yourself
If you go through December and don’t budget anything in for yourself, then you’re already struggling. There’s a high chance that you’re going to need to pick up the odd bit for yourself that’s a necessity. It’s also a little too easy to slip something in for yourself when you’re Christmas shopping. It’s always best to save some of the budget for yourself; you never know what may come up.
Will They Use It?
This is something I’ve stuck by this year. The shops sell a lot of novelty gifts that may be used once and then put away never to be seen again; which ultimately is a bit of waste. I really want to focus on getting people things they need or have wanted, rather than something that will clutter their house. Plus it’s a great feeling when you know someone loves the gift you got them.
Allow for a Little Breathing Space
I find that it’s better to not be so strict with the budget and instead of setting a specific price, set brackets instead. For example: £15-£20 or £8-£10. It can be hard to stick to a specific budget, but these brackets should make it a little easier. When I did my last minute gift guide, I saw some things that I thought my family might like when I was on the Thornton’s website, so I may have made a little order, but I still haven’t gone over my budget, as I added that little bit extra.
Look For Sales
A great way to save is to look for the same item, but in other stores. Someone in my family wanted a MAC lipstick, but I shopped around and managed to find them in John Lewis, where they were on sale for £14. It might not be a huge saving, but that couple of £, can go towards something else. Just make sure you’re not buying something just because it’s cheap; it’s only a bargain if the person really wants it.
Just remember that it’s not worth getting into debt. Christmas presents don’t have to cost the earth, and that’s okay.
How is your shopping going?
Thank you for reading!
My advantage cards have been so handy lately ! I can’t believe how much money I have been able to spend thanks to them !
I defined a budget per person like a flexible one too ! My main tips is not very accurate now because it is too late but I did most of my Christmas shopping on the Black Friday and I am still so excited I manage to save nearly 50% on each gifts ! So now I have a bit of extra budget if I need for a last minute gift !
https://bookslipsticksandtravels.wordpress.com
Author
They’re good aren’t they?! That is such a good idea. That’s a good idea too, getting everything in the sale is the best time to get it; especially with that saving xx
You don’t realise how points add up on your advantage cards, and before you know it, you could have purchased some of the items that you brought with the points! This is such a good tip. Especially as places that have advantage cards, like Boots, always seem to have offers on to collect extra points! x
Amber | http://www.amberatlanta.blogspot.co.uk
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You really don’t, and that’s so true! Points can really help out xx
I can never stick to my Christmas budget, not sure there is any hope for me! 🙂
Magda
http://www.gloryofthesnow.com/
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It can be hard, but you’ll get there!xx
These are great tips! There are a lot of cute gifts out there that I’m always tempted to buy, but then I do try to think about things realistically and whether or not people would actually use it, and the answer is usually no 😅
Jenny | Geeky Posh
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Thank you, I’m glad you think so! It can be so hard, but definitely worth it xx
This is such a great post I honestly always go overboard when it comes to spending at Christmas. But I always seem to spend a lot on myself, I just cannot help it haha. I need to stop with the novelty gifts though that won’t be used.
Charlotte / Charlotte’s Picks
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Thank you, I’m glad you think so! It can be so hard not to go overboard at Christmas xx
such great tips. Saving room for yourself is very necessary
Wonder Cottage
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Thank you, and it really is haha!xx
These are great tips ! I am definitely going to use my advantage cards now.
Thanks for the great post
Sadie xoxo
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Thank you, I’m glad you think so! I hope it helps. No problem, thank you for stopping by xx
Great tips! I love using all of my advantage cards! You can never have too many!
Cloe X http://clxelouise.blogspot.com
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Thank you! That is so true xx