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Christmas on a budget with 5 tips that won't break the bank!

This year, many of us are feeling the pinch with the cost of living increasing, heating our homes could be a luxury rather than a necessity. If you and your family are wondering how you are going to enjoy the festive season, here are 5 tips on how to enjoy Christmas on a budget.

1. Make a list of your expenses and budget

Check your bank app to see how much money you have to play with and make a list of the loved ones you want to buy presents for. Allocate an amount of money to buy that person’s present, but don’t go over your budget. Choosing what you might like to buy beforehand could help too.

There are lots of apps to help you budget. Why not try Christmas Gift List (Android) orChristmas Planner Pro (iOS) to keep you on track?

2. Shop around

Once you know what you want to purchase for your friends and family – shop around for a good deal! Places like eBay, Groupon and Wowcher are great places to find deals at this time of year. You may even be able to pick up a bargain as places like Boots and Asda are doing 3-for-2 deals on Christmas gifts. A great comparison tool to find the very best deal is Google Shopping.

Why not look on Facebook marketplace or in charity shops for a gift at a fraction of the price?

3. Try Secret Santa

Instead of buying for lots of people, why not speak to your loved ones about taking part in secret Santa instead? Not only will it save you money on buying lots of gifts for every family member, but you will also have more money to buy the recipient something they may actually want, need or treasure. If you like this idea why not use an app such as Elfster to help you organise it?

4. Exchange materialism for memories

Instead of buying gifts, why not opt to gift people your time? You could opt to gift someone a cinema date in the new year, dinner and drinks at your house, or perhaps do a chore you know they hate. People remember the time you spend with them and the way you make them feel, rather than the things you gift them. You can even make a voucher or gift certificate that you can give to the person on the day.

5. DIY Christmas gifts

Following on from the gift certificate idea, why not make your own DIY presents? You could make chocolate bark by melting chocolate and adding the person's favourite sweets or crush up some candy canes. You could make biscuits, jams or chutneys and package them up to make them look amazing. For more inspiration on edible gifts CLICK HERE.

A really cheap but thoughtful gift to give is a photo in a frame. Inexpensive frames can be purchased from Poundland, Wilkos, eBay or even Amazon.

Whatever you do and however you choose to celebrate this year, make sure you give gifts that are within your means. People appreciate the time, thought and consideration that goes into the gift over the amount of money spent. So this year enjoy yourself, get creative and save some money for the new year.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year from all of us at Yorlinc!

Written by Laura Starkey-Ash, Social Media Manager

8th December, 2022

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