We get it – all the upcoming giving and celebrating is fun, but it can also put a strain on your wallet.
Fear not, there are some simple strategies to keep your holiday budget in check while still creating a magical Christmas.
Celebrate Christmas in Jess Rowe style with a smaller budget.
(Credit: Instagram)1. Crafty DIY
Making bonbons, wreaths and more is a fun activity for the whole family that’s also a budget-friendly way to deck those halls.
Head to spotlightstores.com to find some suggestions.
2. Secret Santa
Suggest a Secret Santa gift exchange to your family or friends.
If everyone picks a name out of a hat and agrees on a $50 spend, for example, you can all enjoy gift-giving without breaking the bank.
3. Potluck Party
Host a US-style potluck holiday dinner where each guest brings a dish to share.
Not only will it cut down on expenses, but you get to try a host of new dishes, too.
4. Thrifty Wrapping
Re-use gift bags, ribbons and wrapping paper. No leftovers? No worries.
Get creative with alternatives like newspaper, brown paper, tea towels or fabric offcuts.
5. Charity Gifts
Consider making a donation to a charity in someone’s name instead of buying a traditional gift.
It’s a meaningful gesture that benefits a good cause, and a small donation can go a long way.
Ronald McDonald House, The Smith Family and Oxfam are good places to start.
6. Save on postage for pressies
Some retailers will offer free postage if you spend a certain amount, so think about where you can purchase more than one gift at a time to cut costs.
7. Don’t waste money on cards
Why not embrace the digital age and send an e-card instead? You can personalise them with photos, messages and even video.
8. Homemade treats
Ditch expensive store-bought pressies, and consider baking cookies, making jam or pickles or creating personalised chocolate gifts.
