Cosy Christmas

Leave the plastic at home – At this time of year it is very easy to whip out the plastic and massively over-spend. Unfortunately you will be just deferring money problems into the New Year. Some costs may have to be put on credit cards, but always bear in mind what it will mean in monthly payments in the future.

Make a list – Before you hit the shops, work out who you are buying for and a budget for each person. Then stick to it.

Don’t pay full price – Use your list to check out the prices of goods online, before hitting the mall. There are many shopbots such as www.kelkoo.co.uk and www.pricerunner.co.uk that will help you hunt out the best possible deal.

Buy in bulk – Look out for any three-for-two promotions and remember, smaller, independent stores may well be prepared to do a deal if you tell them you will be buying a notable quantity of any one item. Often all you have to do is ask.

Better to give than receive – The shops look great at this time of year and it is very easy to get swept away by the bonhomie. However, don’t fall into the classic Christmas present buying trap of impulse buying gifts for yourself. If you are really tempted, take a note of the product and lay some heavy hints with loved ones.

Give away your most valuable asset – your time – Home made presents can have a real impact and people love the idea that you have put some effort in. If you don’t feel creative, make some tokens offering to cook a favourite meal, or give a massage, or spend an evening babysitting.

Re-gift – This takes a bit of planning, and some meticulous record-keeping, but why not hang on to presents you don’t really want, or need, and pass them on to someone who might get some use out of them? Alternatively, if you are worried you may get caught out, try out community websites such as www.freecycle.org where people give away things they no longer need. It could be a great way to swap that baggy reindeer jumper for something useful.

Wrap clever – Use colourful magazines to wrap small presents or decorate plain brown parcel paper with glitter, paint and stickers for an original way to present gifts. Also, if you like to go to town with bows and ribbons, visit your local haberdashery department which sell these materials at the fraction of the cost of bespoke gift wrap shops. Old Christmas cards can also be cut up to make great gift tags.

Play postie – Save money on postage by delivering your Christmas cards yourself. Chances are you’ll be seeing many work colleagues, friends and relations in the run-up to the big day, so if you are prepared you can save a fortune on stamps. Plus you’ll get a bit of exercise in before you tackle that enormous Christmas lunch.

Written by Teena Lyons, this article was first published on November 19, 2010. Teena's opinions are her own and for general information only. Always seek independent, professional, financial advice.