10 Simple Tips for Keeping Christmas Budget Friendly
Despite the COVID-19 recession, Australians have indicated that they will spend nearly 2.8% more this year on Christmas. Stats collated by Roy Morgan with the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) shows Australians spent $52.9 billion in retail expenditure during the 2019 festive season.
The survey data was across six categories – including food, household goods, clothing, footwear and accessories, department stores, other retailing, and hospitality. So how can you ensure you make Christmas a budget-friendly as possible?
Here are our Top Ten Tips:
#1 SET A SPENDING LIMIT FOR ALL GIFTS
We all have so much, and really, Christmas should be about the loveliness of being together, not the opportunity to stack up as many gifts as possible. Set a limit for everyone you’re buying for, and stick to it.
#2 ASK PEOPLE TO BRING SOMETHING
Days of eating, drinking, and being merry all ad up, so ask people to bring something. And if you’re game, tell them exactly what you’d like, eg a salad, or drinks, and write it down so there are no double ups. Most people plan to bring something anyway so no doubt will be delighted when they know what they’re bringing will be useful! Alternatively ask them what they’d like to bring, and work your shopping around them.
#3. KEEP IT SIMPLE
With food, remember that all anyone really wants is a slice of ham and a serving of pavlova. It’s easy to get carried away with fancy ingredients and complicated recipes, but Christmas food can actually be pretty simple: buy the best ham you can afford and serve it with chutneys and fresh bread and cheese. A glass of bubbles and you’re set.
#4. USE A POTTED PLANT FOR A CHRISTMAS TREE
Instead of buying an expensive fresh Christmas Tree each year, use a potted plant. It is great for the environment, and can give you year-round enjoyment! And if you already have an artificial tree, that’s great too – just ensure you keep using the same one for 10-20 years to get your money worth and reduce the impact on the environment.
#5. OPT FOR INEXPENSIVE DECORATIONS
A great way to decorate your tree is with dried fruit and flowers and popcorn garlands! Or why not try op-shopping for baubles. And if you’re on the hunt for new tree lights, choose LED, they’ll save on your electricity bill!
#6. CHEAP GIFT WRAPPING
Speaking of packaging, nobody needs to spend a fortune on Christmas-themed gift wrap. Buy a cheap roll of kraft paper and let your kids (borrow some, if you don’t have your own) create their own artworks on them for wrapping. Cute and cheap: just the way we like it.
#7. BUY CHAMPERS IN BULK
Champagne is a must at Christmas, but take advantage of drinks specials at grocery stores: most of the time, you can get six bottles at a 25 percent discount. Discount retailers might even offer a greater saving.
#8. USE POINTS
If you have credit card points, try to save them for Christmas – either for groceries or gifts. Cash them in for gift cards and go shopping “for free”. Sort of…
#9. SHOP SMARTER, NOT HARDER
He recommends planning your shopping around Black Friday and Cyber Monday Weekend (29 November to 2 December). “If you visit ShopBack during this time, you’ll see all of the best store discounts in one place, topped off with our massive cashback deals,” he says. So make your list, check it twice, and get your Christmas shopping done in one hit (all while reaping huge savings).
#10. REUSE & RECYCLE
This sounds obvious, but: try not to buy anything new. Chances are, you already have a Christmas tree and all the trimmings. You probably own a wreath. The temptation to buy will always be there, but you don’t have to give in to it.
What Christmas Budget Tips do you have? We’d love to hear them…
This article was partly sourced from Homestolove.com.au
