Even though we're still feeling the pinch this winter, you don't have to turn into Scrooge. Being festive doesn't need to be expensive and a little creative thinking can go as far as the North Pole.
Check out these ten tricks for saving money this Christmas:
1. Have a ho-ho-homemade Christmas
No tree is complete without a good flourish of decorations. Why not add a personal touch and save a few pennies by making your own? Jamie Oliver has a cute 'make your own' range and you can make them as individual as you want by customising them with buttons and ribbons. His make your own felt angel tree tropper (£5) will smile from on high and make your own felt stockings (£8, both from Jme Collection) will be full of glad tidings on Christmas day. Once the twelfth night is over you can pack them away until next year and customise all over again.
2. Sew your own
With DIY in mind, get crafty with Cath Kidston’s exclusive Sew! book (£15). The Queen of floral print shares her designs for over 40 simple sewing projects. So whether you’re a sewing pro or a needle no–go, this book will help you create masterpieces of winter warmers, Christmas gifts and decorations with its easy step–by–step guides. If sewing really isn’t you, the book is a great gift itself. And the Moulin Roty knitting kit (£33) from Aspace has everything you need for woollen winter crafts.
3. A snow load of sales
You don't have to wait until Boxing Day and queue from 5am to get a bargain. Stay in the comfort and warmth of your own home and look at the sales and special offers already on offer. Our Christmas gift guide has some great finds for under £10, such as this key doorstep from J–me @ design boutique and a whole host of online discount codes to ensure you get more bang for your buck.
4. Go crackers over Christmas
Crackers are usually an expensive and short–lived aspect of the Christmas season. If you're feeling broke, opt for these affordable Kraft fill your own recycled crackers (pack of 6, £5) from John Lewis, which you can pack with whatever you want. Fill with thoughtful trinkets and your own (funny) jokes to charm your family.
5. Fake it
If finding and transporting a genuine fir tree is a tough and pricey prospect, then opt for an artificial tree that will last for life. This traditional 6ft standard green Christmas tree (£55) from Marks & Spencer won't shed any needles – or uneccessary pounds from your purse. Its thick branches and shape looks realistic and will last a lifetime. Marks are pledging to plant a real tree for every one bought so you'll be doing a festive good deed at the same time.
6. Use your garden
Make a big impact for little cost by letting Mother Nature decorate your house this Christmas. Pinecorns, evergreen branches and acorns are very festive. Leave them natural, paint them or wrap with ribbon for a rustic and festive feel. Don't have a garden? You can buy a ready made large gold cone tree (£12) from Debenhams. Or string cranberries along a fishing line – interspersed with cinnamon sticks – around the house. And don’t forget the mistletoe!
7. Light up on a budget
Group together tealights for a dramatic evening effect. Pick up affordable tealight holders like The Conran Shop's range of red jam jar tealight holders (£3.50). Take inspiration from them and pop your own tealight in washed a jam jar – tie bright ribbon around the neck for a party touch. Or nestle the candle in a group of sugared almonds, peppermints or even sand.
8. Create your own wreath
A homemade wreath is a cheap wreath. If you buy a plain one you can create your own floral masterpiece for a fraction of the price. Simply add holly, dried flowers, painted nuts, ribbon, baubles and even photos of your family for a personal touch. Take inspiration from Marks & Spencer – they've added pine cones, cinnamon sticks and painted berries to this pine cone wreath (£12).
9. Christmas cards
If you remembered to keep last year’s Christmas cards, chop them in half and send as postcards. It’s a double whammy deal as postcards cost less postage than regular cards (although whether they'll get to your friends on time is another matter, thanks Royal Mail). Reduce the size of the postage and the present with these Christmas tree seed cards (set of 5, £15) from Jme Collection. The novelty of a grow your own Christmas tree is fun and your friends will think of you every year as they watch them flourish.
10. DIY gift tags
Use up leftover wrapping paper, Christmas cards or even scraps of material for your gift tags. But don't stop there. Add details by using a paper punch or scalloped scissors and write with a gold or silver pen. Finish by attaching them to gifts with this bright and festive red satin ribbon (£2.50).
