If there’s ever a time of year to let loose on spending, it’s the Holiday Season. But with the cost of living rising, we’re all feeling the need to be a bit more careful in the run-up.
The unfortunate reality is that the Holidays have turned into quite a commercial and often expensive affair. If you’re strapped for cash or on a tight budget, celebrating this holiday can be quite heavy on the wallet, and shopping may feel like the last thing you want to do.
However, before we know it, it’s the week before the big day, and many of us are still to start wrapping (or buying!) their shopping.
The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the Holidays on a budget. From planning a great seasonal meal on a budget to affordable present options, there are many ways you can have a fantastic celebration on a budget, even if we only have a few days to go!
In this article, we’ll explore some ideas for last-minute Holiday shopping on a budget to help you get into the festive spirit.
1) Consider Second-Hand Items
With rising costs, pre-loved or second-hand items have become a popular gift choice when it comes to shopping on a budget. Not only is purchasing second-hand gifts practical, but it’s also one of the best ways to save some money.
When it comes to children’s toys or clothes, we all know that kid’s attention spans aren’t what they once were and clothes are quickly grown out of. If you’re struggling with your shopping, consider visiting second-hand websites or stores and looking for some good-as-new gifts.
If you’d like, you could make your gift even more special by personalising it or explaining the thought behind it. Ensure you thoroughly evaluate your potential gifts before purchase to spot any wear and tear and fix up any damage prior to the gift exchange.
In our consumerist society, choosing to buy second-hand is a more sustainable choice that can help you enjoy the festive spirit of the season, whilst saving money and still getting to share gifts with your loved ones.
2) Control Spending With Gift Vouchers
If you’re not 100% sure on what to get someone, rather than taking a risk on a gift, you can’t go wrong with a voucher. Gift vouchers are one of the best ways to enjoy Holiday shopping whilst allowing you to stay well within your budget, allowing the recipient to pick something they’ll love for themself.
Even if you’re not completely sure about what to get for someone, you can get a voucher somewhere you know they’ll like (or generic) and put as much on it as you choose. Gift vouchers help show the people in your life that you care about them, while also saving yourself some money.
3) Take a Look at Charity Gift Catalogues
It’s undeniable that times are tough for everyone, but it’s also true that there are plenty of people who are still worse off.
If you think that your friends have everything they need in life and would appreciate a non-traditional gift, a charitable donation in their name would be a thoughtful present.
Many charities allow you to donate in the form of a gift, with some letting you do it in the name of someone else as well. Instead of spending money on something they may only use a couple of times, you can scope out charity gift catalogues and have your gift make a bigger impact on someone less fortunate.
4) Downsize the Festive Dinner
When it comes to the festive season, it wouldn’t feel complete without dinner with friends and family. However, in the rush to prepare, it’s easy to get caught up in a buying frenzy.
Spending responsibly and buying only what you need is the key to a meal on a budget.
Creating a Holiday meal plan and making a shopping list based on that will help you avoid buying more food than you need. When shopping, in store or online, ensure you stick to your list. If you have any leftovers, store them in your freezer to use another time.
If you and your family don’t particularly enjoy turkey or a traditional festive dinner’s too expensive, find an alternative that works for you. Just because turkey is traditional, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy something else instead. You could do the same with other traditional dishes as well, focusing on celebrating with food your family enjoys.
More than the food, this time of year is about getting together and spending time with the people you love.
5) Take Advantage of Early Boxing Day Sales
For many, Boxing Day is all about leftovers and recovering from the previous night’s festivities, but for some, it’s all about the sales and deals.
Every year, the Boxing Day sales offer a huge opportunity for shoppers to save some money with shops opening their doors and slashing their prices. These deals can help you make the most of your budget and enjoy the shopping experience.
While Boxing Day is traditionally held on the 26th of December, many retailers have begun running early Boxing Day sales. These sales present the ideal chance for you to squeeze in some last-minute shopping, especially if you’re on a budget. With this in mind, if there’s anyone you’re planning on seeing after the main event - you could always pick them up a gift in the sales!
Choose Salad Money for Fair and Affordable Personal Loans
This is one of the most wonderful times of year, but the one thing that can often put a dampener on the festivities is thinking about the costs. The good news is that with our tips for shopping on a budget, you can save money and embrace the festive season.
At Salad Money, we recognise that managing finances isn’t always easy and you may need some financial support occasionally. That’s why we offer fair and affordable loans to help you overcome your financial hurdles.
As a leading lender in the UK, we offer a helping hand to those who need it the most. Our ‘More Than Your Score’ loans allow you to access the money you need, without considering your credit score. Instead, we use an Open Banking system to analyse loan affordability based on your current financial situation.
What’s more, we’re authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), so your financial data will always be safe and secure.
To learn more about our personal loans, click here, and to read more blogs like this one, visit our blog page now.
