Christmas is right around the corner, and while it’s always a lot of fun, anyone will tell you that the lead-up can be quite the stressful experience. It’s both a physical and financial strain, and finding something special for everyone you care about can be really difficult (and it’s something that seems to get more difficult every year).
Thankfully, Christmas doesn’t have to cost a bomb, and there really is a lot of truth to the sentiment that it’s the thought that counts.
In this article, you’ll learn about ten affordable gift options when your budget is tight and you’re stuck with what to buy.
- Focus on Quality Over Quantity
If you’ve got a lower budget, it’s much better to choose a single, high-quality gift over lots of little things. Stretching a small budget over multiple presents never usually ends well, as you just end up buying filler that no one really wants.
Instead, consider the person carefully and think about how you can make the most out of the little you have. You don’t have to spend a lot, but you should definitely put all of the budget for that person into one gift if you can.
- Give Gift Cards and Vouchers
Christmas gift cards or vouchers are always a great bet for those on a budget. You take away the stress of getting something specific and instead allow the recipient to choose, and no matter how much you have to spend, they’re always affordable.
The vast majority of stores have gift cards these days, so take careful note of what the recipient is into and tailor the card to their interests (if you’re getting a gift card for a game console, though, make sure you get one for the right console!).
- Consider Second-Hand Gifts
While second-hand gifts have a negative connotation, they really shouldn’t. Buying second-hand enables you to get something of higher quality that you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to afford new, which is surely better than getting something new that the person doesn’t really want.
Of course, don’t buy something really tatty, but if you find what you’re looking for on the used market and it’s in good condition, you shouldn’t hesitate.
- Set Yourself a Spending Limit
As hard as it may be, if you don’t have a lot to spend, you need to set a spending limit. The tendency is to try and get the absolute best for everyone and make everything equal, even if you don’t have the means, and while that’s admirable, you can easily get yourself in financial trouble by doing this.
Even if you think you know roughly how much you have to spend, set a hard limit on it, and try not to use credit cards; a good rule is if you don’t have the cash to hand, don’t spend it.
- Create Homemade Gifts
Homemade gifts can cost you virtually nothing yet prove to be some of the most meaningful presents you can give.
Of course, there’s a spectrum here, and if you put very little effort in, people will be able to tell, but if you really want to give a thoughtful gift and spend the time to make something great, the recipient will always appreciate it.
Homemade gifts you can consider include candles, photo frames, baked goods, and more (you can even make homemade Christmas cards).
- Do a Secret Santa
If there are a few of you who feel similarly about the stress surrounding the lack of funds for Christmas, then you could consider doing a Secret Santa.
If you’re unfamiliar with the idea, this is when everyone draws names from a hat, and then gets a small gift for the person they’ve picked. No one must know who their secret Santa is.
This is a way to give a small gift that doesn’t break the bank, and it can be a lot of fun.
- Spend Less on Food and Decorations
A Christmas budget doesn’t just include the presents you buy for people – it encompasses food and decorations, too, and these elements can really add up.
A great way to give yourself more to spend on gifts for people is to cut back a little on these aspects. You’d be surprised at how much more money this can give you, so it’s a worthy compromise if you’re struggling. For most people, giving a better gift is more important than how many Christmas lights they have up or how spectacular the food spread is.
- Choose to Give Experiences Instead
It’s often the case that for the same or less money than you can give a mediocre gift, you can give a worthwhile experience.
If you look at the recipient’s interests, you’re sure to find plenty of cheap yet perfect ideas, and there’s so much variation here. You could even offer your services – simply cooking dinner is a nice gesture anyone will appreciate if you don’t have the money for gifts this year.
- Limit Christmas Period Socialising
If you’re someone who spends a lot of time socialising over Christmas, nights out and pub crawls may be where your money is going. =
Alcohol is expensive, and a few drinks one or two times per week definitely add up. That isn’t to say that you shouldn’t go out and enjoy the festive period, but cutting back even just a little can make a big difference to the amount you have to spend on gifts.
- Start Saving for Next Christmas Early
And finally, something you can do that’ll make a difference for next Christmas is to start saving early.
Even putting away just a couple of pounds each week starting in January adds up – you’ll find yourself with a nice little buffer come December.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you’ve found this article helpful for planning your gifts on a budget. It won’t be easy, but with a little foresight, you can give meaningful presents for those you love without breaking the bank. Good luck!
