There’s no doubt about it, Christmas is an expensive time of year. I don’t know about you but by the time end of term comes around nobody has any money left for food, let alone presents! This is where panic sets in because you feel you can’t turn up empty handed in front of your parents; after they’ve lovingly given you and unknowingly funded your binge-drinking for the past 10 weeks.
These 5 tips will give you some simple ways to cheaply be able to give gifts to flatmates, family and friends:
1. Do secret Santa
Set a £5 limit and chuck everyone’s names into a hat. This can be a fun way to bring the house together too. Although it is slightly awkward if you don’t know your flatmates that well (and especially if you draw the short straw and get that annoying housemate.) If all else fails, everyone loves chocolate.
2. Get creative
Whether it’s a gift, cards or even some food, not only is it a cheaper present it is also appreciated a lot more. Popular recipes in my household tend to be anything with chocolate or salted caramel in it. A few of my favourites (all tried and tested) are:
– Brownies: http://www.thelondoner.me/2011/06/slutty-brownies.html
– Toffee: http://www.thelondoner.me/2014/11/pecan-toffee.html
– Cookies http://www.tanyaburr.co.uk/?blog=blogs/archive/2015/05/02/my.chocolate.cookie.recipe.asp
You can also use website like Pinterest for ideas on Christmas cards and crafts.
3. Buy gift sets
Gift sets may seem expensive initially but if you split them up over several friends it really brings the cost down. This method is particularly useful if you’re buying for a group of friends as it avoids the problem of getting everyone something completely different. Places like Boots, Superdrug or even supermarkets like Sainsbury’s often do really good sets at reasonable prices.
4. Get the squad together
A good way to avoid buying presents for your friends is to go out for a meal all together- this is a great way to catch up on all the gossip whilst you’ve been away at Uni. It also means that you are only paying for yourself.
5. Hunt for bargains
Nothing is quite the same as physically going Christmas shopping, however places like eBay will often have lot of items labelled as “new with tags”. This is a good way to save money whilst still getting a great branded present for someone.