I feel like I am a bit of a Scrooge because I’m always moaning that Christmas is already here. I mean, come on, Christmas films, already?! I even ate a mince pie yesterday. Next week everything will be about getting ready for New Year! But there is one aspect which I understand, which is shopping. I feel like November is a good time to start, because then things don’t go out of stock etc, so I decided I would make a guide to budget Christmas shopping!
There are loads of tutorial out there on making hair bows, cushions etc, you name it, you can make it! Making your own gifts saves the £££ but also means you can give your loved ones a completely unique present. Plus, if you don’t like 1, Christmas shopping at all or 2, going out in the cold, it saves the stress of shopping. Stay in, watch a film and make something! You can also buy kits for making jewellery, soaps etc which means you can make things in bulk, make them professionally and keep it for next year! This Fashion is Mine has a few ideas, so make sure you check them out!
Bundle It Up... 3
To make a sweet and cheap present, I recommend going to a shop like Wilkinsons. It may surprise you, but they have a really big range of things at good prices, which can cater for most people. All you have to do is gather a few bits and bobs and wrap it up nicely. Poundland can even help with their wrapping supplies, you could possibly make your own too! If you do it really well, nobody will ever suspect that you only spent a few pennies on it! It’s like your own gift set! I’ve done this, and it went down a treat!
Obviously your friends and family are all priceless but if you really need to keep hold of those purse strings, then make sure you set prices per person. I would recommend spending more on your nearest and dearest, and less on your friends. Maybe you could spend £15.00 each for your parents and £8.00 for your friends. Be careful though Mr/Miss Popular! This could still add up!
Vouchers & Gift Cards… 6
If you really have no idea what to buy for somebody, a good present is a Voucher or Gift Card. Straight after Christmas, the sales kick in, which means the recipient of the Voucher, can go and treat themselves to whatever they like! Plus, you can now buy ones which work in multiple stores, and some stores even let you add as much as or little as you want – usually at least £5.00 though!
Search, Search, Search… 7 (find the code at Islaay.com) & 7
As I said, Christmas shopping can be stressful, but this always the internet (everything comes back to the internet, non?), so make sure you shop around. Some shops may even have better deals on their site. I recommend definitely taking a look at Amazon, ASOS and BANK Fashion. Another tip is to always look for discount codes. It’s always annoying when you discover there was one, just after you pay. Talking about codes, some of your favourite blogs might have codes too! Motel Rocks are a very popular brand with blogger discount codes 😉 Don’t forget that free delivery is your best friend. ASOS do free worldwide delivery, and it’s pretty quick too!
I hope you enjoyed this little budget Christmas shopping guide! I should be bringing you a Christmas Wishlist because I thought it deemed appropriate, so watch out for that! I also have a couple of Winter style DIYs coming up, also! 😀
