How can you cut costs this Christmas without looking like a scrooge?

Question

How can you cut costs this Christmas without looking like a scrooge?

Answer 1

We have an agreement not to buy presents for eachother this year, just the kids. We all know how hard up we are and aren't worried about looking like scrooges. It's a relief all round to be honest. We'll all meet up for a day around Christmas and get a bit merry and just enjoy eachother's company :)

Answer 2

Well ..



Let's all start to return to some of the OLD Traditions -- where members of a family would do things for EACH OTHER -- whether it is give 'gift certificates' to help with the chores, making someTHING (Fine Art piece, a bookcase, stool, or garden box) .. a family history (scrapbook) .. just do SOMETHING ...



For the way to celebrate the season is to remember those you love and care for .. and what better way than to MAKE something yourself!





(Oh, and if you are not that 'creative' and your family is not that handy -- how about just putting all the adult names in a hat, and you choose 1 to get a small gift for in exchange. Then .. for those with kids, just ONE family small gift -- a good board game, some necessities, whatever you think those in that family would like).

Answer 3

Knowing that everybody is having to pull in their belts, I approached all my family and friends with a suggestion that we all spend much less on christmas this year.

There was immediate consensus and relief from all parties. It simply means that they won't feel have to go over budget and neither will my family.

Believe me - we are all feeling the recession and christmas isn't going to be last years christmas, but it's one in many. We can spoil each other in other ways. If they are approachable I suggest that you do just that.

Answer 4

I personally did most of my Christmas shopping online this year and to be honest it's a relief to know I won’t have to browse busy shops on Oxford Street this year again!



You can find really good bargains online especially if you access some private sales websites that will let you enjoy extra discounts on already cheaper items.



And the best part is that you don’t need to carry it all the way home, they'll deliver for free (or a small fee)!!



Shops like TKMaxx or Argos are also good spots to head to as they do everything and anything, from the really expensive piece of clothing to the stupid gadgets you get for your office colleagues...



My favourite site at the moment is IWOOT http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/ - you'll find all you need and a lot if inspirations for really reasonable prices.



Good luck to all with the Christmas shopping.

Answer 5

My husband and I made an agreement not to buy each other presents, which works well for us, neither of us feels the need for gifts from each other. We set a limit on what we will spend per person, this year no more that £50, sorry if that sounds mean but I lost my job and had to take a massive pay cut in my new role so I simply do not have the money to spend. We also buy shopping stickers throught out the year and save them on the savers card, this means that by December we have £100 to spend on food, if we are making Christmas dinner that pays for it, if someone else is cooking the dinner then we give them the voucher towards food, so that's the way we do it!

Answer 6

Wrap your presents with newspaper. Anyone with an ounce of sense can see what a waste wrapping paper is anyway, you may as well just burn money.



However, be careful which paper you use - you don't want your kids growing up to think Father Christmas has a political affiliation. Maybe choose the FT or The Independent, or perhaps old copies of Private Eye - I'm sure old papa xmas has a satirical side to his beard.

Answer 7

I'm spending Christmas with close family, altogether 8 adults. Usually it's a competition to buy the most impressive present, and some of them seem to go for expense over whether it's something the person actually wants. This year I have set a top limit of £20 per person and have bought everyone a Christmas stocking, and am slowly filling it with one £10 gift (CD, book etc) and adding inexpensive little items that I know they will use. For example, my mum recently took up gardening, so I'm putting a few packets of seeds and some gloves in hers, my sister just bought a flat with a bath instead of the shower she's had for ten years, so she'll really like the bath pearls and bubble baths that cost me about a fiver in the supermarket. The idea is that each gift is chosen thoughtfully, rather than grab something that will do cos I'm in a rush. And hopefully they'll appreciate the sentimentality of it all. Although Christmas isn't about how much you spend, I would much rather a few cheaper well-chosen presents then a whole stack of expensive ones I can't use or already have.

Am also going to put a satsuma in each one for old times's sake! Next year, I might leave out the £10 gift, but this year, it fits with my budget, so it's in.

Answer 8

Recycle old presents!



Seriously though, many of the presents for friends and family were bought in the sales after Christmas last year. Saying that, there are loads of bargains again, it is just a matter of being patient, and planning ahead in many cases.

Answer 9

make a list of people you need to buy for and pencil in the amount you want to spend on them, play with the numbers and figure out what works and then stick with those numbers when you buy

Answer 10

I agreed in advance with my family, who live in Australia, that we wouldn't do gifts this year. Since I live so far away and only see them every few years, I've learnt that the best present for Christmas is actually just being with your family and enjoying the day, not some useless tat! Since it normally costs me a fair bit just to send the presents, I decided that I would donate that to a charity instead. So that was the family done for only £50!



My boyfriend and I both wanted a new television, since we only have a very old small television in our apartment. We both chipped in for that, so we got a present for each other and something we actually wanted :)



That really only leaves my friends children, I normally get them all presents which costs me a small fortune once I wrap and send them. This year, instead of buying presents for them individually, I adopted 3 animals at the local zoo for them all which cost around £60.



As for Christmas Day itself, we'll be going away :)

Answer 11

Quite a few years ago we, as a family, agreed to buy Christmas gifts costing no more than??? It was a VERY low figure and it was a challenge to find something which would still be liked by, and useful to, the person who received it. We did this for several years and then changed the idea to everyone buying just one thing towards the Christmas festivities which everyone would enjoy. One bought a large tin of biscuits, another a box of chocolates etc. so we each spent very little but all enjoyed sharing the items that each other had bought.



The only people in the family who actually get a gift from each of us are the very young children in the family. The 2 people who are nearing 100 years old get a gift bought by us jointly as we know they enjoy having something to unwrap.



I can honestly say that we have not missed having umpteen parcels each to open on Christmas Day. No-one has felt under pressure to spend money they cannot afford and there are no drawers full of unwanted or unneeded gifts.



Getting into debt never made for a Happy Christmas and I think that the way we do it now is just perfect and I wish we had started doing that years and years earlier.

Answer 12

Visit the pound shop or cheaper retailers, limit how much you're spending on each person. Nobody wants designer perfume, a new tv, a new car or a diamond necklace because they know realistically you're not made of money. Think about what people need but something that you would equally like to receive as a present. I mean you can even put gifts into your trolley at the supermarket. If a tube of smarties for a quid isnt good enough to put a smile on a kids face. People have to stop being so selfish its a time where you give and receive and yeah people havent got the money this year so I hope whatever you buy is with thought and even if its a cheaper brand its not how much you spend its the thought that counts.

Answer 13

I guess the first place to cut costs would be the meal.

I mean (next to all the presents lol) it's the most expensive part of christmas.

We could go for 'own brand' products i.e. Asda's or Tesco's own brand when it comes to the food rather than 'Brand Name' products. After all, most shop brand products are made on the same production lines as branded ones and they cost a good deal less to buy! Once the meal is cooked & on your plate, nobody (except maybe the chef) is going to know where christmas dinner was bought!



As for presents, I know a lot of older children want the most expensive (& latest) toy but the same can't be said for younger children. Again own brand products could be useful for cutting costs here, that said most toddlers seem to be happier with the wrapped box than the actual toy! Lol. Also, you could spread your christmas shopping over the year rather than cramming it all into your last pay check of the year!



Who's to say you have to go out & buy cards for everyone too. Now I'm not saying keep your cards & use tipex on them each year but you can still make your own cards. Most households have a computer & a printer that they can use & there are a whole multitude of free programs that you can use to design & create your own cards! If that's not possible and you are feeling quite artistic, how about drawing your cards yourself, get the kids involved & you could have a good bit of family time too!

Answer 14

The best thing for all of us is to economize. Buy the best quality stuffs at the cheapest prices. List all people you cannot miss out giving gifts. Also, don't overdo the celebration on Christmas. Ways to do these are (1) do not buy on impulse, (2) limit the food, and (3) use old clothes (do not buy new ones). Go around the market first, before making the decision on what to buy. Ask friends for help if you have a financial problem.

Answer 15

Cut cost on food mainly. The one thing people don't notice the most is the fact that a LOT of food is wasted because not everything is eaten. How about looking back on past Christmas celebrations and see which food was least eaten.



Next best thing to do is to recycle all the tin cans that are used. You can easily get a few dollars with it (not much, but at least it's something). Don't spend on expensive decorations. A Christmas tree is the main thing that will make your home look nice. Homemade stuff would be a great way to cut costs.

Answer 16

Wait until Monday for buying expensive items because the VAT reduction will be worth more. Remember that it's only a 2% cut in VAT, not a 2% cut in the actual price. In other words, if it cost £117.50 on Friday it will cost £115 on Monday. That's not much of a price cut.



Save money by not lighting up the outside of your house. Decorated homes look pretty but the occupier doesn't see the benefit and he still has to pay the electricity bill.



Keep internal and external doors closed unless you're actually passing through them. It keeps the heat in.



Don't buy expensive mince pies. Make your own. They're a fraction of the price.



Buy your brandy from Aldi. It's half the price of the big label brands but just as good.

Answer 17

shop the sales, look less for the "perfect" gift and more for items that are fun, useful and deeply discounted. You can still get a lot of gifts, without spending too much money, and there are a lot of things on sale. Look for clearance racks for clothing from summer that might also work for winter - bright blues or winter whites may have been last year's 4th of July things that are on sale for pennies right now!



Also be creative, put things together that will make people say "oh how thoughtful" without breaking the bank. An example would be a movie night basket...find a 5 dollar dvd, put it in a basket with some microwave popcorn, cozy slipper socks, and a box of movie theater candy. Total cost could come in under 10 bucks, but look really impressive if you attach a big bow!

Answer 18

Easy - A) Bargain Hunt, don't just buy the first thing that takes your fancy for someone, try and find it, or an alternative cheaper elsewhere B) Make them things - try making a mix CD for some people, you can reuse some songs but you can personalize it without having to spend hardly any money, some cheep CD gift boxes and some CD-Rs and you can have a present with a lot of thought in it C) Try budget shops or buy weird and wonderful things for people that you wouldn't normally think of getting them - you can go to places like Hawkins Bazaar D) Agree with some family not to buy for each other and just allocate a day over christmas where they can come round and play games and have fun etc.



Hope that helps =D

Answer 19

Everyone is in the same situation, so our family has decided on a budget on £10 per person. That way everyone spends around the same amount, and no-one feels under pressure to spend too much.



Find out when the bargain days for shops are... last year BHS had a 50% of everything day, which was great. Look out for posters and advertisements.



Have a look for BOGOF and 3 for 2 offers, which could prove to be lifesavers.



Or you could do something like making a photo album of you and the person you are giving it too. Or load up all of your CD's onto the computer and make each person a CD with a hand designed cover.



Or do a Secret Santa thing in your family or friendship group, and everyone will recieve one present, which you could set a limit of £50 for example.



Or make everyone gingerbread houses and decorate them with icing and sweets, which will make everyone smile.



Or get everyone cheap novelty gifts.... and joke presents- in the time of a recession, everyone could do with a laugh.



Be creative!

Answer 20

Write out a list to buy for and set a budget for each person. Lots of shops at the moment are doing one day deals or buy 2 for £8 ect.Shop around and check out internet deals some like play.com and whsmith are free delivery. I brought a dvd complete boxset online 1 day deal only £15 was originally £75. Most important christmas is about family not giving the expensive gift and a gift is just that a gift. Your family will be gratefull for the thought not the price.Supermarkets like Asda have some great deals on gifts and very cheap for nice jewelry.

Answer 21

By taking advantage of some the deals out there. For instance, my mobile phone is due for an upgrade and I have taken advantage of negotiating the renewal of the contract. I was going to leave my current service provider and go with a new service provider that also offers a free gift, my case of interested a laptop. I have done that and now have a new handset, a laptop and my old phone that I can either give away or sell. I have made use of this and have a couple of very good stocking fillers for people or perhaps something to keep myself!!



There are lots of other options I am sure that are out there that can boost the Christmas gift range....

Answer 22

Cut down on the waste is our strategy, no useless presents, no overloading the trolley and get gifts that are really wanted, not gadgets and throwaways.



All the family have agreed to use a wishlist and we will only buy genuinley wanted items.



The wish list we use has no adverts and does not push Hot Air balloon rides and adventure days at us. In fact it does not push anything so you create a genuinely personal list.



Initially i thought a wish list was a bit greedy but quite the opposite. Saves on the shopping time and standing there wondering if it is the right present too!

Does not cost a bean either - called Sick of Socks.

Answer 23

I'm doing all my searching online before hitting the shops. I hate buying things online for fear of credit card fraud so I stick to the traditional methods for shopping.



I'm comparing the prices and am jumping on whatever sales come up. I've found it useful to sign up for emails from different websites and that way I get to see the deals quickly!



I've heard comparison websites are good for branded items but I think they must be in it to make money so I avoid them myself.



Getting reward points at shops is a good incentive to spend money and even get something back- Waterstones have a points system as do Boots. So anything I buy I get a little back on. So if i miss someone out I can use the points to buy a gift.



This weekend seems to be the big VAT free weekend at the shops. Asda have fantastic deals on games and cd's. Some games that were £30 are now £15. Browse the bargains!!!

Answer 24

I could not get out to shop for some years so one year I bought goods in bulk, did some baking biscuits, cakes etc (great with the kids too!) and bought some food bargains (supermarket comparison sites good for this) and made everyone a hamper for xmas, the next year I asked everyone if they would like a christmas cake or gateaux and spent a month making 20 xmas cakes and 10 gateauxs! my home smelt like willy wonkas for weeks but thats also great for the kids and seasonal spirit!things that are needed anyway can be wrapped, jim jams, clothes hair band and decorations, bubble bath etc.

Alternatively do a xmas day trip as a xmas treat with friends and buy bulk over there! I think I should have a xmas party for my friends and their kids with a lucky dip, novelty wholesalers are good too! Think wholesale! bus trips for several families together in the new year could resolve family dilemmas on mass, theatre etc and get a bulk discount

and then have a good time together. I give my kids a designated amount of money they can choose what they would like,if they are prepared to be frugal they will get more in the sales, prepare them for life, money doesnt grow on xmas trees now does it?

small inexpensive gifts can be just as much fun if you look for FUN things.

lastly but not least, remember that christmas is the spirit for giving, love happinness and joy wherever needed, this includes the less well off. Children should be educated in this in simple exercises of kindness to others, not indulged to become selfish, overindulged and unappreciative products of consumerism.

Answer 25

Re-capture the spiritual side of Christmas rather than the commercial side. Take the family to Church carol services and help out with voluntary work. Rekindle the kindness and the caring rather than the vulgarity that Christmas has become. Switch off the TV and take the family outdoors into the fresh air to see the real world. Don't hide financial hardship from your children. Explain it to them and they will feel more secure inside the family. Show them that it isn't the size or cost of a gift that matters but the thought that someone cares enough to remember them and share with them.

Answer 26

Well, everyone (apart from the chosen few!) is in the same boat. I think the 'personal' touch is going to mean more this year. I'm going to give my own Water Colour paintings to my friends (yes, what a nightmare.....hold on, they're not that bad!) and make Christmas puddings in bulk and generally give from my heart, the wallet's a bit thin! How about more love and less need for all these expensive gifts? Yes, I know the kids will still be looked after, but adults......sorry its the paintings and Christmas Puds. Happy Christmas everyone. X.

Answer 27

most of my christmas shopping has been done through out the year, i am lucky that my family understand that money is tight this year, but it might be what people have needed, for years christmas has lost its true meaning, it has become a thing to be all about the presents and how much is spent and the meaning of spending time with family has been lost, we have started to get ready and pulled together as a family instead of buying food in we have started to make the food ourselves, and that alone has brought the family closer, the kids are getting involve in the baking, and getting excited at the preparations, with less money christmas has taken on a whole new meaning, it is back to being about getting close as a family rather than money, we don't care about looking like a scrooge, but are all getting excited as each family member is bringing something for the table and we will be together celebrating the fact we are still all healthy and together, that has got to be worth all the money in the world. money comes and goes but family are for ever, who needs expensive presents when you have that.

Answer 28

Well, I won't recommend spending all your money to be kind, nor "looking like a scrooge", but there is always a third way!

You can buy cheap things as well!

This might seem stupid but read, then reach to an opinion!

This is the only literal answer to this question.

If you live near about or in London, you should really go to Lillywhites in Piccadily circus. There are loads of cheap but great stuff!

You should be knowing some this sort of shops in the area around you!

If no, then try Yahooing it!

Answer 29

Look out for 3 for 2 deals there are loads at the moment, all my friends and family know how hard christmas will be this year so no-one is expecting huge pressies, you can save loads of money but preparing your own food baking your own biscuits cakes and mince pies. Tie up wrapping paper in ribbons so that it can be reused. Make your own tags out of last years christmas cards. Shop carefully many shops own brands are just as good as branded goods at half the price. Charity shops and craft fairs often have new gifts at reasonable prices. Or buy panto tickets as presents they are a great present that your loved ones will always remember without spending a fortune. Most importantly don't overdo it just because its christmas, who really need 32 bags of crisps and 10 different types of stuffing or 3 tins of chocolates.

Answer 30

Tell everyone you are on a tight budget (which you are because of the credit crunch) and spend within that budget only. Buy presents for the kids.



Buy gifts on Ebay. Shop around for prices for the Christmas dinner. If you are still hard up over the Christmas dinner, get guests to bring along part of the ingredients towards the meal.



The only ones getting spoilt are the pets.

Answer 31

Believe it or not, the cheapest way, and the most wonderful way, is to give the money that you would spend on presents, to a very worthy cause. We tried that last year and gave to Let the children live, supported by Alicia Keyes. We donated $10.00 for each person, separately, on the net, copied the receipts out and put one in each persons card.



We did not know what kind of response we would get, but were delighted to hear "what a wonderful idea" - "wow, I want to do this" and "I would rather a present like this than anything else, thank you."



This year all our adult children are going to do the same things for their friends, and all our older grandchildren are doing the same thing.



The younger children do not yet completely understand the reasoning behind it yet, but I am sure as time goes on and they get older, they will choose something similar.

Answer 32

What is it with all this spending at Christmas? I don't feel that I need to wait for Christmas if I want to buy a pressie for a loved one. We don't buy for each other, only the kids and then its stocking fillers as the parents buy the main presents and kids have a lot nowadays...not like when we were young!



Make a pact with friends and family to spend the money on some good wholesome food and eat it together. The best things in life cannot be bought!!

Answer 33

Every year, in our tutor class, we do a Secrect Santa. The least you can spend is £3 and the most is £5... which as you all know is not very much! It's perfect for large groups of people, and this year my friendship group is also doing one! Instead of each person having to buy 10 gifts, you just buy one at £10. Plus, Secrect Santa's are way more fun! =]



In our family, we sometimes team up with another member and give a joint present. So this year, my brother and I are splitting the costs of a Faulty Towers DVD boxset that we will give to our Dad.

Answer 34

Figure out what you want to get people, not how much you want to spend. If you do that, then you can probably figure out how to get it all cheaper (Shop online, bulk buy etc). Also, for those who it would suit, make them something as people like parents, partners would probably appreciate this more as you have put time and effort into making them something.



Also, this is not presents, but don't buy much in the way of Christmas decorations, reuse from last year. This is kind of cheating, but if you are going to meet up with family, then do it at someone else's house and then you will not have to pay for Christmas dinner!

Answer 35

In my family we concentrate on the children ( depending on how many) spend about £20-£30 each and if its possible buy a tin of chocolates for the adults. As for friends,again the kiddies get £10-£15 spent.

Go to shops where you buy two and get the third free;that can really help.

Everyone knows the financial state the world has become, people need and do understand, so any gifts they recieve should be accepted with graciousness!

most people go over board when it comes to alcohol, there really is no need to get so drunk just because its christmas! and the christmas dinner treat it like a glorified Sunday meal, I bet loads of people in the past have over spent with food only for it to go in the bin!

Answer 36

Well its not a surprise to hear all your answers an i too have done all our shopping ( 2 young boys ) via ebay an various other budget sites....A great way to save is to visit such places as vouchers.com...they have lots of printable vouchers to use at loads of places an there free with lots of different % off all sorts of things....An one to remember is if you see an offer on tv such as comet for silly amounts off get there as quick as poss as they only have limited stocks an if sold out the sales people try an get you buying the next best which is usually twice the price.....iv saved well over a £750 pounds this year,my best buy being a telescope that retailed at £249.99 for a bargain 19.99 from bid up tv...check online for the times of varying items...iv had loads from there at silly low prices an there all top brand items.........an a nano ipod 4th generation Miss advertised in a shop window at £65.00 has been the best buy so far....happy hunting all an a very merry christmas.

Answer 37

I managed to get most of my presents online, I looked out for special deals, used second hand section of Amazon for books from store sellers, looked into bargain basement deals and so on. There are some good bargains out there if you know where to look, even from some of the big stores. I think that most people out there this year will be setting price limits and thinking more carefully in what they buy.



Food and drink, buy in bulk if you can, try some other cheaper brands, shop around (online if you can). Why go mad on a big turkey/chicken that you know will be left over for days on end? Buy for what you need to cater for and dont over do it.



Everyone is feeling the pinch, you dont have to feel guilty about holding back a little. What ever you do, dont use store or credit cards.



Just hope that everyone out there has a nice time over the holidays.

Answer 38

I have done shopping online and have com paired prices between websites, I've had to be more care full this time as got made redundant but still want other people to have a good Christmas, And have tried to find the cheapest price for things I want to buy, I brought someones Christmas present, they wanted £14.99 in the shop when I brought it online for £7.06 which was good, Also have been getting the deals 3 for the Price of 2 and that's saved money to, Also my Sister has said just to buy for the kids and not for her and my Brother in law, When buying Christmas cards I've waited and got them at a reduced price. Also to save money buying decorations might be cheaper to make some!

Answer 39

there are so many people who are in the same boat, that hopefully this year (and probably next) people will be able to take a step back from the normal "commercialised" festivities and actually begin to remember a time when christmas meant something different, something magical.



you hear so many people use the phrase "traditional christmas"... or an "old fashioned christmas".. and people yearning for something from the past that they miss.



well, it's the magic of christmas that everyone loves and those that don't celebrate it because they either can't see the point, or think it's a waste of money...etc.. well, they're the ones missing out.



but, a lot of people must be thinking the same this time around.. and it's because there are so many people that are worse off at the moment. but, that's capitalism for you, nothing wrong with it.. but there is with Greed.



however, the best way, would have been for this question to have been posted quite a few months ago, so that so many people could start preparing, or saving a lot earlier. that being said, there aren't that many people that can save at the moment.. but.. this would still have given people a lot of time for preparation.



what can you do... well, firstly I suggest people talk to one another, close friends and family members and if you are struggling, then explain it to them. they may well be in the same boat and will be glad to hear it's not just them. some other things you can do, are what has already been suggested... like, offering to help people out, as their christmas present.



example:

you're good at decorating, or gardening, you can sew or knit, you can cook/bake... you determine what skills you have (and everyone has some) and you bake them a cake.. or make part of the christmas dinner... you keep someones garden tidy for a month next year.. or if it's really bad, weed it all & get it back to looking nice - providing you're only spending a small amount of money on a few ingredients or materials.. and most of it is just your own Labour.. there in itself is the gift.



so.. what to do, if you really are feeling the pinch. i know i am and have done in the past.



in the past i have made some garden obelisk planters for family. I'm not handy with making things, so i made sure i started early that year (october or november i think it was) to make sure i made them the best that i could. they were cheap too... because i managed to get the wood either very cheap or free (old wooden pallet). they weren't too bad in the end either. I planted them up and delivered them a few days before christmas.



last year I also wrote a short christmas story for my daughter.. and that was the best present, because she loved the story and it was "hers" and hers alone. (although I'd love to get it published now)



i also did a food hamper for my mum once, but i managed to get all the food goodies myself and made sure i got stuff she liked. that way i saved loads on the ready packaged ones.



i've also made my own christmas cards too, but only to close family. for friends and work colleagues i no longer bother. i can't see the point when they'll only go in the bin in a few weeks time, when it's a lot better just giving £10 to Oxfam. i've been donating each christmas to Oxfam now for about 10 years or so. might not be much, but everything counts.

or, go to your local church on christmas eve, sing some carols and hymns and donate some money to the church coffers..



other things you can do, and if you can stick to a budget - get some small gifts and put them in a stocking.. do you remember when you used to get yours at the end of the bed?

then, just make sure that whatever you get, you shop around and get the best value. a lot of shops will be having sales on before christmas because to a lot of them, the end of december will be the end of their financial year and if they haven't had a good year so far, they will be desperate to make some money, even if they have to slash their prices, because come the boxing day sales... who do you think is still going to have any money left except for those people that haven't been touched by the recent economic problems the whole country are facing.





only small tip.. when christmas day finally comes around and you're celebrating with your friends and family. be happy you're together, be nice to everyone, be grateful for any gift(s) you may get and try to remember what it was once like to be a child and you believed in Father Christmas who magically delivered presents under your Christmas Tree once a year. And for those that may or may not be religious, remember why we've been celebrating this day for over 2000 years.

Answer 40

The world is going through this problem. Apart from Hollywood,

the world is feeling it, and I don't see it getting much better next

year.



Try phoning around to friends and family, and drawing a limit on

the amount anyone is allowed to spend on a present for someone

else.



And, whilst not being a religious sort, let's not forget what

Christmas is about.



(But - hey - have a good one, even if you end up in the Poor House!)

Answer 41

Having been dirt poor on many occasions. Christmas is easy, recession or no recession. I have a five pound limit with friends and a make one, buy one deal going on with family.

All presents are wrapped in old ordnance survey maps, brown paper ( bulk roll) or newspaper. I also have an enormous roll of white spotted celophane to pretty things up a bit and use it to double wrap the brown paper or the newspaper.

Gift tags are made from Xmas cards from last year. All presents are tied with gardening string.

I have made various things over the years...Jars and bottles (charity shops) of preserves, homemade cakes and biscuits all handed over in a wicker basket bought in a secondhand shop and also a nice shaped glass that could be handpainted and a small bottle of alcohol put inside it.

Dried homegrown herbs, again in charity shop containers with a cookery book on how to use herbs in cooking.

Photographs enlarged and framed. An easy present and no more than ten pounds Taken one step further you can transfer your pictures to fabric. I have made personalised teatowels, tablecloths, aprons and drinks coasters.

It all takes planning. I try to decide in January what I will do for the following Christmas and start collecting/buying/making as soon as possible.

As far as the kids go as soon as they say something they want I write it down. (They can never think of anything just before Christmas.) I then start doing my homework online and in the shops for the best deals so stockings and main presents are bought at the best prices. A cheap filler for a stocking is a selection of pick and mix in a tube of cellophane ( the one I have on a roll!) tied with a red ribbon. It can be their favourite sweets and takes up as much room as you need it to!

Answer 42

If you need new Christmas decorations, Woolworths have got 3ft (very Small) Christmas tree's for £1.50 oh and baubles are really cheap there too they have 3 for 2 on, (some things are marked as £3 wen theyre cheaper on the till a Woolies), the 3ft trees aren't that great but if you live in a flat, you can fit it in (not that I do), but it was one of my many ideas.



Anyway, you could shop online, visit ' moneysupermarket . com ' (without the spaces) to get the best deals. PC World Christmas zone (online) is good too, you can get 'WEB EXCLUSIVES'.



REMEMBER to always haggle when buying Plasma TV's from places like Comet or Currys as my Mum and Dad did, they got a good deal out of it earlier this year.



GO FOR BARGAINS!!





Tips..

1- buy your friends and families presents this year, ready for next (in the Dec/ Jan sales) to save hassle and money



2 - If your going to get GIFT VOUCHERS get the 'love2shop' ones as the person you are giving it to can use it in a variety of shops.



3 - Freeze all of your Electric and Gas prices and use energy saving lights..even for your xmas tree.



and FINALLY...

WRAP UP WARM!



Good luck bargain hunting HAHA!

Answer 43

We pretty much have a set group of family at Christmas time.

At a family dinner prior to Christmas we ask all the adults to pick a name out of a hat and buy for 1 adult ($50.00). We buy for the kids in our family only but reasonably.



When we visit others we have made a couple of extra dozen cookies to bring.



Share family photos you have collected over the years on a CD.

I scanned old photos and gave out disks of past Christmases.



I may buy a speciality coffee or something inexpensive from a craft show for the adults but you do not have to.

Answer 44

We have agreed to only buy for the children this year, and even with that are being quite careful. I have been onto the Martin Lewis website and printed off vouchers ie; 30% off at Gap etc and bought clothes for the older kids that they will like. There is 40% off Threshers voucher so we bought the wine we will need to bring with us to the inlaws etc.



The kids have been great, they know about the recession and have not asked for too much. The youngest still believes in Santa, but fears the recession will have hit him too! So she has asked for a jigsaw - and we can manage that!!



She has been painting pictures for her gran and grandad, aunts and uncles etc. The older ones have set aside a baking day to make edible treats for the relatives. It wont cost as much as normal, but I think we will have fun.



The tree is up, the house looks great and we are all together - we will be happy - and hope you will be too.

Answer 45

I done my christmas shopping early so now i dont have to worry about it. i went into superdrug and their christmas stuff is 3 for 2, so i saved alot of money. Also you can buy something little and to make it better, buy some little things like ribbon and candy cains to decorate your presents. these are only small gestures but they do make a difference. I also think home made things are a way to go, make a photo frame, enlarge a photo, homemade biscuits. all these things are cheap but the person you give it to will love it more than another present because they will see that you have put more thought into it.

xxx

Answer 46

I bought a lot of stuff half price last year from Boots. A great site as well is findprice.co.uk



Otherwise, can you try making things? I have painted some birdhouses as presents. They cost about £10 in materials, about 42 hours to make though but can't be found in the shops. Bit late now but next year?



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Painting-Victorian-Birdhouses-Joyce/dp/0891348816/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227883364&sr=1-1



Also, don't sweat about it, it is only ONE day. Concentrate on the important stuff, health, friends and family. There are some dreadful things going on at the moment so I would say if you have even one of the above, you have more than money can ever buy.

Answer 47

For a long time now i feel that a lot of us have long forgotten the true meaning of christmas.It is very easy to get swept along in the tide of commercialism that surrounds this season .Having been on either end of the spectrum.I have gone from having had plenty of money to spend and not having a great deal at all .My memories of traditional christmas s ,far outweigh those that have been steeped in luxuries . Last year i ended up spending far more than i could afford on presents for my kids that have long lost there appeal .Consequently i have spent all year paying for them .I vowed this time i would not get into debt and have learnt the art of recycling Having done carboots this year i have seen the sheer volume of toys which get disgarded after the novelty has worn off . I have spent many hours on my computer locked in bidding for my kids toys and have successfully bought all my shopping ,without my pocket feeling the pinch .I even bought my christmas tree on line this year .I also have reverted back to making a lot of my other family members presents , having made use of my Culinary skills .I feel i have put much more thought into their presents as anyone can just nip into town and buy off the shelves.

Answer 48

Send everyone a card that says 'Instead of gifts this year, a donation is being made in your name to the AIDS Foundation' Or use the American Heart Association, or the Salvation Army, or any worthwhile charitable organization. Then make one $10 donation and you're off the hook. 8^) It's even tax deductible! Or, you could just call your friends and talk to them, have them over for dinner, and show them that you love them and are thinking of them and that you wish them the best for this holiday season and the year to come. Christmas cards do this but a personal phone call or spending time together might be better.

Answer 49

I found this site on yahoo answers Must-Haves.co.uk it's really good for saving money at christmas lots of shops with offers that they only give online.

I have a set budget for everyone and always buy 3 for 2 gifts, looks like all the shops are offering this at the moment.

Look out for free delivery and if you sign up to some shops for offers they give you money your first order instantly.

I saved about £100 up to now shopping online won't shop in town anymore it's to expensive.

Answer 50

Charity shops! No joke. If you've never been inside one, go now. The best things about them is you won't find their stuff anywhere else - it's generally old and donated.



Bric a brac is without compare - linen ware, china, lampshades, kitchen utensils.Books are another great reasons. Usually no more than £3.00. The selection is fab. Lots of out of print ones for anyone with a book hobby.



I tend to buy brooches, hats and belts most. Toys are usually abundant, especially round our way. Lots of wealthy parents who dump stuff that's out of fashion! Also kids clothes - Monsoon, Boden and M&S at cut prices.



Forget new - whether online or High Street, go second hand!

Answer 51

It all depends on what you normally do and so what seems to you "scroogish".

a lot of people really appreciate handmade gifts or some people may appreciate your time more than any gift.

You could spread the cost by giving a card or a small gift (baubles are good as they remind the recipient of your affection in future years) with a handmade voucher for something.

top voucher gifts include:

2 hours of ironing.

cinema/ice skating/samba dance/exhibition trips

DIY or decorating

babysitting!

meals (homecooked or otherwise)



At the least you won't have to deliver all these treats in December and at best they may not actually cost you anything (except grey hair in the case of the babysitting...)



failing this a well chosen book with a personal message in it is usually well received.



best of luck!

Answer 52

never buy a newspaper - save hundreds in a life time



don't send xmas cards to anyone other than long distance friends and family and even these can be free e-cards.



Take own booze to pub on a night out to have a gin or vodka top up - just buy the mixer for the glass.



Do xmas shopping in January.



Postpone or cancel xmas altogether. Its just one day after all and soon over. Why have all the hassle of buying presents people do not want with money you can not afford for people you do not even like.



hum bug

Answer 53

Hi guys whatever you want to buy online from USA you will get a huge cash back by using a free google extension, you should notice google has a very strong monitoring board for spammers. At this Christmas I have got a about $117 form amazon and $89 from others online shops. As this is completely free you can have a try for this. Link is is in below for free

freecoupon.tutoriala2z.com

Answer 54

Nope...my wife bankrupts me every year leaving me with bills till the following November to pay off and if I mention anything I'm a scrooge y line for two decades and I've been below the povert for two decades without this 'so called Xmas festival' coming round yearly.

My tips are

[1] switch off all electric and light and heat house with candles

[2] burn all junk mail coming through letterbox

[3] spend as much of the day in Hospital waiting rooms and Libraries and local superstores.

[4] live on tinned beans, tomatoes and any other cheap foodstuffs you can find all year.

Answer 55

In UK, it's potentially a cut- price Christmas on every high street. My gift budget is right down now I'm a 'pensioner' and I simply can't believe how well I've done at the shops! Buy your wrapping paper, etc on the markets. Go to freezer outlets for a lot of the food and in this booze - sodden country, cheap alcohol is NEVER hard to find! LOL

Answer 56

Scrooge was not Scrooge because he did not "dish" out but because Christmas meant nothing to him. No family time, no joy, no celebrations.

Families who cant afford lavish gifts but celebrate Christmas with people they care about with whatever they have are not Scrooges but the kind of family I would like to be invited on that day.



Personally.. I have cut down on meaningless food like the frozen party range, millions of nibbles who are eaten anyway out of boredom and too much alcohol. I invest not in a big bird but actually in free-range.. ..you get more taste for the money. I invest in three bottles of wine instead of ten but choose a better variety. I made stuffing and sauce myself and I finally decided to skip the “trimmings" -no one wants to really eat them anyway.

I decided to celebrate the twelve days of Christmas instead of 30 and put the tree up on the 24 until 06.01..and switch the lights on (apart from the two Christmas days) only in the evening. This makes it more special and saves me electricity.

The kids get what they asked for.. my friends and other adults little gift..like homemade Tiffins or cookies, a bottle of good olive oil with herbs or garlic in it or a glass of homemade chutney.

Nothing of this bothers me.. the only think which does bother me is that I have to forfeit a beauty treatment the day before Christmas which was always my de-stress. But then I hope with the cut downs my stress level will be less as well

Answer 57

Firstly I buy all my christas cards and wrapping on the january sales and buy all pressies during the year I nowthat won't be much help this year so try these...



1. use up any loyalty points e.g. boots ,nectar - they have buy 2 and get one free gifts on at the moment.



2.look for special shopping events (bhs had a 20 pcent off everything recently)



3. do your food shopping online so you dont get distracted with "seasonal extras" most food companies offer free delivery if you spend over so much ...



4. only buy children pressies and have a secret snata for the grown ups so everyone gets something



5. If your having lot of people over for christmas ask each of them to bring a plate of food instead of gifts



6. make gifts at home children love creating things and they can work our quite cheap



7.send e-mail cards most of the time they are free....



Hope this helps as I said my best tip is to spread the cost out during the year then it won't seem such a sting at christmas

Answer 58

Make a deal with everybody to only spend £10 or £20, then all presents must have a theme, so it also becomes a competition.



Pick a letter of the Alphabet, a Colour, or a certain Size.



Merry Christmas



Frankie

Answer 59

Do what we did during the war. We made our own Xmas cards, and our decorations, crackers, and silly hats from newspapers. Xmas tree, a tree branch dotted with cotton wool, and decorated with ping-pong balls. We kept chickens, and fattened one up every year for Xmas dinner. Vegetables were no problem, because we grew our own, but no Xmas pudding until 1954. Sponge pudding sweetened with honey and plums/apples, and custard. Presents were few, usually useful things like a tin of luncheon meat/corned beef/salmon. Second-hand clothes and newly mended shoes, knicker elastic, and a bar of soap were most welcome. Greed was out of the question. Most important of all, went to church in deep snow on Christmas Day as a family thanking God we were still alive-and then the siren would go, and we had to eat Xmas dinner in the air-raid shelter because Hitler was chucking bombs at us again. Xmas today is greedy children, credit cards, selfishness, boozing, and families at war with each other. That, in my opinion, isn't the true meaning of Xmas.

Answer 60

Christmas has been for the last hundred years at least... a way of generating sales and making people SPEND MONEY this money has created jobs (Including YOUR job) and so spending money is the way to keep the economy afloat.

To talk of cringing back on spending is the way to ruin for us all.

The Media, in particular the Breakfast BBC keep offering advice on how to reduce spending, For what reason I cannot think... except perhaps if they hold a political agenda to see the demise of our present government they certainly don't do us any favours by confusing people with their incessant stories of doom and gloom.

I propose we TURN OFF THESE DISILLUSIONED MERCHANTS OF GLOOM and SPEND - SPEND - SPEND until the factories are overrun and normal business....RESUMES at least until a more practical method of living is invented and implemented over a longer social scale of time, so in the meantime... its ....spend or seriously ALL GO UNDER like those poor sods in Zimbabwe.

Answer 61

This Christmas? You think this is the first one that someone has had to cut costs? I haven't 'celebrated' Christmas present giving is the last few years, been tough for a while. The commercial outlook of Christmas is forever doomed...



Christmas is not about spending money, never was.

The Gift was, is, and will always be the giving of love...

Answer 62

you said it yourself (budget) tell everyone you are living on and keeping to a strictly tight budget to help keep the cost of living down! you want to save some money and youll make it up to them next xmas. no one should expect a realy expensive gift at xmas so put some personal thought into each individual somthing more modest and inexpensive with a card its not much but you thought about them and they will know that. why do ppl get over stressed about xmas when its a time to relax and enjoy your family and friends not to out do each other with the biggest fanciest pressy. and anyway theres going to be some cut price sales everywhere so get in there quick and take advantage!

Answer 63

Dont answer the Phone or Door

Go on Holiday

Say you are giving to Charity this year for everybody is obvious and best choice

Christmas is about Giving to less well off not about finding the most expensive gift at a cut price

Or just say Christmas is off this year

Or do as supposed to do and go to Church and sing carols and do good deeds

:))

Answer 64

I do agree with Juliette, online shopping is the best one. It saves you petrol, parking ticket and a lot of time bearing in mind that most of the time the delivery fee is included (depending on the website).

And you can choose whatever you like taking your time instead of the rush of the crowds.

Of course the main inconvenience is that you can only have an idea of what you want looks like as you only have a picture and sometimes comments of other costumers. I know that a lot of people prefer see for real what the item looks like to have a better idea but there again, if you want to save money, internet is the best option this year

Answer 65

A nice family Christmas dinner with a few cards.

OR

Secret Santa, then you only buy 1 present and receive 1 present, just agree on how much you all want to pay for the present and stick to the limit.

OR

Wait for the Retail early sales in December, Retailers make a fortune selling items at Full Price and only pay about 5-20% for the product that you pay full price for, shop cautiously.

Answer 66

Tell your kids there's a credit crunch xP.



Nah, but seriously, why give expensive presents? Just have a day to remember Jesus =] That's what xmas was meant to be about anyway..



I'm also fed up of all the 'HURRY, Come to Currys for a HALF PRICE SAle' wHY SHOULD I hurry? I don't want or need a new tv just because it's xmas..



Xmas cards, make them yourself?



I think xmas decs are silly tbh. I don't bother with tree etc..



I've not even started buying yet..might do it a few days before xmas..=/



x

Answer 67

In my opinion try to prioritise your list, and see if you can shop now and look out for bargains and other one is buying cheap stuff online instead shopping in town because the cost will be more than online. Lot of foreign shopping sites have cheap stuff.



Sometimes its better to talk to people such as your partner tell them if they don't mind getting their present later, if they don't mind then buy their gift on sale and the same can apply to close friends. THis sometime suits some people not all people agrees to this so its weighing out stuff and keep a balance.

Answer 68

Well like many other answers - I just spoke to my mum and sisters and stated that with 4 children to buy for I would rather they just sent a card and there best wishes, everyone is tightening the belts and none so than us!



We have got the children one big present each, and then lots of little stocking fillers that did not cost the earth, we also shopped around first as we live in the Republic of Ireland, with the euro spanking the pound it saves us loads shopping in Northern Ireland.

Answer 69

for someone, try and find it, or an alternative cheaper elsewhere B) Make them things - try making a mix CD for some people, you can reuse some songs but you can personalize it without having to spend hardly any money, some cheep CD gift boxes and some CD-Rs and you can have a present with a lot of thought in it C) Try budget shops or buy weird and wonderful things for people that you wouldn't normally think of getting them - you can go to places like Hawkins Bazaar D) Agree with some family not to buy for each other and just allocate a day over christmas where they can come round and play games and have fun etc.

Answer 70

Who out there has the money to imagine that you are talking to them?

This Britain is so full of Bob and Mrs Cratchit trying to make ends meet and I can’t imagine anyone who see themselves as a rich boss like Ebenezer Scrooge, but if you do recognise yourself then give secretly, discretely.

Mrs Cratchit I say to you that your cooking on a budget will be wonderful and Bob making gifts and games with your children can be a happy memory for them, as for Fezziwig (the student financially supported by his semi-rich parents) please invite mates to your FREE party and to everyone be at peace about the wonderful story that:

We are not worthy, but still we are loved. Now pass that on and keep it in your heart.

Answer 71

Make your own xmas cards. Put a limit on how much you will spend on each person for a prezzie and do not go above that. Be creative with decorations and get the family involved in making them. If you are good in the kitchen, you could also make nice jams etc to give to colleagues etc I would not scrimp on the xmas dinner though, coz it is so special

Answer 72

What with the money troubles that most everyone is having this year your family is probibly in the same boat as you are worrying about how to afford all those presents. why not suggest to the rest of your family that you do what most work places do.. a secret santa style thing where you all buy only one present, pop it under a tree and dont tell the receiver who sent it...that way everyone feels they have got something for crimbo with a fair bit of cash saved.

Answer 73

I started saving in january, I put £30 away each month which has been more than enough to buy the presents I need, and I've done some ebay shopping and internet you get great deals and save money two, and you get to avoid the cold and the queues :D



I could suggest looking out for offers such as 3 for 2, buy one get one free, 2 for so much, and spreading the gifts across people.



Set budgets with people so that no-one is spending more than another and it makes it a challenge.



In families maybe buy just for the kids, I don't think they'll understand that Santa has no money this year.



When arranging Christmas dinner, make a list a split the items needed so that everyone is contributing, for instance one person brings the crackers, someone else brings the table cloths etc.



And my number one tip- Shop Around. never buy anything straight away, sit and have a look who has it the cheapest you can save loads of money this way

Answer 74

There are lots of ways



- Look out for offers like 3 for 2 or buy 1 get 1 free

- Make your own wrapping paper (Get peices of paper and decorate it festively)

- Make people things

-Why not write people I.O.U's until after xmas and then get them something in the January Sales (I'm sure they'll understand - a lot of people are struggling this xmas)



Hope i helped

Answer 75

Everyone draws names from a hat and buys something for that one person only. Set a $10-$15 price limit.



Include a card with a hand written note that tells the recipient what you love about them; or how much you love them; or how thankful you are for the things they do for you all year. They will disregard the price of the gift, if it is a practical, thoughtful gift.



It is the thought, the words, the recognition and apprecation in the card that fills up their life - not neccessarily the present.

Answer 76

make presents!

if you buy some cheap boxes like the holographic ones from card shop and some tissue paper you can make biscuits, jams, chutneys, flavoured oils, chocolates etc. all homemade. you could give more sophisticated ones to the adults even as a gift for a couple. you could even make ones for the kids full of biscuits and cakes and some old fashioned sweets.

big tip though is to buy stuff in sales in jan. even if you only buy stuff form boots and body shop like bath stuff as there often half price and do for presents throughout the yr and next xmas.

Answer 77

I have been collecting ipoints since october and got loads of pressies that way. ipoints.co.uk

Since october i have received £80 in sendit.com vouchers, which ive bought wii ganes and books with, an elmo live, an ipod shuffle, docking station a case of wine and a few other bits and bobs.

I would recomend anyone who shops online to check the site out. You can get points from loads of online partners either by shopping or for free by signing up for things or completeing surveys.

Answer 78

we have a very large extended family and to try to make Christmas less expensive we have a Christmas dip.

Here all the adults pick another name at random and buy a -- sometimes suggested -- present to the MAXIMUM value of £20. We do the same for the children with a max value of £10



Best wishes

Answer 79

Have kids pick 1 major thing they want and give a budget, when I was a kid my parents told me they paid Santa, he was just the delivery guy. Maybe have them keep list of all the kind of little things they may want so that relatives can get them something from that rather than them spending all money on things your kids won't want and saving you buying more things.

Another piece of advice is buying things like dvd's and cd's second hand (but really good condition) on-line.

Answer 80

Make some sort of pre-arrangement with your friends and family members about it all. In our family, the children get a max budget of £10 each and then the adults don't buy for each other. That way, we all save money and no one is disappointed.



Or you could do a big secret santa?

Answer 81

Start early, i start around the end of August, any little thing i think will suit a particular friend or family i will get it, i store in a box and then start wrapping at the end of november, it does not hurt your pocket that way, if i have a large gift to buy, i will put a little money away each week from august, so that i can pay for it in december, when they start to reduce the prices on them.

Answer 82

the Christmas festivities which everyone would enjoy. One bought a large tin of biscuits, another a box of chocolates etc. so we each spent very little but all enjoyed sharing the items that each other had bought.



The only people in the family who actually get a gift from each of us are the very young children in the family. The 2 people who are nearing 100 years old get a gift bought by us jointly as we know they enjoy having something to unwrap.

Answer 83

It is not only @ Christmas in this country that you have to budget it's the Whole year, every year, when you reach a certain age. Tips & tricks keep robing Peter to pay Paul but he has legged it! Happy Christmas, There is always some worst off than yourself.

Answer 84

Instead of each family buying for everyone,we are all buying one gift each and then we will pick a gift on Christmas day.

We are all donating toys for the less fortunate and donating time & goods to our local animal shelters.

We still have our outdoor lights but we are limiting the number of hours they are on.

We are having a potluck Christmas dinner.

Among family & friends we are collecting non perishables for the food pantry.

Answer 85

I would advise people to cut down expenses on food, such as having chicken or pork rather than turkey and goose. Try not to spend anything on friends this year as this causes regrets in January, I am avoiding christmas altogether as I am trying to sell my moped and hopefully I will manage to go on holiday as I hate the cold climate. So if people have any assets such as motorbikes or if they have more than one car per person then I would definetly sell them. And if people are having a lot of people round then I would not cook much food and let the others bring the food as its you who is providing the hospitality.

Answer 86

I agree with some of the people who posted above me about shopping online - it IS a lot cheaper and on many websites they offer free shipping (example, Amazon).



What helps cut costs too is starting your Christmas shopping as early in the year as you want (I started mine in July this year), looking for bargains like 3 for 2, buy one get one free, sales, etc.

Answer 87

We are only buying for children in the family and the family have agreed that this is the first place to save money. ( cut down your list ).

As buying for the adults can be costly and often we buy or receive something that's not really wanted anyway.

Secondly, have a list of who you are buying for and a rough idea of how much you intend to spend, then look for sales so you get more for your money.

Answer 88

Hello,

I always wait for different sales during the year so does my family. When we something on sale they want I get it and store it. I usually get the wrapping paper at good will exc. We do not do christmas cards to the family in the house cause you can just say happy christmas don't have to put it in a card. When christmas comes up we hurry for the sales for the ham and food. We always use our same decorations for years ago on sale at different stores. We just buy a cheap fake tree so you don't have to buy one every year. Take care.

Apple

Answer 89

My Husband is a decorator, his best friends are a plumer and a mechanic, we have all agreed this year to swap services for a full year guilt free.. they do that anyway but this year we dont have to feel the need to buy them a night out in return. and all the children are getting together for one party at which we all play secret santa for our own children with a price tag of £10.. that way each child gets a gift but its only costing us the £10 x number of children in each family... this is much cheaper than having to buy for 6 other children (especially as im the only one with just 2!!!)

Answer 90

Rather than buying individual presents for parents, brothers & sisters, their partners, and their kids, buy each family unit a (not expensive) board game & a box of chocolates as a joint family present. Works out cheaper and also is a great way for them all to play & have fun together not just Christmas day but afterwards too, and they'll remember you gave it to them. Try Articulate Jnr version or Rapidough, or a classic like Operation or Buckaroo.

Answer 91

1. If you have a big family like I do, instead of giving presents to everyone in your family, do a secret santa. This way everyone will get presents but they only need to buy presents for one person. Set a maximum limit.



2. I don't use my reward points from the supermarket until I do my Xmas dinner shopping where I get huge reductions from the points I've been saving all year.



3. Don't send christmas cards.

Answer 92

Unless you were around in the 1930s I don't think anyone has ever experienced the sort of economic downturn we are now experiencing before.

Like they say, Christmas is not about the value of the gift it's the thought that matters. I don't think anyone will mind whatever they get for Christmas this year.

Ever thought of investing (a small amount) in buying digital products as Christmas presents before? You could purchase an ebook or some other down-loadable stuff online, burn it on a cd and give away at Christmas! How about that? I came across this idea on a website, http://endlesschristmasgifts.com. You can find other down-loadable materials at http://clickbank.com.

Answer 93

give from the heart not the wallet!!!!

it doesn't matter how much you spend it's the thought

remember that and keep the spending down just put more thought and/or time into the gifts.

also way before christmas, teach your kids to appreciate anything that they get, and teach them to understand that some kids don't have anything for christmas, not even food or a home, let alone presents. you'll have kids that are more empathetic with the plight of others and more appreciative of anything that they get (even if its less than previous years)

Merry Christmas

Answer 94

I think that it is children that matter most at Christmas.

Have a pow-wow with all the adults in the family and agree to buy for the kids,and have a "Secret Santa" for the all the adults.That way you save and the adults get a present!

Answer 95

Try setting a budget, so you know what you need to spend on presents, give gift cards to people who are diificult to buy presents for, and make use of sales and offers in the stores before christmas.

Answer 96

You can make them like buy a cake tin nicely decorated and bake a x mas cakes it to family so and so,re-cycle x mas gifts, or look in charity shops as many new items such as gift sets are available at a fraction of the cost of the normal price.

Answer 97

you can do a white elephant exchange. Its quite fun for everyone. Everyone brings a gift for a certain amount. Then everyone picks a number from the amount of people attending . It can be as few or as many as show up. number 1 picks a gift from the pile and opens it. He must hold on to it, but the next person has the choice of opening a gift or taking the first persons gift. If someone takes your gift you can pick another gift from the pile or someone else's gift. Its exciting and everyone gets something they want. Its loads of fun and everyone pays attention. happy holidaze.

Answer 98

If you have kids, one way to save money could be by making Christmas morning last longer....



When my brothers and I were younger, we did treasure hunts or had to answer questions and follows clues to get our presents.

This made opening presents last longer, and especially good for school age children as they often get lots of presents. It was also fun, and now my nieces and newphews do it, and laugh about santa putting their presents in the washing machine or in their beds where they were 5 minutes ago!



It can cut down on the amount of presents you buy, but makes it last as long.

Answer 99

I began working for an international company selling toiletries at parties in the customers own home. The more successful I was, the more products I won.

Not only have I upped my income, I have won loads of things I can give as gifts and I can purchase products of my choice with a discount of 25%.

That's what I call saving a penny this Xmas!

Email me if you want any more info on the company etc.

Answer 100

I do my Christmas shopping throughout the year... not only do I spread the cost, but I can take advantage of any bargains during seasonal sales.



It avoids the hyped up prices during the festive period and the miserable Christmas rush, fighting your way through people and shops, which I absolutely loathe.

Answer 101

Well I have decided to go abroad from 17th December and come back when its over. Dont think I am a scrooge just fed up with all the HYPE to buy buy instead I will saying bye bye!

Answer 102

Making jams and pickles is easy, arrange the pickles in neat layers of shapes & colours, like shallots, evenly chopped beans, florets & carrots and put them in fancy jars with your own printed labels. Simple presents such as applique cushion covers for beds using combinations of upholstery fabrics, beads, stitched and even tie dyed pieces. Check out haberdasheries. Also lots of independent retailers will negotiate discounts if you're buying a number of items.

Answer 103

make present eg. a framed photo of your children to grannys, aunties etc will be more wanted than bath salts.

or make helpful cheques e.g. " I.O.U. 1 evenings worth of babysitting/gardening/breakfast in bed"

Tell people that you are not going mad and make a pact get the best pressie but spend no more than £5, or only buy for kids and again useful stuff like felt tips, pencils, stickers etc you dont need to go mad, after all that is not what xmas is all about

Answer 104

We have all been cutting back to save extra money for xmas, here are our top ten money saving tips.



1 Use old newspapers in stead of buying expensive toilet paper.

2 Buy reduced 'out of date' food from the supermarket.

3 make the whole family live and sleep in just one room to save power.

4 use cat food or 'condemned' meat for pies, meatballs & burgers

5 Go to bed as soon as it gets dark to avoid having the lights on

6 put tinned food on top of the radiators to heat it up and eat of of the tin with your fingers to save power washing up dishes and cutlery

7 Wake up 4 hours early and walk to work rather than get the train

8 Wash in the rain

9 Pigeons, rats & foxes are high in protein, low in fat and all classed as vermin. With practise one can become proficient in hunting and trapping these animals in an urban environment.

10 Chop down your own xmas tree. Why pay £50 to buy one? They are just growing buy the side of the road ready for the taking.



Merry Xmas

Answer 105

got to this site on Tuesday www.Grabitnow.com they are doing 20 items for £20. They did it a week or so back and they were the best bargains ever. It sorted my Chrsitmas present issues. Get on early though Midnight is best these offers go quickly. Todays deal is wireless headphones for £8.27 with free delivery. Check it out!

Answer 106

Very small useful presents for the children only and cash for their bank savings account to teach them to save more.



Only send Christmas Card greetings to a few overseas friends. Write and speak to others to cut down on these commercial cards.



Instead of big meals cut back and use the money you would have spent for donations to the "Food Bank" to feed the needy.

Answer 107

My husband's family all agreed a few years ago to put all names into 2 hats, one for adults and one for children, they also suggest the type of presents they wish to receive for £20.



Each person pulls a name out the hat and has one name to buy for SIMPLE.



I wish everyone would do the same!!

Answer 108

Every year I leave the Xmas shopping until as late as I can. There are loads of bargains to be had because the shops want to get rid of everything. One year I did all the present shopping in one day. Tough going but saved lots of money.

Answer 109

the best way to save cash on xmas presents is by just playing secret santa with your family! that way everyone gets a present which means they'll be happy and it will be a relief to everybody considering the economic situation these days....

won't be too good for the stores though! tough!

happy xmas to all members of the yahoo comunity by the way!

Answer 110

There's nothing wrong in looking like a scrooge? lets face say your getting into the christmas spirit every one plays father christmas be different! If you need to be careful with money then so be it, if people don't like it, that is there prob not yours, cause your dealing with yours, Hope your christmas is everything you want it to be.

Answer 111

YOU could start by not crushing the Christmas spirit by deleting a question regarding helping a needy family.

You see, my "trick" or "tip" was to give what you can and know that it is enough.



This Q has been up for over 24 hours and only received 140 answers.

I had a Q with 239 answers and 519 stars in less than 8 hours.

You and your Y!A staff are not as helpful and important as you think you are.

Answer 112

Trim exactly twenty-five names from your Christmas card list and limit your spending to the equivalent of $ 100 US dollars.



This will be the most challenging thing you have ever done and you will thank yourself many times over when the dust settles after January first.

Answer 113

I've used ebay a lot this year. It's saved so much money and i get it delivered to my door!so theres no hassle of the christmas rush! It's given me a little extra to spend on christmas dinner too. I've also told a lot of people instead of presents i would like money, so i can spend it how i need rather than getting ugly jumpers!!!

Answer 114

work out how much you have available to spend make a list of people you need to buy for and keep to your budget. Another way to go is make arrangements with family that you only spend £5 on each other.

Answer 115

This year will be the first for my baby daughter so I've been shopping online checking prices to make sure I get the best deal. I've also started knitting things for her As for nieces they'll be getting clothes this year and 2 of them come shopping in the January sales with me for their xmas as they get a day out with me shopping and lunch they don't mind waiting until after xmas

Answer 116

WE stuck to a bug it we always do and there are lots of great deals +i do tend to haggle like with currys i brought a washing machine for my daughter for christmas but they dropped the delivery charges as there are so many shops that can provide the same product for same price as i was keen to point out... just open your eyes and look around its worth it

Answer 117

I have shared the cost with each member of my family for the main present,then i went to boots and made use of the 3 for 2 offer for stocking fillers...also we have agreed to give money to the kids to go wild in the jan sales...coz it`ll be major price wars.

Answer 118

I really do not buy a lot of things during xmas... I just think the xmas is not about buying stuffs but a special day because the son of the creator was born in that day... We have no prof of Jesus born on that day because it is not written in the bible... But then again I never spend a lot of money because I am a practical woman....

Answer 119

I always have a good moan about the cost of wrapping paper. Its my yearly "bah humbug" moment. So last year I decided to do something about it.



I bought a broadsheet newspaper, and a big roll of red ribbon (florist ribbon). Then I wrapped all of my presents in newspaper and done them up like parcels with the ribbon and put big bows on them and lots of ribbon streamers.



They looked amazing! Really good, and a bit chic actually.



So Im doing it again this year.



People also liked it because it showed a bit more care and attention had been taken to wrapping the presents than just whacking a bit of shopbought paper with a bit of cellotape.

Answer 120

I can honestly say that we have not missed having umpteen parcels each to open on Christmas Day. No-one has felt under pressure to spend money they cannot afford and there are no drawers full of unwanted or unneeded gifts.

Answer 121

If you have any readers in the family try Amazons' new and used book range

you can get books for as little as a penny

Also charity shops have some nice jewellery

good luck

Answer 122

what i have done this year is i done some shopping at the pound shop and bought some arty stuff as well so although my gifts were only a pound i have made them look pretty and personal.it doesnt cost much and it certainly doesnt look stingy.christmas is for the kids but also the people who love you will see the effort you have put into making their gifts into something special

Answer 123

I think that I would actually ask my family members to nominate their ideal gift. This has saved me loads as people aren't as greedy as you think. Also for friends and neighbours, we all appreciate personal things like gifts you've made or maybe a lift in the car, or baby sitting or if your neighbour is elderly, some help during the year.

Answer 124

Buy the children's presents as normal. In respect of the adults then the solution is "Cris Cringle". This means you all agree a maximum spend, eg £50. All names go in a hat and you draw one name each. No one knows who is buying for who, you all get one present each and only spent £50 total.

Answer 125

If you have a lot of cds or dvds or books you don't use anymore, pass them on (not back where they came from if they were a gift.) You could put 4 disks together to make a box shape, put a little pack of chocolates inside and wrap in cheap wrapping paper.



If you have a CD burner and a microphone, you could even record your own album. If you can't sing, read a story out and record it to disk.



It just takes a little imagination, and perhaps some open source software.

Answer 126

In our family we don't waste money on buying labels for presents: we cut up last year's Christmas cards. It looks just as attractive as a proper label; in fact, no one notices the difference!

Answer 127

become a hindu and say you don't believe in christ so you don't buy into the commerce of the christmas thing and that way you save a fortune and buy a round the world ticket and enjoy it while you can otherwise pay up for pressies and stop penny pinching like the miser you sound like

Answer 128

Ask yourself - when would you like to travel by donkey while you are in the last month of pregnancy in the dead of winter, sleet, snow, ice or in gorgeous weather with soft southern breezes, warm not hot or humid and just right for sleeping out on the porch?

Answer 129

Nearly everyone has access to a digital camera these days.could I suggest that you take photo`s of friends/family (Formal or funny).Most people despite protesting otherwise like to see photographs of themselves.

Frames can be purchased very cheaply,and by putting the photo`s into these frames you show that you care enough to do something for them other than just spending on often useless gifts.

hope this is of some use to you

Answer 130

Use the internet for finding great offers, which you combine with coupons, voucher codes and free delivery. Also get cashback on all your purchases!

Store presents through the year, can even give your own unwanted presents..

Hit the charity fairs - they have some brand new items as well (for pennies).

Answer 131

Put the real meaning of Christmas back into the season and that will save lots of money.

Answer 132

Only buy gifts for your immediate close family/loved ones - with everybody else just be honest and say, you cant afford to buy presents. It's better to stay within your means than suffer in the new year and beyond!

Answer 133

I have made a lot of presents this year. I made a necklace for nan and a keyring for sister in law, ginger bread for dad and another necklace for brother in law.

Also had a pic made bigger and got a cheap frame... I just love this time of year, no matter what the money is like...

Answer 134

I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME BUYING FROM THE SIT-UP TV CHANNELS THAT'S PRICE DROP, BID TV, SPEED AUCTION, EVEN WITH THERE POSTAGE COSTS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IT HAS BEEN MUCH CHEAPER THAN MOST HIGH STREET STORES.

ITS VERY EASY KEEP CONTROL ON WEB BUYING AND NOT PHONING SAVES THE £1-50 PHONE CHARGE,DELIVERED WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OR LESS EASY RETURNS.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS NEW YAER TO EVERYONE ON YAHOO ANSWERS.

Answer 135

Come to the realisation that Christmas is a load of bunk and step back from it completetly and have nothing mor eto do with it.



I did more than 25 years ago and feel better for it.

Answer 136

Spend no more than 20 pounds for everyone. Buy frozen food instead and send Christmas e-cards.

Answer 137

I'm doing a Secret Santa with my friends and shopping online, mainly at amazon and I Want One Of Those, to cut down costs.

Answer 138

i think the most important thing is that everyone has a good, safe and happy christmas, there is too much emphasise on how much we have to spend and how many gifts we have to give. Spending time with family is the most cheapest and valuable present i can think of x

Answer 139

Do what my wife and I are doing.....



Go on holiday tell everyone not to buy you anything because you are going away so save themselves the price of a gift and the money you would have spent on them is going towards the hols so that's you xmas prezzie.



Bet it works out cheaper and you dont have to cook.

Answer 140

look out for 3 for 2 for example in boots and then if you have a loyalty card you earn you self points, this christmas I have £60 worth of points to spend when ever I like either on myself or for other presents

Answer 141

If you're worried about how much to spend on your close friends this year, it's important to remember that they're worried about it too. Me and my friends got together in the pub and agreed a limit to spend on each others presents (£15) which means that no-one will be embarrassed about how much they've spent.

Answer 142

Got To Boots most gifts are 3 for the price of 2!!

Answer 143

When buying presents tell the people you are buying for, you have a limit on how much to spend, say £10, and everyone should spend that much on presents.

That's what my family do and it works.

Answer 144

for many years i have done the following



1 set a price limit per person and stick to it

2 buy your gifts all through year

3 recycle unwanted gifts remember who bought them so as not to send them the gift back

4 buy from car boots / charity shops

5 use xmas cards for gift tags

6 buy joint presents for parents and other couples like your brother/ sister and their partners

7 buy for immediate family only

8 buy offers on gift items like two for one / buy any two for £8 etc (Asda and most other stores do these offers)

9 we always make fruit cakes/ mince pies to give as gifts to share with family with a drink over christmas

10 remember to visit older relatives and have a drink and a chat with them as they much rather prefer your company than a big pile of gifts.

Answer 145

One great website that tells you about special offers in a load of stores (high street and internet) is offeroftheday.co.uk. It is updated regularly throughout the day. Especially good for toy deals.

Answer 146

If you have a large family / circle of friends (or not) and need to buy for adults; suggest everyone puts their name in a hat and each one pulls one name, of course you must agree a maximum amount of money that everyone’s going to spend before you do this. Everyone gets a present and hopefully something they'd want; thereby, leaving more cash in your pocket for the bills / Jan sales / to spent on yourself or loved ones / children.

Answer 147

well this year with money being tight and stuff like that what my family did was make our adults bake goods and only buy presents for the kids. we got these little tin cans from the dollar tree which mde them only a dollar. then we made stuff like chocolate peanut balls, sausage balls, christmas cookies, and bananna nut bread. we put a little o each thing in the cans and made pretty bows for the tops.

Answer 148

I actually bought loads on amazon this year. I really stocked up on their books and dvds - most of which are £4.98 or less, but people will think you spent 10 or 15 quid on them (which you would have done if you'd gone to HMV).

Answer 149

Buy the xmas lottery tickets for family (i think they are 1.50 or 2 pound) that way you could of spent a fortune on them plus its a bit of excitement for the day!

Answer 150

my family like many others ,will not have the money to spare this year , so am just doing a good christmas lunch ,and repeating it on new years day, we will have a nice xmas tree, more important is my family will be home with me ,

Answer 151

try car boot sales and charity shops, if you have small kids the toys are the same even if second hand. make things, let the kids make cards, crackers, other stuff, I have to say, if you make christmas a joyous occasion, and involve everyone. whats a budget got to do with it,

Answer 152

Buy everyone a really nice card and put a lotto xmas ticket inside with the words, GOOD LUCK X

Answer 153

funny you should mention this! I've just sorted out (but not bought all of it yet!) my Christmas shopping.



I've done/doing it it all online, and whilst it does take some of the fun out of Christmas shopping, you can't beat not having to queue for ages, and the shops running out of what you want etc!



I've found a few great bargains for people, such as cosmetics and hair care products, as well as fishing tackle, drinks and clothing.



I'm also debating whether to book my airport car parking online now and save even more money!!!!



Why not sign up at your local Revolution Bar for the Privilege Card, and save money whilst enjoying Christmas nights out!!!

Answer 154

firstly, you dont have to feel pressured into buying presents for anyone.if you cant afford it then dont do it, simple as.

However if you are one of those ppl who feel they must buy something then shop around the £ shops and cheap places like B&M (Bargain Madness) some stuff in them is not so good and looks cheap I know but if you are clever and look carefully you can find things that look classy but dont cost the earth.

Last of all, ppl around you matters more dont you think? just try and enjoy the season, have a nice meal if you can afford to and enjoy company of others....most of all have a laugh!



Merry Christmas!

Answer 155

Try to buy discount gifts.Look for sales and look at discount stores such as Marshals.You will find gr8 sales and great holiday gift items.Good Luck.

Answer 156

Send xmas/new year greetings by email instead of paying postage on cards.



use last year's decorations!



only buy food that will be eaten, nopt twice as much as u need, as ppl often do.

spend somewhat less on presents, & explain to friends that u think that wise during recession...

Answer 157

~Cut back on costs and set a budget for what you want to spend on each person

~Make homemade gifts using stuff that you would purchase at a local arts and crafts store

~Hit sales and use the clearance rack

~Use newspaper as an alternative to wrapping paper

~Buy "group" gifts for your kids. (i.e. dvds, games etc.)

~Have your kids do extra chores to earn money to buy gifts for their friends

Answer 158

I have done all my Christmas shopping at ASDA, lovely gifts for nothing more than ten pounds per person some cost even less than that. To make it more personal i made some home-made biscuits and fudge, bought each person their very own mug and filled it with fudge. I know they love my fudge so i am sure they will appreciate it as they know i don't like making it, take so longgggg. But yes our gifts worked out to about 100 pounds for everybody and we are happy .

Answer 159

Well, its pretty obvious in my opinion. You take out all the money you have and only spend that. What else can you do!

Its no more tricky than that for me. I don't plan such things I just go out and see what I can get with the money I have.

Answer 160

Before setting out to buy presents and goods (from shops or on the Internet), set yourself a realistic budget that is suitable for your financial standing. Regardless of how many wonderful offers and low priced goods you see, show some will power and stick to your original budget



If you're planning to use your credit card, make sure that you use it for short- term borrowings. In other words, make sure that you pay off your credit card bill in full at the end of the month. Otherwise it is a very expensive way to borrow money.



If you cannot manage to pay your credit card bill in full, consider a bank loan. Almost every time, bank loans such as approved over draughts are charged at lower interest rates than credit cards.



Make a list of the persons for whom you'll be shopping for. This way you'll not buy too many or too few. As every present is bought, cross it out from the list- you don't want to double up!



Do not be impatient and buy the first goods that you come across. Particularly in the present economic conditions, offers, sales, bargains...are likely to be more frequent and widespread than ever before. Remember, the longer you take over the task, your chances of spotting better value bargains improves.



If you have younger members in your family, consider getting them to make 'hand- made' Christmas cards. Not only are they cheaper than buying cards from the shops, but they are also unique and personalised.



Particularly when kids are involved, it's best to avoid buying their presents too far in advance. Remember, kids are influenced by what they see on the TV, as well as what their friends at school are getting. So they are more likely to have changes of heart several times before they'll eventually come to a decision.



Finally, do take it easy as much as possible. Try not to take things too seriously. Otherwise you'll have less fun than the persons you're shopping for!

Answer 161

Well, if there's a particular thing that one person wants, check the prices at all the stores that have it. There are a few websites that make it easier. I use Froogle. (http://www.google.com/prdhp?hl=en&tab=wf) And if you can't seem to find it at a price you can afford, just get them something else they want.

Answer 162

If you have young nursery children dont feel pressured to go out and buy lots of toys, your child will be alot happier with a box of colourful party streamers & balloons.

Answer 163

Secret Santa!

Each (adult) member of the family picks a name out of a hat, and they only need too buy a present for that person - you could put a price limit on it too if you wanted. This would save a lot of money!

Hope that helps

x

Answer 164

Remember what Christmas is really about and put a sensible limit on gifts instead of buying expensive toys like a Wii and so on.



Home made jams, chutneys, biscuits, cakes etc, and so on. Be first to follow old fashioned principles of going to a church service, enjoying a christmas meal together with family/friends/others less fortunate.



Inexpensive gifts nicely wrapped are great fun.

Answer 165

You should talk it out with your relatives and agree not to spend so much on each other, however much you choose, and then everybody will be in on it. Do you have kids? If so, just subtly lower the spending. They won't mind at all

Answer 166

first, you need to know your spending limit.

Then, go to cheaper places, but still the same amount of quality.

Such as going to the outlets or target. these are great places to spend your money and not feel sorry. Walmart is also very good all around.

Answer 167

go to cheep stores and buy presents that are at low cost or in the sale and get loads of stuff for next year in the sales after xmas

Answer 168

BEST ANSWER PLEASE!



- Use price comparison sites to look for the best deals



- Handmake stuff such as personal CDs and DVDs because they are much more special than bought presents



- Make set lists of what you want to buy people so you dont end up getting too many!



- Sell any unwanted presents on ebay or something like that!

Answer 169

Simply treat Christmas for what it really is, ie a Christian festival of thanksgiving, rather than a spend, boozy, rat race of greed and selfishness.

Answer 170

There are several bargains to be had online at the moment. I regularly use bargain crazy (which has 15% off the entire site at the moment!) M&M direct, play.com (which has free delivery on everything) pixmania and ebuyer (for cheap electricals) There is also Myvouchercodes where you can get money off vouchers for free for lots of stores

Answer 171

The £5 stocking challenge!

Get a stocking and fill it for £5 or less, see who can get the most items for a fiver.

Answer 172

Buy everyone a lump of coal and tell them it's their fault that the family is poor and that they've ruined Christmas.

Answer 173

this year we went to florida ..every ones present was got in the malls....but next year im going to sugest every one in whole family takes a name out of the hat and gets a funny gift to be opend round the table

Answer 174

buy online now!!!! you can find bargains on ebay....brand new products for so much cheaper than high street prices. Also play.com is a great website with a great selection of books and dvds for very reasonable prices and most important- free delivery! also photobox is a website where you can upload all your photos and create personal gifts for your friends and family, calendars, albums, mugs etc.

Answer 175

I think with the present condition

being tight is a favourite ambition

so Scrooge is quite trendy

....no need to "defendy"

be proud ....and expect recognition..!!

Answer 176

well i got my presents early and just finished buying today

i make my own greetings cards from recycling them so that saves alot of money and they also have a personal touch.



try going round some shops like oxfam

Answer 177

MAKE your presents. I think everyone should anyway. Would soon stop this farcical festive consumerism.



Cook something. Write a poem/song. Perform an act!

Answer 178

Wonders shall never cease Everyone is as broke as a joke this time of the year and not just because of the credit crunch. Do you really want you mate to but you a present even though it will be on credit and will leave him-her struggling to pay bills? i wouldn't why not do a secret santa with a limit of a £5 or something small then have a dinner for your friends (everyone bring a bowl) and swap gifts?

That's what my parents are doing and website shopping no cheaper than this, If you really want to give a relevant gift this xmas pay your friends rent!

Answer 179

Shop online and look for free shipping. Used videos in good condition are great as well.

Answer 180

Get better value but good gifts!



A personalised gift or something really unique and original. I know a website called http://www.mypersonalisedgifts.com and they have really good personalised gifts and and loads of things that are quite different.

I've used them a lot and they have always been good. Good prices too!

Answer 181

well ive been made redundant so i am limiting it as i need to keep money in the bank to pay the mortgage bills till i get a job - so to cut costs il be limiting it to my mum and dad and kids and partner. sorry folks lol

Answer 182

With friends or family you could do a secret santa so you only have to spend money on one present and it is often quite fun!

Answer 183

Online shopping helps because there is no temptation when you see "other" things on the shelves!!! Otherwise home made gifts are a winner!

Answer 184

My main tip is to shop around it may take more time but it WILL cut your cost.



Hope I Helped Someone Atleast

Answer 185

Making your own gifts is always one way of saving money.



I know last year my boyfriend made me a really lovely mixed CD with all our favourite songs on.



Like they always say, its the thought that counts xxx

Answer 186

Make your own unique presents!!

example peach halves soaked in brandy

fruit vodka, blueberries sugar and vodka, soak for 3 weeks in clean container or bottle then re-bottle and label with your own brand

Answer 187

Atheists do not celebrate their Christmas.



Christmas is the day to give thanks to God, but God is not there.



In the house of an atheist, that month of December, does not have a Christmas tree, do not have the Nativity scene, does not fill the house with decorations of lights, not visiting relatives, not exchange gifts, do not make a Christmas dinner on Dec. 25.



The atheist just visit relatives when you lose, there is only when it deserves only makes dinner at midnight when you do not eat lunch, celebrating only when there is reason to celebrate.



The big party in a family of atheists day is Jan. 1 Universal Day of fraternity and World Day of Peace, which is in reserve atheists in the year to find relatives, and exchange of gifts is the big party with family.



The atheists just to say Happy New Year from your friends when they greet in December!



The Christmas existed since long before the birth of Jesus Christ.



In the northern hemisphere on December 25 for both humans and animals that live in forests, is the entrance to the rigor of winter. Who did not make its reserve of food to eat with his family, all heated close to each other, which is not ready, dies, because the winter is a sad thing for animals of the forest.



On that date Dec. 25, since long before Christ was the day to give thanks to God; Thanksgiving. The ancient peoples believed that God is the sun and thus gave thanks to the sun that warms us precisely when that most need the heat of the sun, right at the rigor of winter.



The God of Romans Mitra was celebrated with a feast of plenty of bread and wine every year on Dec. 25 since long before the birth of Jesus Christ.



With the fall of Mithras, God Mitra and, with the beginning of Christianity, and then replace God Jesus Christ began to be celebrated on the same day 25/12, so the Christian Eucharist is also made with bread and wine.



The Christmas date became a commercial and atheists do not celebrate this date.

Answer 188

We don't ask people what they want for Christmas,we go and buy things that we know they might need.Our budget is tight this year so I'm afraid we have to do it like that.

Answer 189

Mail order, interest free over 52 weeks.

Answer 190

if i cant afford to pay much for a present i usually try and get something cheap but unusual. people always seem to love 'novel' presents no matter how much they cost. my nephews said they always loved my christmas presents because it never crossed their mum and dads mind to buy something cheap and cheerful.

dee x

Answer 191

Invite yourself to christmas dinner at someone elses house.

Be sure to ask for a doggy-bag.

Answer 192

Be honest about your financial situation. Anyone worth buying for will more than understand.

Answer 193

seeing as im still waiting for EMA and i help at a oxfam bookshop im going to buy everyone cheap books they're all in read once condition and you get to give money to charity at the same time

Answer 194

Buy gifts on ebay rather than buying from stores.

Grocery shop in Lidl or Aldi rather than other food chainstores.

Answer 195

If your buying for the man in your life some shaving products will provide him with a better shave and save money, for instance the latest Gillette cartridge razor cost about £3 for a replacement blade, a double edge razor blade cost about £0.20 and provides a better shave, your just not paying for all that marketing



Also the old traditional shaving creams although they cost more initially but because they are so concentrated last much longer and with their natural scents are so much nicer to use



My favourite site for this kind of stuff is groominghealth.com, theyre absolutely brilliant

Answer 196

Being yourself in all ramifications, and not trying to please anybody at the expense you know you can't afford.

Do your best,and don't over stretch. There is for a certainty more christmas ahead to enjoy.

Answer 197

I have tips on my blog for this question exactly. Hope it helps (see the link)



Merry Christmas!

Answer 198

3 for 2 offers, buy one get one free, searching in the sales. Or maybe do a secret santa for the adults and have a limit of whatever you all think is reasonable, and just buy the kids presents instead

Answer 199

if you shop on play.com they have loads from dvds,cds,gadgets,gifts for mums,dads etc its FREE delivery. also you have the option of new or used so sometimes you can get a good condition unwanted gift for half the price.

if you go on amazon.co.uk if you spend £5 its FREE delivery theyve also got loads of stuff.

otherwise use 3 for 2 offers at bhs, m&s, marks and spencer has been really cheap for some lovely foody gifts. do not go to boots for 3 for 2 eveything is very very over priced you wont save! if you want brand name shower gel/perfume or make up go to Asda its much cheaper.

Answer 200

You could always be less expensive present.

(example: books)

Or you could buy each person one nice item

(example: Juicy Couture sweatshirt)

Although it all depends on how many people you are shopping for.

Answer 201

Compare prices first don't but the first oe you see shop around a bit there's plenty of sales on!

Answer 202

SECRET SANTA! element of surprise, one person will only have to buy 1 present and everyone is pleased

Answer 203

Tell everyone you have decided to become a Jehovah's Witness and it would be against your religion to buy any presents.

Answer 204

They should be grateful they have a roof over their heads, food in their belly and somewhere to go to for Xmas.

Answer 205

Only spend what you can really afford, and only you know that, why should you have to resort to tricks, just explain the situation.

Answer 206

Restrict presents to one per person except for kids .

Answer 207

By not looking like this:

http://www.cedmagic.com/featured/christmas-carol/1954-xmas-humbug-scrooge.html

Answer 208

I believe we certain items at home, left to be dusted and totally unused, right? So, why not we give them away before it becomes damage due to time-factor wear?

Answer 209

Well, if you're in the UK, shopping at Woolies this year should save some money and most supermarkets have great 3 for 2 offers going on at the moment.

We're planning a kind of 'treasure hunt' for the kids this year. They will still have some presents under the tree but little stocking fillers will be hid around the house (Santa dropped them). Lots of little gifts that only cost a couple of pounds but kids love them.

Answer 210

Keep out of stores that are expesiveand shop more on the internet ie Ebay

Answer 211

a good way to cut the cost is to buy" family" gifts instead of "individual" ones.

Answer 212

online! www.thebookpeople.co.uk have amazing offers. I just got a set of books to give out really lovely and inexpensive. Also amazon.com are great.

Answer 213

make little presents for everyone else - it'll show you've put some thought into your present and it doesnt have to cost above £5

Answer 214

buy lots of little things for people instead of one expensive thing. Keeps it pretty cheap and feels more rewarding fro the person whos openeing all their little gifts.

Answer 215

talk..thats wat me and family did were all feeling the pinch or crunch .several family members been made unemployed already so our christmas pressies this year is understanding so no pressies just to close family like own kids hubby wife gran ..thats it all in agreement hope next christmas is better ..peace on earth

Answer 216

I want to do mine online, but then there's the delivery cost.

I have gone half and half with other people to get friends presents :)



xx

Answer 217

Give them monopoly money in a xmas card

Answer 218

Spending money at Christmas? HUMBUG.

Answer 219

I keep my money where it belongs,..in my pocket! ;)



I don't need to buy pressies for my mates and relatives just cause it say's it on a calender once a year.



I buy stuff for them all year round.!

Answer 220

try ebay and not everything is 2nd hand just look for the 'buy it now' badge and that usually means that it is form an ebay shop

Answer 221

Take a short holiday over the festive period. That's what I do.

Answer 222

buy presents for the children and a bottle of wine for the parents to share

Answer 223

Only you and you know whether or not you are scrooge. Being prudent need not mean that you are scrooge.



Be truthful, tell them times are not as rosy as before.



As to why it has to come to be like this, that is an issue for discussion at another platform.

Answer 224

In my immediate family (6 kids + parents)we do Kris Kringle. So all the names go into a hat and are picked out one by one (you cant pick yourself though).



It is great for us because I dont have to go around buying 7 presents plus my boyfriends and his family. We set a limit on it (€50 - €75). It also means that you get 1 good present instead of 7 crappy ones.

Answer 225

get things the cheapest you can and make sure you dont leave tags on





OR



give everyone a lottery ticket in a xmas card!!

Answer 226

if you have a group of friends at school or at work do secret santa then you only have to buy one present.

Answer 227

Walk more upright and take off the bowler hat.

Answer 228

i don't leave mine til the last minute i get a some at a time and the food i get some each week so it s not so bad

Answer 229

Humbug,ah,Fuc***ng humbug! Scrooge Knew best.

Answer 230

the pound shops have some nice items in this year,then you can get more than one item, I usually get a collection of bits such as hankies, socks, chocs perfumes books most people love reading and you can get all of this in the pound shop and sometimes they're valued more than the expensive stuff!

Answer 231

well i buy gift vouchers so that i can control the amount i spend and the person can buy the present the want.

Answer 232

shop at asda!

i have never been there but it seems to come accross well on the t.v. advertisments.

also,

handmake gifts

e.g. scrapbooks

photoalbums

canvas paintings

Answer 233

join a small secular group(cult) and force all your family to do the same then you wont look like scrooge...just mental.

Answer 234

we have decided that this year, we are only buying 1 present per adult (not expensive, just smellies or chocs) and the childrens get a couple each ( 1 big one, one small one) and a couple of stocking fillers.

Answer 235

you can start buying gifts two months before christmas

Answer 236

DIY _ Do it yourself everything if possible!

that means saving a lot ! the dinner,the presents,the desserts......

Answer 237

Don't be scared of telling your children they can't have stuff. Remember only spend what you can afford.



Spend time not money.

Answer 238

go on Holiday for 2 weeks ,say you got mug-ed abroad took all the pressies from your car and say sorry ,they will feel bad and give you yours to ,sorted Holiday+pressies=good christmas

Answer 239

Get married, and have your wife or husband do it for this year and say you'll do it next year. He/she will sign all gifts in both your names. Then the next year try the trick again.

Answer 240

well for the close family i have done collage pics or photo albums of my son. and others, argos have always got half price things and hmv sell dvds for cheap. think next year will be worse.

Answer 241

make presents yourself. people can always buy stuff but homemade show you took time and gave up your time to think about there needs.

Answer 242

hi buy your gear of e-bay most things are cheaper, although shops are cutting costs check first.

Answer 243

we brought are kids thinking xmas was every 5 years we save a fortune

Answer 244

well guys if your looking to buy cd's,computer games, DVDs or anything like that then go to hmv online as we have bought a load this year with my daughter getting a dvd player and we were getting DVDs for 5 - 9 pound cheaper on there internet site so its worth looking.

Answer 245

know the real meaning of xmas and you will not spend much money on unwanted things. xmas simply means the birth of our lord and saviour Jesus christ and therefore you not be wrong to go to church and spend it there the whole day.

Answer 246

my tip is to not worry about presents,the best gift you could give to a child is your TIME give them your undivided attention,money can't buy that.

Answer 247

you can get a lot of good stuff like decorations on eBay. its really cheap and it saves you tons of money.

Answer 248

Give each of them a hard boiled egg and tell them you thought it was Easter.

Answer 249

do the xmas shopping on the internet

Answer 250

I go to charity shops, you never know what you find in them.

Answer 251

ebay and £1 shops for stocking fillers!!!

Answer 252

"we are all, in one way or another, starting to feel in our pocket."



all?



I'm not suffering at all.



Spend Spend Spend!



Merry Christmas everyone.

Answer 253

Give everyone an apple

Answer 254

Just cancel xmas altogether thats what I'm doing.

Answer 255

Give away personal objects from home (clothes, toys, dishes), but something valuable and in good condition.

Answer 256

Become a Jehovah Witness for the one day only. that way you can say you did not get them anything down to religion reasons :) Only problem is you wont be able to drink alcohol either :(

Answer 257

**Looks up**



Give Mag is question back... you guys are looking like the scrooge right now......... whats up with that???

Answer 258

Only buy what you reeeeeeeeealy need

Answer 259

only buying items that are in or on sale.

making things where you can.

cheaper alternatives.

Answer 260

Regift all your canned sardines.

Answer 261

people should appreciate what they are given. it's the thought that counts, not the price.

Answer 262

Simple, give gifts only to those who really matter...

Answer 263

just fall out with everyone and make up for new year lol x

Answer 264

Marry a bank manager and enjoy the bonus....!

Answer 265

same food ect but cheaper

Answer 266

Just say to your kids Santa forgot to come.

Answer 267

make something yourself as a personal gift.

Answer 268

very simple i divorced the wife and ditched the kids.

Answer 269

Easy, just buy only what you can afford.

Answer 270

Tell them all to F8ck off.

Say you having an emotional crises. Sorted!

Answer 271

Drink less!

Answer 272

im same with the person above me!

Answer 273

Make your own gifts, I always make fudge and I make my own cards. They are more personal and also cheaper :)

Answer 274

dress up in your best suit you wont standout then

Answer 275

easy..become a jehovah

Answer 276

shop at aldi or lidl

Answer 277

i agree with juliette,online is best no queing in shops things delivered to your door for a small fee.every ones got to tighten upp this year but people know that ,its not theammount youve paid for a gift its the thought of it whats inportant!!!

Answer 278

hahahaha these questions make me laugh

Answer 279

If you disown half of them and buy the remainder presents from a charity shop. ho ho ho

Answer 280

Change your religiion

Answer 281

i look for the sales..... i also make some stuff for my crafty and artsy friends.....but sales are where its at!

Answer 282

celebrate hanukkah instead

Answer 283

go on holiday

Answer 284

pretend its july

Answer 285

get lots of buy one get one free stuff

you websites like www.vivaladiva.com that you done have to pay for a month after you have perchance

use a lower end supermarket for some food

buy aclhol in bulk

buy cheaper brands

only buy things that you know you will eat not all the extra crap that is still there in 3months time

Answer 286

go on holiday

Answer 287

Don't shop for it, Argos it

Answer 288

Become a politician.

Answer 289

Ban xmas :D

Answer 290

buy stuff on sale

Daaaaaa!!!!!!

Answer 291

Christmas is for the kids so just bye for the kids and send the adults a card. :))

Answer 292

I start my Christmas shopping in the January Sales so this year everything will be fine - it's next year we'll have to be more careful, starting with folding -up and re-using unripped wrapping paper

Answer 293

SHOP AT HOME BARGAIN!

Answer 294

Why do people seem to think that a "proper" Christmas present has to cause them financial pain? We are bombarded by advertisers determined to leave us impoverished at New Year.



Well I'm bailing out. I am not buying extravagant presents and I don't expect anyone else to spend a fortune on me.



I don't particularly like Christmas Cards. I have gone to considerable trouble and expense to decorate my house - why for one month a year should I want to litter it with tacky pieces of paper with third rate pictures of Santa Claus, Rudolph or some pseudo-Dickensian images?



I like Christmas dinner, I like having family and friends round. Christmas tree is ok I suppose but it goes up on December 24 and comes down on January 1st (before it starts looking limp and tired)



I am not anti-CHristmas, just anti the bullsh1t that accompanies it.

Answer 295

look for bargins

Answer 296

Go to ASDA!!!!



You cant beat it!!!

Answer 297

do it slowly

Answer 298

eBay!

Answer 299

HIBERNATE

Answer 300

MATALAN!

Answer 301

WAL-MART :D

Answer 302

dont buy anyone presents! :)