34 Ways to Save Money this Christmas

A Budget Guide to Christmas 2024

The countdown to Christmas has begun, with shops already brimming with festive gifts and treats for the big day! While we all love the magic of the season, many of us are feeling the pinch more than ever this year.

From gifts to food and decorations, Christmas can quickly become one of the most costly events of the year. So whether you’re working within a tight budget or simply looking to curb your holiday spending, our team of money-saving specialists here at NetVoucherCodes have gathered their best tips & tricks to help you prepare and celebrate the season without breaking the bank.

1) Create a Realistic Budget

Setting a budget at Christmas is key to reducing overspending. It’s easy to feel pressured and tempted to go overboard at Christmas time, rack up unnecessary debts and burn yourself out for what essentially is one day of the year.

Firstly, work out how much you can afford to spend this Christmas. How many paydays are left before the 25th of December and how much can you afford to put aside?

Next, plan how much you’re going to spend at Christmas. And that’s not just on gifts – consider food & drink, decorations and wrapping – these extras can quickly be forgotten!

If you find that there isn’t enough room in the budget for everything, you might need to reconsider what you plan to purchase.

2) Make a List

A good old-fashioned list is your best friend when it comes to preparing for Christmas on a budget. Writing down everything you plan to buy and spend can not only help you get organised but go a long way in ensuring you’re not overspending!

Start by making a list of all the people you want to buy gifts for, and what you would like to buy them. Once you know what you’re shopping for, you can start to compare prices and seek out the best discounts!

The same goes for the festive food & drink shop. Write down every item to the last crisp to ensure you stick to your budget. Ps – don’t forget to check it twice!

3) Start Early

It always pays to be prepared, and the same goes for Christmas! There’s never a wrong time to start making preparations for the big day – even if it means starting your gift shopping in January.

Mark your calendars for upcoming sale events throughout the year and pick up bits here and there that will lessen the pressure closer to the time.

If you prefer to shop closer to the time, ensure you’re getting in there as early as possible to avoid missing out on what you’re buying (especially if it’s popular!). Shoppers will be queuing ready to fill their trolleys so make sure you know your store’s opening times to be first through the doors. The same goes for online shoppers, be ready to fill your boots at the crack of dawn!

Our Black Friday shopping guide is super useful for online shoppers – not only during Black Friday and sale periods but all year round!

4) Shop Around & Compare Prices

You’ll be surprised how much money you can save by shopping around and comparing prices. We all have our go-to brands that we tend to revisit time and time again, but brand loyalty is not always the best way to go. Before you buy your next expensive purchase, make sure you shop around and compare prices!

Buying direct can sometimes mean paying premium prices. Supermarkets or online catalogue stores like Asos, Very & Argos are great for buying cheaper and often source the go-to brands.

5) Check Stock Availability

Where possible, check the stock availability of an item you’re looking for online before shopping in the sale. Set an alarm for when the sale is due to start. This way, you’re more likely to get your hands on exactly what you want!

6) Utilise Discount Codes

The first thing you’re going to need to do if you’re after a quick discount is search for a voucher code. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is to grab a saving on your order with a code in hand!

NetVoucherCodes have working & official promo codes for the majority of our retailers at any given time – so you’re more than likely guaranteed to walk away with a nifty saving. Simply search for your retailer or browse through our categories. Why not have a look at our Top 30 codes live on our site right now?

7) Take Advantage of First Order Voucher Codes

Keep your eyes peeled for first-order discount codes when shopping online! You will often see these pop up on the homepage when browsing. These are fantastic for making great savings on your very first order if you’re a new customer. Keep in mind these will require you to sign up for their mailing list so if that’s something you could do without, simply unsubscribe once you’ve collected your discount.

You could even set up a new email address if you don’t wish to receive regular emails from the store. This is also another great tip if you’re an existing customer as you will receive a first-order discount.

8) Sign up for Newsletters

One of the easiest ways to ensure you’re kept up to date with all the latest offers and discounts from your favourite retailers is to sign up for their newsletter. This is always free to do using your email address.

By signing up, you will be kept in the loop with any of their latest deals, upcoming sale offers & dates and much more. Many stores also send you an exclusive discount on your birthday. Sign up for your favourite store’s online newsletter today and keep your eyes on your inbox for some serious savings.

9) Refer a Friend

If you’re a regular shopper at one of your favourite stores, why not share that love with mates for an exclusive discount? Most stores offer you and your friend a discount for referring them. They will usually offer a referral link which your friend will need to use to make their purchase! Once they have, you and they both could save from 5 to 20% off your next order. You may even get a cash discount and loyalty points if you’re a member.

The best part is that most referral schemes don’t have a limit, meaning you can share the love with as many friends as you like. And the more friends you refer, the more discounts you will bag yourself once they make an order.

10) Use Student discounts

Just because you’re a student, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the things you love! Students can make huge savings online with sites like Student Beans and UNiDays.

If you’re at college or university, sign up for free using your student email address. You’ll spot hundreds of popular online stores from fashion & footwear to travel sites, home stores and even restaurants.

Why not check out what student savings we have live on our site right now? You could be saving up to 25% off at your favourite stores!

11) NHS & Blue Light discounts

Online stores love to give back to our NHS heroes which is why if you work for the NHS, you can enjoy exclusive discounts just for you!

Apps like Blue Light Card are free to download and feature hundreds of special offers and voucher codes. All you have to do is log in using your NHS Email address and verify your account to get started.

For more tips & tricks on how to save money online, check out our Online Shopping Blog where we share our top-secret tips for bagging a bargain online.

12) Look out for early Black Friday sales

Black Friday is the biggest and most anticipated shopping event of the year – falling on the last Friday in November and kicking off the Christmas shopping period for many!

Getting ready for Black Friday can be overwhelming, but here at NetVoucherCodes, we’re helping you prepare early! Over the past few years, we’ve seen thousands of top brands slash their prices on the latest must-have gadgets, homeware, fashion and beauty not only on Black Friday but throughout November.

Argos, Smyths Toys, Curry’s and Very are just a few named brands you’re likely to see slash their prices during the weeks running up to Black Friday – though thousands of high street and online stores are expected to participate

This sale event also usually extends into the following week, with Cyber Monday taking place the Monday following Black Friday. Sales tend to continue throughout the first week of December, allowing customers to secure some last-minute Christmas bargains.

13) Buy Second-Hand

Buying second-hand is not only a handy way to save money, but it’s also great for the environment. You’ll find loads of second-hand items on online marketplaces like eBay, Depop and Vinted as well as pre-loved items from local sellers on Facebook groups.

Many of your favourite online retailers also provide second-hand sections on their websites. These are especially popular with mobile phones and electronic sites.

Instead of buying brand-new this Christmas, shop for refurbished iPhones, laptops and tablets from brands like O2, musicMagpie and Laptops Direct and save money on your second-hand devices.

If your child is aged between 2-4, it’s likely their Christmas List is filled with toys from their latest obsession! But as we all know, they quickly switch to the next best thing, often leaving hundreds of pounds worth of toys collecting dust.

Our Top Tips for Second-Hand Buyers:

• Haggle! Don’t be afraid to ask for a few quid off. If someone really wants a sale they will be happy to negotiate a price.
• Offer a swap. Have you got something that the seller might want? Ask if they’re happy to do a swap instead of a sale. You never know, you might just have something they’re looking for.
• Collect items where possible. Try to buy items in your local area and collect them wherever possible. Often, sellers can create their own fees for delivery so it’s always worth saving yourself a few quid.
• Ask for more pictures. If you think the pictures don’t depict the item clearly, ask for more. You want to be sure that you get what you’re paying for and that it’s in the condition they have stated.
• Ask questions. Unsure about the quality or condition? Perhaps the seller wasn’t particularly clear in their description. Don’t be afraid to investigate.

14) Buy in the Boxing Day Sales

If your family is not fussy about when they give or receive gifts, shopping in the Boxing Day sales can be a great alternative to Christmas shopping. Your family can even make an event of it, using any money gifted on Christmas day as spending.

You’re sure to find huge discounts on popular Christmas must-haves as well as seasonal items, allowing you to save money on gifts and bag festive bits for next year. With Boxing Day sales taking place in-store and online, you’ll find thousands of bargains at some of your favourite brands.

15) Shop in the January Sales

January is also a great time to buy low-cost festive items for next Christmas. You’ll often find reduced decorations, cards, wrapping paper and other essentials in supermarkets, homeware stores and many other online retailers.

16) Use Loyalty or Rewards Cards and Apps

If your chosen store has a loyalty scheme, make the most of it and swipe your card at the checkout. If you’re buying early, these points will add up for you to use at a later date. Or if you’ve been banking your points all year, why not use them to cut the cost of your next purchase?

If you shop at the same store regularly, it’s well worth signing up for the loyalty scheme or rewards programme! Look for a loyalty scheme before you shop and sign up to collect rewards.

Many retailers provide members with points for money off future spending as well as free gifts and discounts on selected products.

Save or spend your rewards and enjoy regular treats throughout the year. Some loyalty programmes even provide birthday treats and hierarchy systems that allow you to accumulate bigger and better rewards with every purchase!

17) Sell Online for Extra Cash

If you’re not yet familiar with buying & selling online – now is the time to get on board. Selling old or used goods online has been around since the early days of the internet, but with marketplaces like Vinted and Depop now available, it’s easier than ever to sell online.

A simple photo and a few clicks can translate into a sale within a few minutes, earning you some extra cash towards the Christmas cash pot. If you’re known for holding on to items you no longer use (or need!), now is the perfect time to flog them.

Some of our go-to marketplaces for buying & selling online include:-

• Facebook Marketplace
• Gumtree
• eBay
• Vinted
• Shpock

Our Top Tips for Sellers:

1. Take plenty of pictures that represent the item! There’s no point trying to hide any imperfections. Ensure your images represent the item in the best way.
2. Write a detailed description. Make sure you describe the items as accurately as possible to avoid any confusion.
3. Be prepared for a haggle. Lots of buyers will offer you a price lower than you are selling for. Be aware of this and price accordingly.
4. Have a look online to see what the same items are selling for, you don’t want to miss a sale because you’ve overpriced.
5. Offer to deliver for a small fee.
6. Don’t settle on the first offer. It’s likely that you will receive a few offers after posting your item. Hold out a day or two to be sure you get the best price.

18) Swap Don’t Buy

Swap Groups are also another popular resource. Online marketplaces, like Facebook, are fantastic resources for finding used goods in your local area – mostly for a fraction of the cost!

You can share items and swap them for something somebody else is getting rid of. It’s a win-win all around!

19) Create your own Gifts

Why not get creative this year and try your hand at making your own memorable gifts? There are tons of tutorials and homemade gifting ideas out there on the likes of YouTube or TikTok. It could be as simple as a fun card, or why not give knitting your best shot?

There are so many fun and affordable ways to create your own gifts and with time in our favour, now is your perfect chance to start preparing!

20) Ditch Branded Items

Christmas is often the time of year when households splash out on more expensive branded items, especially when it comes to food. However, these purchases can quickly add up and oftentimes you end up with too much stuff that gets wasted. Try selecting a couple of branded items you love and sticking to the non-branded products for the rest of your Christmas shop. For staples like potatoes, bread, and sauces, own-brand can make a big impact on savings and you probably won’t be able to tell the difference!

21) Swap Gift Buying for Secret Santa

Buying gifts for your immediate family is one thing, but once you add on extended family, friends, and friends of friends, Christmas shopping can become an expensive task!

If you’re working on a tight budget this year, instead of everybody buying each other gifts, why not host a Secret Santa with friends and family? This is a great way for everybody to save money and can be a much more exciting and fun experience.

22) Make Small Cuts Backs

Do you usually grab a takeout coffee on the way to work? Maybe you love a Friday treat on your lunch break? If you want to go all out at Xmas, making small cut-backs now could add a little bit extra to your Christmas Budget.

If you spend £2 per day on lunch or coffee, that’s an extra tenner every week to add to the Christmas spending budget!

23) Combine Gift Buying

If you have a special friend or family member that each person will buy a gift for, combining gift buying is a great way to save money! Everybody can club together a small amount for a special gift as opposed to all buying your own individually.

24) Ban Unnecessary Gifting

The pressure to give gifts can sometimes lead us to buy too much and spend way too much money in the process. Keep gift-giving minimal and remember that Christmas is about making memories with family and friends, not unnecessary stuff.

25) Create Memories on a Budget

Instead of splashing out on expensive gifts that people will eventually grow tired of, why not spend your money on making memories? Enjoy a festive day out with your friends or family and spend your money on creating experiences you’ll always remember instead of superficial stuff.

You don’t even need to plan something extravagant. Why not invite your family or friends round for a cosy night in with festive snacks, Christmas activities, games and small, personal gifts that mean much more than expensive items?

26) Plan your Meals in Advance

Creating a Meal Plan for the days around Christmas is a fantastic way to avoid overspending on unnecessary treats. We all know how tempting it can be to stock up on copious amounts of sweet treats & snacks around the festive period – many of which don’t often get touched!

If you have any gatherings or special dinners coming up this season, make a plan and stick to it. This helps avoid overbuying and reduces food waste.

27) Set a Food Budget

Before you start shopping, set a clear budget for your Christmas food and stick to it. Splitting your budget into categories like meat, veg, and treats can help control spending.

28) Use Loyalty Cards & Cashback Apps

Make the most of loyalty schemes, such as Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar, or cashback apps like TopCashback or Quidco. These can offer discounts, points, or cashback on purchases, adding up to substantial savings over time.

Asda Rewards is also a great app that allows you to collect points every time you shop in-store that can then be converted into savings. They allow you to add these savings into a Christmas Saver cash pot that can be redeemed against anything from food to Christmas gifts and clothing by 31st December.

29) Bulk Buy Essentials Early

Stock up on non-perishables early, such as store cupboard goods and Christmas essentials like, stuffing and frozen veg when they’re on offer. Prices tend to rise as Christmas approaches, so buying these essentials in advance can help you save money!

30) Buy Frozen rather than Fresh

Frozen vegetables, fruits and even meats are often cheaper than buying fresh and can be just as tasty. Stocking up on frozen items means there’s no rushing around during the busy shopping period and also reduces the pressure to use everything immediately!

31) Stick to a Shopping List!

Write down everything you need and don’t be swayed by tempting extras. A list helps you stay focused and prevents impulse buys that add to your total.

32) Share the load this Christmas

If you’re hosting a gathering or Christmas Dinner this year, why not ask family or friends to bring a dish? Sharing the load can help spread the cost and is also a great way to ensure everyone has something they like on the table!

33) Downsize the Turkey (or Choose a Different Meat)

Turkey is traditional, but it can be pricey. Consider buying a smaller turkey or opting for a cheaper alternative like chicken or ham. If you’re open to alternatives, it can save a lot on your main course.

34) Shop at Discount Stores and Markets

Explore budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, or visit local markets for fresh produce. Many local markets offer seasonal fruit and veg at a lower cost than supermarkets, especially close to closing time.