I have just started thinking about what the boys would like for Christmas. Money is a bit tight with the renovation work we have planned so I am trying to look now for any offers or sales.  I really need to be saving money on Christmas shopping wherever possible.  I aim of buy a bit each month so I don’t feel the pinch in December.

I am not a last-minute shopper by any means.  I like to gradually build up the present pile when I can afford to. Christmas is a tricky time of the year when your children still believe (admittedly a little waveringly here).  They don’t understand why Father Christmas cannot bring them everything they ask for, because Father Christmas is magical and he can make whatever he wants!!!

Well sadly my bank account isn’t magical so I like to use discount vouchers and shop around as much as possible. I was having a look on Argos for one of their main presents (a folding pool & table tennis table) so I had a look at https://www.myfavouritevouchercodes.co.uk/argos-voucher-codes to see if I could find any suitable savings before making my purchase.

Here are my top tips for Christmas shopping:

Set a budget

My main advice would be not to get carried away.  It’s important to set a budget and stick to it.  Christmas is just one day of the whole year so try and put it into perspective.  Otherwise you can feel quite miserable come January trying to repay it all back!

It can sometimes seem like a competition whose children get the best/most presents under the tree.  The flurry of social media photo’s adding fire to the feeling!  But don’t get swept up in the contest. Keep the present pile in moderation!!!

Shop Around

Take advantage of special sales days like Black Friday and use any voucher codes you can find!  Never make a purchase without first seeing if you can get it cheaper elsewhere or reduce the price somehow.

Manage expectations

Try and shape your children’s Christmas lists so they are achievable without costing you a fortune. It’s surprising how often the cheapest presents bring the most enjoyment! Some parents have gift rules in place early on and that can really help, like one thing your child wants, one thing they need, and something to read.

It’s easier when children are older and understand it’s the parents who pay for the presents but until then try and influence the presents on those wish lists. Until then make Christmas memorable in more ways than just gifts, bake together and make Christmas cards.

Always better to save for Christmas than get into debt for it

If you start early enough in the year either buying presents or putting money aside come December you will be ready to play Santa without all the stress of wondering how you will do it!

See what you can re-gift

My boys have had presents that remain in the cellophane a year later, see if you can find a better home for them elsewhere or sell them in the run up to Christmas for people looking for gifts for their own children and use the money towards presents you need to buy.

Good luck with your Christmas shopping!