12 Clever ways to save money at Christmas

Christmas is upon us and there's no longer any time to lose. As panic sets in, it's easy to spend far more than you anticipated, leading to debt problems later. This is a particular worry as the cost of living crisis intensifies. 

The following 12 tips could help you save money at what may be the most wonderful time of the year, but is also the most costly and stressful.

Nobody wants to start the New Year with a massive debt handover, so work out how much you can really afford to spend. Money is tight for most of us right now, so people will understand if you need to make cutbacks.

Write down everything you spend and compare it against your budget, to avoid going overdoing the seasonal splurge.

Leaving everything to the last minute can lead to panic buying and overspending as you lose control. Get stuck in today.

Sending e-cards instead of traditional greeting cards is a cheap (and fast) way to wish your loved ones a merry Christmas

Any Christmas cards you post may not arrive in time, given current postal strikes.

These days there is no shame in emailing festive greetings instead or putting something on Facebook. Download free e-Christmas cards or make your own.

If struggling to fund presents for friends or extended family members that you rarely see, think whether that gift is really necessary.

Alternatively, run a “Secret Santa” for family, friends and workmates, by putting names in a hat and have everyone pick out one person to buy for.

Root around in your cupboards for anything you can sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace to raise some spending money.

Or sell your old tech on sites like Music Magpie. Smartphones, laptops, TVs and games consoles can bring in much-needed cash.

You can find some stunning gifts in second hand shops—and they're more environmentally friendly too

Not everything has to be brand new. Gifting pre-loved items this Christmas can save money and give loved ones something a little different.

Check out sites like Vinted, Preloved, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, or spend time making something you know they’ll love, with a real personal touch.

Many shops now send regular discount codes to customers by email, so sign up to get notifications of price discounts, free delivery and in-store promotions.

Monitor price changes for bigger gifts on sites like PriceSpy.co.uk or Idealo.co.uk.

Cashback sites such as MyVoucherCodes and Quidco offer money back if you click through to other retailers.

If you have been collecting rewards and loyalty points throughout the last year, now is a good time to spend them. Better than letting them go to waste!

You don’t have to say yes to every Christmas invite. If the party season is getting too much, financially or otherwise, there is no law that says you have to go.

Check your fridge or freezer to see if there are any leftovers you can use for Christmas dinner

Save money by rummaging through your freezer and using up items that have been there all year—this will also make space for Christmas leftovers.

When shopping, compare supermarket prices and check out daily deals on sites like trolley.co.uk.

Think twice about multi-buys, they can prove a false economy and lead to waste.

When buying gifts and other items online, watch out for delivery costs.

Ordering early can help, as you can opt for cheaper standard delivery times and bundle up multiple items into one order.

Last minute shipments can be a lot more expensive.

If you are putting Christmas on plastic, consider shifting the debt to a zero-interest balance transfer credit card.

You can use the money you save on interest to pay down your balance.

If you’re struggling, seek free debt advice from charities such as StepChange, Citizens Advice or National Debtline—and beware those who charge a fee for their services.

Save extra money today with Chip.

Read more: How to find some extra money for Christmas

Read more: How to cut the cost of Christmas

Keep up with the top stories from Reader's Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter

This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.