Feeling Festive (without spending loads of money!)

Photo: Pinterest 

This really is the most wonderful time of the year isn't it? There's just something about the run up to Christmas that just makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. I love nothing more than getting snuggled up on the sofa to watch my favourite Christmas film (usually Elf or The Grinch), or planning what I'm going to buy for everyone and thinking of things they'll love. Not only is it the most wonderful time of the year, it's also the most expensive time of the year and purses can be left a little emptier after a sprint of Christmas shopping or stocking up on all your favourite festive items. Here are my top 4 tips for saving money in easy places.

1. Shop Around (and online!)

There's often loads more deals online than you can get in store. A quick google of the shop name you're after followed by 'voucher code' or 'discount code' can often get you an extra 10 or even 20% off, or sometimes free delivery that the shop wasn't advertising online. It's always worth a google before placing an order, you never know what there might be! Plus, shop around to get the same product at a cheaper price! There'll always be somewhere that's selling it cheaper. 

2. Get Creative.

When it comes to Christmas presents, we often end up buying things for the sake of it. No, your mum doesn't really need that bath set, and no, your dad definitely doesn't need some new socks. Instead, turn your eyes to Pinterest and get pinning. Sure, it may cost to buy the materials of whatever you're making, but it's often a lot cheaper than buying a brand new item from a shop. Plus it'll be extra special as you've put more time and effort into making something they'll really love. I've put a few ideas of things that are great to make as gifts on my Pinterest here. All the ladies in my life got homemade body scrubs, bath salts and body butters last year and they all went down a treat!

3. Don't buy expensive Christmas Candles.

Now this is where I used to waste the most money. Candles for me are an essential part of this time of year. There's nothing better than getting all cosy at night, lighting your favourite Christmassy candles and listening to Michael Buble on repeat. Yankee Candles are usually the stand out Christmas candle brand, they have loads of amazing scents, and just somehow make you feel that bit more festive. But, they cost an absolute bomb. Primark have tons of amazing selling ones, the majority of which are under £5. They smell just as nice, make you feel just as festive and mean you can spend your money elsewhere.

4. Get your Christmas jumper on eBay (or even better: a charity shop!).

I know, second hand clothes aren't for everybody. But, once they've been through the wash there's absolutely nothing wrong with them! Just think about how many people have tried an item of clothing on in a shop before you buy it, even "new" clothes aren't exactly new. Plus you can save so much more money, which you can spend on an extra Christmas present! Also, with buying one from a charity shop your money is going back to those who need it the most, making the gift of giving even more special. 

There you go, a couple of money saving tips for feeling festive without spending a bomb. Let me know your favourite tips below! 

Laura xx