Christmas On A Budget Ideas

[loulou111]

I'm having an extremely frugal Christmas this year.
I'm looking for frugal homemade gift ideas for all ages. I welcome your ideas and suggestions. Thanks :)

[rowanwitch]

I made things like fudge and truffles ( used up the year befores booze in them ) they went down well. Lots of recipes online. Also home made pickles and infused oils. If you can sew, aprons in outrageous fabrics are quick and easy to make.

The Works have a number of ideas, books, or craft kits, especially for children although adults might like some of them

Primark is a good area to hunt as well. Their home ranges are better than you would expect.

One thing helps is discretely getting the word out that money is a bit tight, anyone who doesn't understand in this day and age doesn't deserve a gift anyway.

[emmie]

Primark Christmas range is pretty good, i am amazed constantly that they are bang on trend with their goods, at not high prices.

[diddlydo]

The big problem with Primark is that many/most of their goods are the result of slave labour in Asia. Ethically a complete no-no.

[emmie]

no they are not, big posters in store if u have been in one of late, and i have, cite that their cotton goods are ethically sourced.

[murraymints]

I much prefer to receive something home made...

[emmie]

i don't mind either way, its the thought behind it that counts.

[emmie]

chutneys and jams are always a nice idea tied with a decoration, ribbon.

[bednobs]

in all honesty making your own stuff is sometimes more expensive than buying something!
especially if you have to get jars, ingredients, ribbons, crafting stuff and so on. I remember one year making marron glace for my friends. What an effort!

[Vagus]

Given that you say you’re having an ‘extremely frugal’ Christmas, I’d just give those you’d normally give a gift to, a Christmas card and write a few words in it about why they won’t be receiving a gift from you this year.
Those that know and love you will understand, and those that don’t arent worth the effort.

[chelle7272]

Well said Vagus.

[dannyk13]

Gift vouchers.

[bednobs]

ps the pound shop is often a good bet around Xmas

[tiggerblue10]

How much can you spend per gift?

[LadyCG]

I'd go with homemade confection, chutneys and preserves if you are happy and confident making those.

I've got people banging on at work about whether I'm making some Rocky Road at Christmas.

[jennyjoan]

I think if you are going for home made stuff - I agree with Bednobs - number 1 you need a lot of stuff to start off with and number 2 you need to be pretty experienced in crafting and fudging and jamming and chuttings etc.

I have reduced presents to about 3 now compared to maybe 13 presents years ago. And you know what it was "consensual" - the receiver agreed as everybody is fed up running about looking for a load of *** that goes into the Charity Shop.

[pat2604]

I agree with Vagus. We haven't 'done' Christmas for years now. Christmas is not now stressful for me. The stress was simply not worth it. My friends and family understand and we are still all good friends. It wasn't a decision based on finances in any way.

[Mamyalynne]

I agree with Vagus, keep it honest,clear and simple.

[jennyjoan]

I have always said that nobody needs presents cos after all if you want something you really like - you'll buy it for yourself.

Yesterday I bought myself a beautiful (mind you bling) but I have wanted it to go along with the rest of my bling - Tea, Coffee, Jar so I am off soon to clean windies, as all of the rest of bling was washed and is drying off right now.

I am getting ready for next week fitted carpet and zen picture with flickering candles going up and changing cushion covers from "fed up mustard colour" to Terraccotta. Then that's me until I croak it.

[jennyjoan]

I sorta wouldn't be comfortable with receiving a Christmas card justifying why I am not buying a present.

Just the usual Happy Christmas etc.

[loulou111]

Thanks everybody. I quite like the idea of making some chutney . I'm off to Google some recipes .