Moneywise’s money saving guide for Christmas 2025
It’s a time of year when many people feel pressure to spend. Here’s our Moneywise team’s guide to help you enjoy all the fun of Christmas without unnecessary financial stress.
Plan early and set a budget
Start planning as early as possible. Begin with what you can afford and make a list of everyone you want to buy for and set a realistic spending limit for each person. Add up the total so you know exactly what you are working with.
Consider creating separate mini-budgets for gifts, food, travel, decorations and social events and keep a record of all spending so you can adjust budgets if you find you have overspent in an area. Sticking to budgets and prioritising gifts that are meaningful or useful can help avoid overspending in the final weeks before Christmas with impulse buys.
Shop second-hand and pre-loved
Second-hand platforms are excellent for finding high-quality gifts at a fraction of the original price.
Use Depop for trendy clothing, accessories and vintage items; Vinted for clothing, toys and homeware; eBay for refurbished electronics and collectables; and Facebook Marketplace for local pick-ups and larger items. Try searching on sites that offer ‘collection only’ as there are often good deals that go unnoticed.
Search terms like “New With Tags” or “Like New” to find gift-ready options. Many items are unused or barely worn.
DIY gifts and creative alternatives
Handmade gifts can be personal and budget friendly. Consider making candles, bath salts, bakes, photo collages, decorated frames, homemade chutneys, or personalised playlists.
You can also create memory jars, scrapbooks, or framed quotes. These gifts show thought and effort without costing much.
Try group gifting or setting expectations
Suggest secret Santa arrangements with family, friends or work colleagues. Set a reasonable spending limit to keep it fair for everyone. For more expensive items, such as gadgets or experience vouchers, consider group gifting. This allows multiple people to contribute a smaller amount while still giving a high-value gift.
Use deals, discount codes and loyalty points
Black Friday (28 November 2025) and Cyber Monday can offer excellent savings, but only if you shop carefully. Make sure to research the regular prices of items to spot genuine discounts.
Search for discount codes, vouchers or seasonal promotions.
Use loyalty points from supermarkets or pharmacies to purchase stocking fillers, chocolates or small gifts without spending extra money, and sign up for newsletters from your favourite retailers, as many offer early access or extra discounts to subscribers.
Plan Christmas food and shop smart
Food is often one of the biggest Christmas expenses. Create a detailed meal plan to avoid overbuying. Compare supermarket prices and look out for special Christmas deals or multi-buy offers. Share costs by asking guests to contribute a dish, dessert or drinks. This reduces the financial burden and adds variety to meals.
Use and reuse what you already have
Check for any leftover cards, paper, decorations, gift bags, ribbons or boxes from last year, and reuse any you have kept before buying more. You can always upcycle old decorations with paint, glitter or craft supplies to give them a fresh look. Store decorations carefully after Christmas so they last year after year, reducing the need to purchase new ones.
Choose low-cost festive activities
Community events, school fairs and free Christmas markets offer festive fun without high costs.
Plan ahead for 2026 (yes, we said it!)
After Christmas 2025, repeat the same process. Purchase discounted festive goods while they are reduced. Add up your Christmas 2025 expenses and divide the amount by 10 to find your recommended monthly savings for February to November 2026. Planning ahead helps you avoid last-minute stress and ensures you spread the cost of Christmas throughout the year.
Don’t be afraid to talk money. If you are struggling with debt, speak to Moneywise. You can make an appointment by calling 0300 123 3399.