Quality Street

Money Saving Tips

• It sounds simple, but don't over-buy. We all do it, but are you actually going to give that “spare” present to anyone? And do you really need the biggest Christmas pudding you can find, even though there are only two people in the family who like it?
• Create a shopping list (for both food and presents) and stick to it.
• Buy what you can in the couple of months leading up to Christmas to spread the cost.
• Consider asking some friends and family if, instead of splashing out on expensive gifts, they'd like to do a 'bran tub' - everyone picks one name out and buys a present for that person only.
• Set limits on how much you can spend on each other - £5 is always popular as you can get a nice box of chocolates or some beauty products, £10 means you can afford a DVD or CD.

• Save un-torn paper for use again next year.
• Agree with some friends and family not to send Christmas cards, perhaps instead sending a free e-card if you have access to the internet.
• If you're organised and have enough room to store them, buy wrapping paper and cards in the January sales to save money the following Christmas.
• Try putting money away each week throughout the year - it'll really help cushion the blow that Christmas can have on your purse.
• Lots of shops do money saving evenings or3 for 2 offers. Make the most of them - why not see if anyone wants to go with you in case you can get better discounts for buying in bulk.