It may be the most wonderful time of year, but itās also usually the most expensive! šø
Between parties, food and gifts, December can be hard on your bank account – and how many of us are organised enough to buy everything on Black Friday?
If youāre on a mission to save rather than splurge this Christmas, weāve got just the list for you. From budget-friendly experiences to money-saving tricks, hereās how to make Christmas gifting a little kinder on your wallet (but just as magical!).
Budget-friendly experiences to gift
Local city tours with guides
(Ā£10-Ā£20pp)
Whether itās ghost tours in Gloucester or street art in Sheffield, guided walks are a great way to explore your home turf. Theyāre reasonably priced compared to most excursions too, typically costing between Ā£10 and Ā£20 per person. Itās a great gift for someone whoās interested in history or is new to the area!
Brewery or distillery tours with tastings
(from Ā£15pp)
A few pints will easily set you back Ā£20 nowadays, so why not get more bevvies for your buck with a tasting tour? Whatever your tipple of choice, there are breweries, distilleries and even wineries all over the country, with tours costing as little as Ā£15pp!
Public canal boat or river cruises
(from Ā£20pp)
You donāt need a private yacht to while away the hours on the water. Short canal boat and river cruises are an excellent group activity that works out fairly cheaply at around Ā£20pp! Go private and split the cost with your mates or join a public cruise to make new friends as you glide along the waterways.
Steam railway journeys
(from Ā£20pp)
Choo-choo-choose a different kind of gift this Christmas! A steam railway journey offers a whimsical adventure that feels like youāve stepped into a movie. Look for scenic trips under one hour for the experience without the expense. Prices often start from around Ā£20, but thereās usually family saver options for a big discount when bringing the whole gang.
Escape rooms
(from Ā£15pp)
Know someone who loves a brain-teaser? An escape room voucher might make the perfect gift! Many offer prices from just Ā£15pp when you book for a group, making it great for friends and families. Itās an exhilarating way to spend an afternoon without blowing your whole budget.
Alpaca walking or animal farm experiences
(Ā£10-Ā£2opp)
For the quirky animal lover in your life, why not book an alpaca farm experience? Ā£10 is usually enough to feed, cuddle and snap pics with these fluffy animals, but some farms even offer alpaca treks for an additional Ā£10 or so.
National Trust of English Heritage annual passes
(Ā£60-Ā£96pp, with discounts available)
A fantastic gift for outdoorsy types and history buffs, memberships provide year-round adventure, with access to over 500 National Trust sites and 400 English Heritage sites. Think sprawling parklands, grand estates, perfectly-kept gardens, historic castles and UNESCO world heritage sites.
Prices range from Ā£60+, with discounts for families and concession card holders. It may be more expensive than other gifts on this list, but itās unbeatable in terms of value ā a gift that will truly keep on giving!
Garden entry passes
(Ā£10-Ā£20pp)
From RHS to Kew, the UK is home to some of the worldās most amazing gardens. They make a wallet-friendly day out, too, especially if you book online in winter. Off-peak entry to Kew Gardens costs just Ā£14, compared to Ā£22 in the spring and summer! If youāre worried there wonāt be much to see in the frosty winter, think again ā many have vibrant winter gardens and warm indoor conservatories thatāll transport you to the tropics!
Theatre matinee tickets in regional theatres
(from Ā£4pp)
Looking for a theatrical treat without West End prices? Look for matinee and mid-week performances in regional theatres, which usually come at a considerable discount. You can also check out third-party sites like Central Tickets for seat-filling prices ranging from Ā£4 to Ā£15.
Galleries, tours and workshops
(from Ā£10)
Culture vultures love a trip to a gallery, and the UK is full of them! Most even offer free entry to their permanent collections, like Tate Modern, V&A, and small local galleries. But for something a bit more special, why not gift a ticket to a special exhibition, workshop, or guided tour? These extras are often very affordable (ranging from Ā£10-Ā£20) and offer mega value for money.
Money-saving tips for experience gifts
Use these spend-saving hacks to reduce your gifting bill this Christmas.
šBook off-peak for cheaper prices – Prices for attractions usually drop outside of peak season or during midweek.
š Look out for group discounts and family tickets – Many places offer special deals for groups and families, which usually work out much cheaper per person than buying individual tickets.
š Check gift experience sites – Before you pay over the odds for an experience day, check the likes of Buyagift, Red Letter Days and Groupon. These sites regularly slash prices for everything from spa days to skydiving, making them a great source of inspiration, even if you donāt buy anything!
Gifts to unwrap
For those who prefer their gifts wrapped in paper and bows, here are some budget-friendly options that still feel luxurious.
šļø Shop second-hand for bargains
You know what they say ā āone manās trash is anotherās treasureā! Charity shops and resale apps like Vinted are gold mines for second-hand clothing, furniture, books and electronics ā some items have hardly even been used!
Set your filters to ānew with tagsā when browsing to secure brand-new items at a fraction of the original price (and do good for the environment!).
š§µ Make your own gifts
From baked goods to framed photos and knitted scarves, making your own presents might not cost much, but their sentimental value will outweigh any shop-bought gift. For some inspiration, check out these handmade gift ideas.
š Subscription boxes and magazines
For a gift that lasts well beyond Christmas, choose a subscription box or magazine to match your loved oneās interests. Subscription boxes usually provide great value, allowing the recipient to hone their skills or discover new products every month. Magazine subscriptions often come with a small monthly gift or voucher too, offering great value for as little as Ā£30 a year!
Subscription services are growing in popularity, so there are options to cover almost every hobby, from gardening to gin tasting!
Money-saving tips for physical gifts
1. Start early!
Starting your Christmas shopping early (think September or October) can help spread the cost and secure early-bird deals. Companies often hike their prices just before Christmas, so waiting until December to buy everyoneās gifts usually means bigger costs and fewer choices.
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer great discounts, they can also tempt you to buy more than you originally planned. Brainstorm your gifts before the deal days arrive ā that way, you can take advantage of the offers without being tempted to spend more!
2. Use price comparison tools
Websites and browser plug-ins can help you avoid paying over the odds for your gifts by comparing multiple retailers. Use Google Shopping or Klarnaās Price Runner to search for specific products across 1000s of UK stores and secure the best price!
3. Group gifting
It can be hard to find a great gift for less than Ā£10 these days. But if you pool your money with siblings or friends, you can buy one bigger, better present, rather than several smaller ones.
4. Secret Santa
Buying a gift for everyone in your family or friend group can be expensive and stressful, so why not try Secret Santa instead? Agree on a modest budget and draw names from a hat or use a site like Drawnames. Itāll reduce the number of gifts you have to buy and let you focus on one really thoughtful present!
