I was threatened for giving my kids a cheap Xmas but they love it & yours will too – my top 5 budget-friendly hacks
ON average British families spend an eye-watering £3,240 in December, making it the most expensive month of the year.
But as cash-strapped Britons are struggling to make ends meet due to soaring heating, electricity and mortgage costs one savvy mum has revealed how you can enjoy the festivities on a budget.
Unlike many of us who leave everything to the last minute, thrifty Jamie Birch, from Gloucestershire has been planning her Christmas 2023 for weeks.
Chatting exclusively to Fabulous, the money-saving whizz shared how she was able to spend £100 on her kids each, including stocking fillers, pressies and even a fun day out.
According to Jamie, who last year received ”threats” for not spending more on her children, ”some people are very much struggling”.
Around last Christmas, Jamies’ family had enough finances to cover the ever-rising bills, however, they were ”unsure about the coming year”, she explained on TikTok.
Although the parents are now in a better position now, the duo have to turn to their credit card for unexpected expenses, such as a broken car.
Jamie, who works as in marketing, uses her social media platform to share how others can cut the costs around the pricey period.
Jamie’s budget-friendly Christmas
”In previous years I put gifts on a credit card and really regretted it come the new year. Christmas is just one day, and yet that debt haunted us for months and caused a lot of stress,” explained the mum.
”I actually found last year to be my favourite Christmas ever.”
According to Jamie, having a tighter budget meant she really had to think about what she was buying and she didn’t just buy things for the sake of it.
”I felt we focused on the important elements of Christmas magic like winter walks, movie nights, hot chocolate stations.
”I also feel my kids valued their presents to much more because they weren’t overwhelmed by mountains of gifts.”
Affordable stocking fillers
On an average, parents spend close to a whopping £110 on stocking fillers alone, research from Charter Savings Bank revealed.
But whilst fellow mums and dads might feel obliged to go all out with pricey buys, Jamie sticks to thrifty finds – and they’re just as great.
Some of her top recommendations include temporary tattoos, colouring pencils and pens, nail varnish and a character toothbrush.
”Always chocolate coins and an orange too,” the Christmas whizz said.
”I try not to buy too much plastic and also try to avoid cheap toys that will easily break and have to be thrown away.”
Thrifty stocking fillers for girls
Temporary tattoos,
Nail stickers,
Nail varnish,
Surprise toy,
Small Lego set,
Bath bomb,
Face mask,
Colouring pens/pencils,
Small notepad,
Small toy like a Schleich character,
A character toothbrush.
Thrifty stocking fillers for boys
Temporary tattoos
Slime
Toy cars
Glider plane
Small Lego set
Surprise toy
Colouring pens/pencils
Small notepad
Small toy like a Schleich character
A character toothbrush
Start now
For Jamie, getting started early is key – and having a list of what needs buying, such as presents and food, is another crucial element to cut the costs as much as possible.
”And then buying these things over time to not only spread the cost but also to be able to get the best deals.
”For example, you want new Christmas pyjamas for your children – you can begin searching Vinted every few days for the perfect pair,” the savvy mum said.
”Or if your child wants a particular toy you can start looking in charity shops, eBay and Facebook Marketplace, and maybe pick up a second-hand one.
”Or you can take advantage of upcoming sales like Prime Day.”
Although Jamie’s had plenty of support for her thrifty Christmas, she’s also faced some trolls – but luckily, she doesn’t take it to heart and her kids, seven and two, certainly had the best time.
”My children are happy and they were both thrilled with their Christmas gifts and the magic surrounding it.
”December and Christmas day itself were pure magic and I am so excited to do it again with my children and family.”