26 Ways To Save Money At Christmas: Frugal Living Tips

Are you someone that loves the Christmas season but hates the price tag that seems to follow? Today we are talking about 35 ways to save money at Christmas so you can have more peace and save more money!

First let’s talk about why we feel obligated to spend money and not save money at Christmas. I’m not sure if it’s the growing age of social media or family traditions, but gift giving has become increasingly expensive.

Now, I don’t want to sound insensitive and say it’s rude to want to receive and give expensive gifts but there’s a deeper rooted issue here.

We’ve started to take away the true meaning of Christmas and we’ve made it into a competition to see who can give the best gifts and who can receive the most expensive gifts.

Just take a look at Youtube or Tiktok. You’ll find thousands of videos titled “Christmas Wish List 2024” and the week after Christmas you’ll start seeing influencers post videos showing everything they got at Christmas.

Leaving a lot of people feeling like they need to match what these influencers are getting or feeling a lower self-worth because they didn’t receive what these influencers received.

It feels great to get a heart-felt gift that was hand picked for you but it feels just as good to have a relaxing, slow paced day with family.

This list of ways to save money at Christmas will be broken into sections: frugal gift buying tips, DIY gifts, and free gifts.

If you take anything away from this article, it’s to remember that Christmas isn’t about the presents you got. Take it from the cheesy Christmas movies everyone loves! The holiday season is about spending cozy, intimate time with family and friends.

Looking to practice more intentional living?

Let’s get into the list of intentional frugal Christmas tips!

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christmas presents with black wrapping and dried orange decor

35 Ways to Save Money at Christmas

Frugal Gift Buying Tips

  1. Buy gifts throughout the year when you see them on sale/clearance and hold onto them

  2. Shop Black Friday deals

  3. Price compare throughout the year

  4. Shop at thrift stores/second hand

DIY christmas present materials

DIY Gift ideas

  1. Homemade soap bars

  2. Homemade candles (buy a kit or repurpose candles/unique glasses from the thrift!)

  3. Framed pictures of meaningful memories or children

  4. Homemade fudge

  5. Homemade cookies/cakes/brownies

  6. Handmade ornament

  7. Crochet/Knit a scarf or washcloth

  8. Hot Chocolate Jar

  9. Cookie mix Jar

  10. Homemade jam or preserves

  11. Hot Cocoa Bombs

  12. Homemade Granola

  13. Handmade snow globes

  14. DIY homemade body scrub

  15. Painted mason car filled with candy or treats

Family decorating Christmas Tree

FREE Gift Ideas

  1. Coupon book

  2. Handwritten letter

  3. Plan a picnic date

  4. Plan a hike day

  5. Create a music playlist for them of meaningful songs

  6. Create a recipe book

  7. Re-gift something you received that you won’t use

Whatever you choose to do in how you gift your family is ultimately up to you. Just know there is a way to enjoy and save money at Christmas!

Keep your values in line with the true meaning of the spirit of Christmas rather than just seeing it for material possessions.

Is there anything you’d add to this list? Comment below!

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