The average Australian is set to spend $1361 this year on Christmas. Research shows that only half of us will be using savings, while the rest will go into some form of debt to cover the expenses of the season. By simplifying your gift giving this year (at Christmas and at other times, too!) you could easily save $500.
My children are already well trained when it comes to their own gift wish lists. They know I will ask them, like I do each year, to think of only four things: something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read. This keeps the junk gifts to a minimum and means they are getting things they will really get use and enjoyment from.
If you’re on a tight budget, or just looking for ways to simplify what should be a joyous time, you don’t have to be Ebenezer Scrooge to find ways to save. You might adopt the four-gift policy yourself.
Another way to save is by turning your hand to a DIY gift or two.
A do-it-yourself Christmas gift doesn’t have to be as pointless as the iconic Kim Day’s ‘put some sand in a bottle and tie a ribbon around it’. There are some lovely, affordable and heartfelt ideas that you can tackle even if you’re not very crafty.
Over the years, I’ve tried, failed and tried again at a number of simple DIY Christmas gifts, so I thought this week I’d skip the misses and share the greatest hits.
Firstly, the humble Christmas cookie. I mean, who doesn’t love a cookie at any time of year?
The Organised Housewife has an amazing four-ingredient recipe online that makes enough dough for 100 cookies, and you can customise them with whatever treats you like. Think white chocolate, red and green candies, jam drops, cranberries and macadamias, pistachios and choc chips. Whatever fits your budget and taste.
Shout the kids a few cans of Pringles and clean out the empty canisters, wrap them in some Christmas paper and voilà! You’ve got yourself the perfect cookie-shaped gift box. These have been a hit as gifts for my kids’ teachers every year.
Another easy project is home-made artwork. My kids love whipping out the acrylics on a slow Saturday and we always have an overflowing tray of completed artworks. I simply frame the artworks in inexpensive frames from Kmart or Officeworks and suddenly they look amazing. In my opinion, they look better framed than on canvas, so I opt for sketch paper or matte cardstock instead of a stretched canvas. I added cutesy gallery-style tags to mine for extra cute points with the kids’ grandparents this year.
Last year, I had a mint plant that took over my back garden. Not wanting to waste it all, I googled what to do with a glut of mint leaves before I pulled it all out. Lo and behold! Peppermint tea was given to all of my co-workers.
I borrowed a friend’s dehydrator for the weekend, crushed the leaves and put them in little brown paper bags I bought off eBay for less than $10. Paired with a tea strainer and held together with a Christmas ribbon, these gifts were well received and cost me next to nothing but my time.
This year, I purchased hanging photo frames that fit a wallet-size photo for $2 each at Kmart. Then I trawled my family and friends’ Instagram accounts for their best selfies, printed them out and I will be gifting tree ornaments that feature precious memories.
With a little creativity and effort, there are lots of ways you can show the people in your life that you care about them this holiday season, without breaking the bank.
If you have a favourite DIY gift, I’d love to hear from you!
The author of The Plan has requested to remain anonymous in order to shine a brighter light on some of the more challenging aspects of their recent financial hardship.
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