3 Budget-Friendly Tips to Help Save on Christmas

The contents provided on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Consider your personal circumstances and objectives before making any financial decisions.

The holiday season brings out the excitement and joy in all of us. However, that excitement can sometimes lead to overspending. 

Did you know that on average, Aussies spend over $600 on Christmas celebrations. Between the gifts, decorations, and food, spending can add up fast without you noticing, so we’ve gathered some tips and tricks to help you keep your spending on track!

Here are three ways to help you save on Christmas celebrations while still creating cherished memories.

1. DIY decorations

Decorations are a big part of bringing the Christmas spirit to life, especially during an Aussie summer, but that doesn’t mean they need to be a big part of your budget.

One way to save on Christmas decorations is to go DIY (do it yourself). Making your own decorations adds a personal touch to your home, and by using affordable or repurposed materials, you can also reduce waste!

Here are some DIY ideas:

• Making garlands from dried oranges
• Crafting ornaments from recycled paper or old holiday cards
• Turning mason jars into candle holders. 

These are just a few examples of the many DIY options you can try. For more beautiful ideas, check out Martha Stewart’s website!

Extra tip - If you’re short on time or don’t have leftover materials, check out Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace for secondhand decorations. You can often find great pieces for a fraction of the original cost.

2. Potluck dinner

Bringing the food to the Christmas party is a great responsibility, but great responsibility might also come with great costs. 

One way to keep grocery costs down is by hosting a potluck dinner. This is when each guest brings a dish of their choice, which might not only help with the cost, but also adds variety to the meal and makes everyone feel part of the celebration.

You can even add a theme to the potluck, like ‘bring a dish in Christmas colours!’ You can find more theme ideas here. If you’re unsure what to make, you can find some inspiration here.

If multiple guests need similar ingredients (like cheese, bread, or herbs), try creating a shared shopping list using apps like AnyList or OurGroceries. Buying in bulk and splitting the cost could help save everyone money.

Extra tip – For more ways to keep your grocery bill in check, check out our blog on saving on groceries. From meal planning to choosing seasonal ingredients, these tips can help make your potluck and holiday meals more budget-friendly, so you can focus on celebrating.

3. Secret Santa

Gift-giving is often the main event of every Christmas celebration and a big part of the holiday spirit. However, giving a gift to everyone can add up and become a big part of your spending. 

A fun twist on holiday gift-giving is Secret Santa! By drawing names, each person can focus on one thoughtful gift instead of buying for the whole group, helping everyone save while still enjoying the tradition of gift-giving.

The best part about Secret Santa are the online Secret Santa generators! These tools assign names hassle-free and gives everyone plenty of time to shop. Some even let receivers add a wishlist, making gift-picking easy! 

Here are some generators you can try:

• Secret Santa organiser
• Draw name generator
• Elfster generator

Extra tip - Setting a theme, like ‘gifts under $50’ or ‘handmade surprises’, can make it more fun and affordable. If you need inspiration on gift ideas, check out our blog on ideas for gifts under $50.

These tips can help keep costs down, but we know holiday expenses can still feel overwhelming. That’s where Beforepay can lend a hand. With Pay Advance, you can access funds early to cover those unexpected holiday costs, making the season a little easier and less stressful.