Coping with the Cost of Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching and as parents you will be starting the annual round of shopping searching for the latest gadgets and electronic toys, Christmas gifts seem to get more expensive each year. Understandably, parents want to give their children the best they can afford. But, there has to be a limit. Set yourself a budget and stick to it. I know that is easier said than done - when you are faced with the all too familiar longing pleas from young children and the emotional drive of a unique baby gift.

Children don't need lots of money spent on them. You don't need to go deep in debt - there are other ways to cope and unique Christmas gifts need not cost a great deal whilst at the same time they will be treasured and last a lot longer than many gifts bought at this time of the year. .

If children are old enough to write a list for Santa - ask them to put items in order of preference and, depending on price and your budget, pick from the list to suit your pocket. If your child is under 4 they aren't yet aware of the monetary value of things and you can get away with wrapping up some old toys which have been pushed to the back of a cupboard and forgotten about. A lot of young children have more fun with the wrapping paper!

Another source of toys and gifts can be found in Charity Shops or car boot sales. I know from my own experience that you can pick up some decent stuff. Lots of children grow out of their toys or have too many, their parents give them away to Charity Shops. They feel good because they are helping out a charity and you feel good as you too are helping out the charity by buying from them and in turn your child is happy as they get new toys. Everyone's a winner! Charity shops are also an excellent source of books for children at bargain prices.

Car Boot Sales can still be found - lots of towns have indoor sales at this time of year. People make use of them to have a clear out before Christmas and you can usually find some good bargains if you go early. Please be sensible and remember to check for small or loose parts and check the toy is suitable for the age of your child.

With older children, tell them they have a limited budget for their main present - say £50 - so they know to choose an item under that price. If they really, really want something more expensive, encourage them to contribute towards it from their savings. Alternatively, you could ask other family members to put together to buy a bigger present.

In an ideal world you should start gathering stocking fillers early - like in the January sales! All through the year stock up on goodies like chocolate, biscuits and booze. Keep an eye out for buy one get one free offers and use one now and put the other away (remember to check the sell-by dates). Shops have sales all year round so keep an eye out for a bargain.

But now that Christmas is approaching, try shopping at the bargain supermarkets with a more limited range - if they don't stock it you won't be tempted.

Get organized, that way you can avoid last-minute panic buying. If you plan ahead you'll also be able to give yourself more time to make things at home, such as mince pies, Christmas cake, biscuits, sweets. It is a great way to include the children - they will love getting involved with helping by doing little tasks such as cutting out different shaped lids for the mince pies using pastry cutters. You can also get the children involved in making decorations and cards.

Just because it's Christmas you don't have to go over the top with sweets and crisps. Encourage children to eat fruit and nuts which will help to keep sweet cravings at bay. Try to buy from markets as they are generally cheaper than supermarkets. Kids will be much calmer if they are not fizzing with'E' numbers. They don't need to be full of crisps and sweets to be happy. Don't feel you are depriving them, as well as keeping the fruit bowl stocked, there are plenty alternatives that you can buy. Try cereal bars instead of chocolate, or dried fruit packs or yoghurt covered raisins instead of sweets.

For other relatives and friends you can cut costs and also get the children involved in making gifts such as mince pies, sweets, biscuits etc and packing them in pretty boxes or bags tied with ribbons. After all, it's the thought that counts - not the cost!

Christmas Shopping

Christmas gift shopping can be a nightmare unless you are well organized. Take some time out to plan things before you leave home. If you plan your trip wisely, it is possible to do most of your shopping all in a day. Remember personalised gifts are not just for the children, adults appreciate them as well.

· Make a list of all the people you need to buy presents for.
· Decide how much you want to spend on each person
· Think of at least two gift ideas for each person.
· Get your Mum or Partner to baby-sit - this is one trip you need to do without kids in tow. (Although another adult would be handy to help carry some bags)
· Decide where you are going to shop and plan your route between department stores and shops where you will be able to buy the bulk of your presents - leaving the heaviest gifts till last!
· Don't waste your time comparing - browsing isn't practical at this time of year. Go for the first one that fits the bill.
· If you have access to the Internet you can save a lot of hassle and time by doing some of your shopping online.
· Keep a note of everything you spend as it is so easy to run your Credit Card bill up. It is not like spending cash - you can get carried away far too easily. Think before you spend.

Get Your Wrapping Organised

· Sort out all your presents into piles for each person and then use one kind of paper for each person, that way family members can easily spot their gifts under the tree.
· Write out all your gift tags before you start.
· Any tubes or bottles can be wrapped cracker style - it looks great and saves on fiddly folding.
· If you have any leftover fabric you can use it to wrap presents instead of paper and tie together with ribbon or curtain ties.


Shopping Online

The Internet can provide a solution to the perennial problem of Christmas shopping especially when you want that something special - you can find personalised gift ideas by simply typing in 'personalised gift' (without the quote marks) into your search engine.

No queuing, no crowds, no wasted time looking for parking spaces. In fact, no hassle at all. A lot of shopping can be done over a cup of coffee in comfort without leaving the warmth of your living room. Much better!


Some Christmas gifts that can be personalised include:

Pendulum Clocks; Height Charts; Coat pegs; Jewellery Boxes; Rudolph toy; Santa Plate & Letter; Christmas Breakfast Set and many more.

Christmas is a time of hassle frustration and overspending but with a little bit of planning Christmas day should be and can be a day of great joy and happiness.

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