I’m famous for my bargain hunting prowess… where to find the best Xmas gifts & cheap but tasty party food
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IT'S that time of the year again where we have to spend - and sometimes a little more than we'd like to.
In the UK, the average amount spent around the festive season per person is expected to range from £700 in the North East to £973 in London, .
The average UK household is expected to spend an eye-watering £1,811 on Christmas - which is an astronomical 80% of the average monthly income for millions across the nation.
But here to help you slash the costs is Liyana Leena, from Birmingham, who regularly shares tips and tricks to spruce up your home without forking out a fortune.
Despite first going viral for spending the most in Poundland ever, leaving staff gobsmacked with her £500 per week habit, the shopper has now revealed her top buys to create your very own Winter Wonderland on a budget.
''You actually don't have to spend much on decking your home or on gifts, as long as you're savvy about it!'' said Liyana.
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From classy gifts at Home Bargains to the best stocking fillers at Poundland, the thrifty home decor fanatic has visited the most popular stores on the high street - and here are her top finds on the cheap.
Off to Home Bargains we go
''This is the bargain store that will save you the most money, but most importantly, don't LOOK it!'' Liyana told Fabulous.
Although Liyana reckoned the men's gifts, such as the typical Lynx sets, ''are a little lacking in terms of variety, the options for women are much better.
''Home Bargains offers the best kids toys and gifts too, serving all age groups for boys, girls... and even babies!''
When it comes to decking your home, the popular retailer ''will again prevail'', said Liyana.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents - buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you're not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead - if you've got the stamina and budget, it's worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you're not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales - some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores - you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
Some of the cut-price goodies the money-smart home interior lover spotted included 35 gold baubles for £8, candy canes for £4, £2.49 for a big lolly stick, as well as £2,99 for the faux sweets.
Want to add the festive feel to your kitchen too? Check out Home Bargains 'Merry' Oval Plate for a mere £6.99, milk bottles for a purse-friendly 79p and Christmas-themed mugs starting from £1.79.
''They've got lots of art & craft kits to keep the kids entertained too.
''I found some really good Christmas books for £1.99, activity packs for 99p, a huge tub of craft supplies for £5.99 and lots of other craft kits priced at £2.49.''
Trip to Poundland
If you've got a little one who's patiently waiting for Santa to arrive, make sure to check out Poundland's toy event which offers bargains for half-price.
''I found baby toys like a guitar reduced to £3 from £5, four tubs of play dough for £1, a pony set from £5 to £3, block toys very similar to Lego priced at £2.50 from £4 and many more deals,'' Liyana told us.
However, whilst the prices may be lower, the super fan said the gift range is ''very limited, there just isn't much variety and the quality is quite there yet, especially when we compare Home Bargains gifts''.
''I did find a box of candles (three for £9), a crystal stones collection for £8 and diffusers for £5.''
But if you're on the lookout for budget-friendly stocking fillers, the popular discount store is the place to be.
''You can get masks, perfumes, bath bombs, candles at a bargain price.''
After perusing the stores, Liyana also found that Poundland is also your safest bet for arranging the ultimate festive feast, with heaps of scrumptious party food items, napkins, disposables, as well as sweets, popcorn, crisps, fizzy drinks.
''They have an offer on the tube sweets - any 2 for £2.50 or £1.50 each. These included Haribo, fruit pastilles, jelly tots and more,'' she thrifty shopper said.
What's more, Poundland has also rolled out a - something simolar to Tesco's Clubcard - where you can purchase some items at a lower price.
''All items will be marked on the shelf, so you can see what discount you can get using the app.''
Saving at B&M
No home makeover, whether in time for Christmas or during summer, is complete without a trip to B&M - and according to Liyana, the retailer has slashed the prices compared to last year.
''You'll see many items with labels, comparing the price it was last year to the price it is this year.
''It's good to see because I definitely noticed their prices shot up last year and because of that, I only picked up a few bits from there.''
Liyana, who was amazed by the huge variety, snapped up a small gingerbread house that lights up for £2.50, a lovely gingerbread house mug with a lid for only £4 and a gingerbread snowglobe for a mere £6.
Whilst Home Bargains seemed to be lacking in the gift department for men and boys, B&M appears to have it all - from Harry Potter gifts, PlayStation, Pokemon, grooming essentials, perfume and electronics.
''It's also great for teens and kids. They have a two for £20 deal on the toys and you can currently pick up 12" Squishmallow plush for £5 (was £12.99) and the big ones 16" half price at £10 was £20!''
Shop magic at The Range
''The Range has the most magical Christmas. I've only started going to The Range the last two years - I never had one near me so I didn't know they existed!
''I can't believe what I missed out on, it's like a Winter Wonderland. If you're looking for lights - indoor or outdoor - they've got you covered!''
Where the store really wins, Liyana said, is with the sheer amount of tree decorations, ornaments and other festive essentials you'd need for an epic glow-up.
''I got a gorgeous gingerbread train for £14.99 and I always pick up craft items.
''They don't just cater for kids' crafts, which I absolutely appreciate.
''Not many other stores do this and some things I'd find here would cost way more in Hobby Craft.
''They have embellishments, ribbon £1, wreaths, craft kids and so much more.''
Other cut-price bargains the money-smart shopper found included a Naughty or Nice chart for £1.29, activity books £1.49, sticker books for 99p, 89p wooden embellishments toppers, £1.29 for Grinch gift bags.
''You can also find some AMAZING gonk items in The Range, from standing ones to ceramic and wood.''
Don't sleep on Asda
For many of us, Asda is the go-to place for stocking up on groceries - but according to Liyana, it's also worth checking out their festive range.
''I had to get their entire gingerbread theme! Hand towel for £4, soap dispenser, £4, gingerbread house storage box, £4, gingerbread mug £3.50 and gingerbread tablecloth for £6,'' she was chuffed with the monster haul.
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''They also do an AMAZING nutcracker snow globe for £6 with pastel colours and it's absolutely gorgeous! These items are so affordable and easily look twice as much!''
For more tips and tricks, as well as store tours, check out Liyana's Facebook group .