Money saving mum Gemma Bird reveals tips to save on EVERY Christmas present & how to make £150 in an instant
WE all know Christmas is the most expensive time of year, but we'd all love to save some cash.
Cara Delahoyde, 34, and Bronagh Meere, discuss all things mum-related on their podcast and now they've tackled how to stop splurging at Christmas.
Speaking on the podcast, Gemma Bird joined the podcast hosts to discuss how to save money this time of year.
She said: "There are lots of things you can do," as she shared the best ways to cut back on spending.
Deck the halls
First, Gemma said that instead of randomly splurging on new decorations, try and sell your old ones first.
She revealed her sister sold hers on Facebook Marketplace for £150, giving her the money for new ones.
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Gemma also said decorations often end up in the sale straight after Christmas so try and wait until then to pick them up for a good price.
Gift giving
The mum was also a big fan of the web add-on Honey, which can be installed on to your web browser.
The add-on notifies you of deals when you shop online and gives you codes to save money on your order.
Another cheeky trick from Gemma was to leave items in an online basket for at least 24 hours before buying.
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She said that often the seller will email you with vouchers to push you into buying the item.
If you're on a budget this year, Gemma recommended keeping an eye out for toy sales as well, currently, B&M has 3 for £12 in stores as well as The Works for books and craft projects that are perfect for stocking fillers or gifts for friends' children.
And the budgeting mum isn't afraid to look around for gifts to get the best deal.
She said: "I go to charity shops, Poundland, I go to Facebook Marketplace and Vinted for Bronte.
"I'm sorry, she does not know, all she cares about at that age is having a bunch of presents to unwrap."
Food for thought
Next Gemma recommended switching a fresh turkey on Christmas day for a frozen crown or a chicken to slash the price of dinner.
"It's a Sunday roast, how much do you eat in the evening on that buffet don't go buying loads of stuff for the buffet as it won't get eaten," adds Gemma.
If you struggle keeping to a budget while you are looking down the aisles Gemma said you should go for the shop and scan instead.
"Scan as you shop," she said, "It tallies up the total, how much you're spending and I think when you can see money you're less likely to put constant things in the basket."
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.