Hey! Sorry I took a little time off blogging for some personal reasons but I’m back.

I walked around my local town today (October) and realised how close Christmas is getting, now I love Christmas buying presents, receiving and not to mention the food! However I know some years I go mad and way over budget. So I thought I would share with you lot how I keep my self sane and still have a little bit of money left over for the January sales!!

LISTS

I like brain storming before actually going to a Shop as I feel like that’s when I get too carried away. I like to write down all the names of people that I will be buying for this Christmas and then have a think about what they want or like. That way I know what I’m looking for, meaning I don’t need to look at everything in store or online first!

BUDGET

I personally don’t set a budget as I’m lucky enough to live with my parents and pay very little bills. However buying for children, larger families or maybe you just get a little carried away then setting a budget will really help! Putting a little bit away each payday makes a big difference, or even writing down how many people you need to buy for and distribute the spends out that way, as there is nothing worse than getting to the Boxing Day sales and being skint.

SHOPS

Obviously it’s going to depend on your budget and who you’re buying for but here are a few of my favourite shops to buy Christmas presents from:-

• Home Bargains and B&M (some of the 3 for 2 from boots is sold in these shops a lot cheaper!)
• Debenhams
• Next (they have gorgeous little stocking fillers this year!
• Card factory (for your essentials)
• Primark
• George by Asda and Tesco
• Lush and The Body Shop

FOOD

Write a list and stick to it.

I have learnt from my mums bad habits that if you go to a supermarket without a list you will come out with anything with a Christmas wrapper on!! Obviously if you want a turkey etc order it early to avoid disappointment. Then write down what is left for your “Christmas shop” I.e. All the trimmings.

Obviously a tin of sweets is always a must but do you really need roses, heros, celebrations and quality streets? Think of all that chocolate you will receive as a gift on Christmas Day! That goes for the alcohol too haha!!

Thank you so much for reading I really hope this helps out at least one person

Melissa

(images are not my own.)