Saving money this Christmas

We understand the lead-up to Christmas can be a worrying time, with families under immense pressure to create the perfect day and fulfil everyone’s gift lists.

We want to help you prepare and budget, as well as find more affordable alternatives.

Money Saving Expert has pulled together this guide which covers everything from budgeting for the big day, and creating affordable magical memories for children, to how to find alternatives to luxury perfume: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/christmas-savings/

Here are our top tips:

1. Use Housing Perks - We have teamed up with Housing Perks to provide an exclusive discount app for tenants at over 100 supermarkets, high street shops and online, helping save money on essentials such as:

Find out more here:Housing Perks - save money on essentials | Progress Housing Group (progressgroup.org.uk)

  2. Worried about being able to afford the big-ticket items on your children’s wish lists?

Seek out good quality, second-hand items through charity shops or toy swap shops and local Facebook Marketplace groups.

Money Saving Central has published information on when toy sales are expected to land: Toy Sales - Upcoming UK Toy Sale Dates Revealed 2024 (moneysavingcentral.co.uk)

Money Saving Expert has some tips on how to bag some bargains: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/cheap-online-shopping-shopbots/

3. Calculate your budget (use this free Budget Planner), and ask: "What can I afford to spend?"

Make a list and stick to it, to make sure you don’t go overboard. We all want the perfect Christmas, but not at the risk of getting into debt or not being able to afford your rent or bills.

Start saving early by putting a small amount of money aside each month.

4. Make a No Unnecessary Present Pact (NUPP) with family and friends.

If you ‘feel guilt-tripped’ into buying presents for people, explain you want to cut back this year and focus on giving gifts to your children and close relatives.

5. Secret Santa

This can be a fun and creative way for you to give one gift within a large group of friends or family, rather than buying everyone a present.

6. Make your gift meaningful

Instead of spending money on a gift, why not perform a goodwill gesture? Offer to babysit, do someone’s household chores, spend some quality time with someone who is isolated, or treat someone.

Create special memories by making plans to spend a day or evening with someone and do an affordable activity, like a treat day.

Here is what we are doing to help families in our community through our associated charity work with Key Unlocking Futures:

• Wade Hall Community Association and The Base on Broadfield are joining forces to provide children from our communities with a Christmas Eve bag filled with treats, Christmas presents and a new pair of pyjamas.

If you would like to donate new pyjamas, drop them off at The Base, Bannister Drive, Leyland, or The Place, Royal Avenue, Leyland, by the middle of December.

Referrals for a Christmas Eve bag opened on Tuesday 1 October and will close on Monday 2 December. Referrals can only be made in person. Contact Joan on 0756144157 or Andrea on 07976358962 or 01772 422039.

• If you want to show your support to others, South Ribble and Chorley women’s refuges will hold their Christmas Wish Tree Appeal. Details on this will be released soon.

 Here are some more Lancashire-based resources and ideas to help you get ready for December:

1. Credit Unions/community banks

Credit Unions offer easy saving and affordable loans.

They will only lend money to people who can afford to make the repayments. If they can’t lend to you, they might be able to provide or signpost you to other support, such as budget planning, benefits calculators and debt advice.

To find your local Credit Union, visit https://www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk/

2. iHOPE Fylde’s Pop-up pre-loved events – A group of volunteers led by one of our tenants Tracey organise regular pre-loved pop-up events, where people can pick up household items, clothes, toys and bric-a-brac for free. Follow the group on facebook for the latest dates: IHOPE Fylde | Facebook

3. Penwortham Care and Share - A clothes and toy bank at Penwortham Community Centre in Kingsfold on the last Tuesday of the month from 9am - noon.

Donations are always welcome, please call Lindsey on 07763 197615 or email harringtonlindsey10@gmail.com. This is supported by Penwortham Town Council.

4. A Thrift shop at Wade Hall Community Shop, Royal Avenue, Leyland – Open Fridays from 12.30pm until 6.30pm. Warm soup and clothes stalls.

Wade Hall Community Association is also organising its Winter Warmth Appeal. People can drop off items such as blankets, hot water bottles, tinned food, scarves at the community centre Monday to Friday 12.30pm until 6.30pm. 

There is also an Amazon gift list here: Winter Warmth Appeal. 

5. Tippy Toes Baby Bank donates good quality, second-hand clothes, equipment, furniture and new toiletries to families. For more information visit www.tippytoesbabybank.co.uk

6. Lancashire County Council Holiday and Food (HAF) programme – activities and clubs running over the Christmas holidays. Keep an eye out on LCC’s website for new dates: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/school-holiday-activities/

For more help and support, visit our new Cost of Living Hub.