Parents are going without basics to pay for Christmas presents - but there are alternative options
The Christmas wish of many parents is to give their kids the best of everything – even if it means sacrifices for themselves.
In fact, new research shows nearly half of parents (46 per cent) say they’ll prioritise their children’s Christmas experience over every other area of household spending this year. And the study by thinkmoney found almost a third (29 per cent) of parents say they’ll socialise less to cover the cost, while 27 per cent will forgo their own treats and 22 per cent will sacrifice trips or weekends away.
Parents sacrificing nights out (35 per cent), and not buying adult gifts (31 per cent) and new clothes (26 per cent) mean they’ll save an average of £132 this Christmas.
But it’s not just treats and luxuries that are being put on the back burner – even the basics aren’t off limits, with one in 10 parents saying they’ll scale back their food shop or heating to make sure the big day still delivers.
“Parents are trying to give their kids the kind of Christmas they remember from their own childhood, but they’re doing it in completely different economic conditions,” comments Vix Leyton, a consumer expert at thinkmoney.
“You can’t explain inflation or energy bills to a six-year-old who just wants Santa to bring the same toys their friends are talking about. But what’s really striking is how much people are willing to give up to make it happen; nights out, treats, even warmth at home – and it’s coming from love, not indulgence.”
And Jasmine Birtles, founder of the financial advice website MoneyMagpie, says: “This year it’s much easier to be honest with friends, family and even the kids, about how much you can all spend at Christmas. The first thing everyone should do if they’re struggling financially is to tell others that Christmas might be a bit reduced this year.
“Most people will agree and be relieved to hear they don’t have to go mad over presents etc this year.”
To help parents avoid having to make Christmas sacrifices, the experts suggest they…
Drown out the noise
Don’t listen to what other people are spending at Christmas. “Social media has bred a whole new world of ways to make you spend, from matching pyjamas to Christmas Eve boxes, but you don’t have to do every single thing,” stresses Leyton. “Instagram ‘Likes’ don’t add up to a perfect Christmas, and there will be a lot you don’t see behind the posts.”
Focus on one big present
Tell the kids there isn’t much extra cash around but they can have one big present, suggests Birtles. “Ask them what they’d like – give them a budget and tell them the sort of things you could get. Then once you know about that one big one you can still look out for extra little gifts to add in.”
Save as you shop
Birtles says using supermarket reward points, like Tesco Clubcard or Nectar, can help pay for gifts or food. She says it’s also worth checking apps like Too Good To Go or Olio for discounted or free festive food.
And Leyton says it’s a good idea to build savings into your normal shopping habits, by using cashback sites like Quidco and TopCashback, which give you a little back on most online purchase. She adds: “Voucher codes often work alongside cashback – it’s always worth a quick search before you buy.”
Make use of community help
Many communities across the UK run toy swaps, Christmas fairs, or community gift drives in the run-up to December, and Birtles suggests: “Check local Facebook groups, community centres, and libraries – they often list events where you can pick up nearly-new toys, decorations, and clothes for free or very little.
“Don’t hesitate to ask – these schemes exist precisely for families who need a hand.”
Focus on experiences, not expense
Children value time and attention far more than expensive presents, stresses Birtles, so rather than parents sacrificing their own things, it’s a good idea to create small but special traditions, particularly for young children.
She suggests a movie night with homemade popcorn, a walk to see local Christmas lights, or a hot chocolate and pyjamas evening, and says: “These moments feel magical without costing a penny.
“If older kids understand the situation, involve them in the challenge of finding free fun; it teaches resourcefulness and gratitude. Christmas doesn’t have to be costly to be memorable – it just needs warmth, care and togetherness.”