Looking to save money on Christmas? Try creating a no buy list of items you are committed to not spending any money on, because you don’t need them.
Every year, I find the pressure to spend over the festive season ramps up and up that little bit more.
It can be very difficult to avoid overspending, especially if you have no plan and budget in place.
These days, I follow this process to ensure I emerge from Christmas without any debt:
- Set a budget – I do not base this on what I need to buy, I base it on what I can afford. I save for Christmas all year so that my December income does not have to fund all of my Christmas spending.
- Decide what to buy – I write a list of what I will buy for my kids and anyone else in my family, rather than buying at random. I keep track of everything I have in a list so that I do not buy extras I don’t need.
- Set a list of things I will not buy – As there is so much stuff to buy at Christmas, I make sure I have a no buy list of things I definitely will not spend money on. This keeps me on track and reminds me to focus on what I actually need.
In the US the average budget per person for 2024 is $1,778, while in the UK the average household spends more than £1800. This is on top of all the usual bills and financial pressures people have to cover every month.
With that in mind, anywhere you can cut back is going to give you a better chance of emerging from December relatively financially unscathed. So I want to share with you my list of things I will not be buying this Christmas.
The idea of this list isn’t to make you feel bad for spending on things that matter to you. It’s really a way for you to consider different ways you could cut back on Christmas spending, so that the stuff you do spend money on doesn’t leave you broke come January.
Things I never buy at Christmas
Living Xmas tree
Buying a real Christmas tree may be a tradition for some, but we’ve had our fake one for over 15 years and it’s probably saved us close to $1000 in Christmas trees.
New Christmas Décor
Decorating is fun — but the pressure to reinvent your “Christmas theme” every year is exhausting and expensive.
Supermarkets and influencers push us to buy new baubles, cushions, and garlands like it’s fashion. But honestly, the magic is in reusing the same decorations year after year.
There’s nostalgia in pulling out the same ornaments you’ve had since your kids were small — or even the ones you grew up with. That’s the real Christmas feeling.
Seasonal Towels & Soaps
I can’t justify buying towels with reindeer on them that sit in a cupboard for 11 months.
The same goes for Santa-shaped hand soap. No one’s washing their hands that much in December. These are the kinds of small extras that quietly drain your budget.
Christmas Bedding
It looks cute on Instagram — but festive bedding gets used for maybe two weeks a year. I’d rather invest in a good quality winter duvet set that feels cosy and looks good in February.
Cookie Tins
Every supermarket has them — shiny tins filled with biscuits and chocolates that look too good to pass up. They make nice gifts, sure, but for me, they just become extra clutter.
You don’t need “Christmas-specific” tins to enjoy snacks. A normal Tupperware does the job.
New Christmas Outfits
Christmas party dresses are the definition of a one-wear wonder.
Instead of spending £100 on something new, I pull out the same outfit every year. It’s nostalgic and sustainable.
Festive Pyjamas
You could not pay my husband to wear matching family PJs.
We stick to pyjamas the kids can wear all winter instead of splashing $100+ on Christmas-only sets. If you want something festive, plaid pyjamas are classic and wearable all season.
Meaningless Gifts for Adults
If a gift doesn’t add value to someone’s life, it’s probably not worth buying.
Experiences, vouchers, or consumables are far better than random clutter that ends up in the charity shop by February.
Any Gifts for Adults (Sometimes)
We’ve done no-gift pacts with adults in the family for years — and it’s been a game changer.
Instead of presents, my husband and I go for a nice meal in January when things are quiet. It saves money and gives us something to look forward to after the chaos of December.
Beauty Advent Calendars
I’m conflicted about these. Yes, they can be good value for high-end products — but often you’ll only love two or three of the 24 items inside.
Check the product list before you buy. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to just get the one or two full-sized items you actually want.
Christmas Candles
I found a “Christmas Eve” candle in the supermarket the other day. Who exactly is burning through a candle just for one night?
I love a nice scent as much as anyone, but I’d rather buy something I can enjoy all winter, not just for a week in December.
Gift Boxes
Pre-packed gift sets are tempting when you’re busy — but you’re basically paying a premium for cardboard and ribbon.
I make my own instead. A few thoughtful items in a reusable bag or box, and you’ve got a personalised gift that costs less and feels more meaningful.
Blankets
I’m also skipping the new throw blankets. Because every time I buy one, it’s basically a carbon copy of the four I already own.
If you’ve already got one that’s warm, soft, and not falling apart, then that’s your festive blanket
The kids got heated blankets for their beds last year and these are so snuggly, I know they’ll get a lot of use this winter.
Personalised Gifts for Teachers
Before you order that “Best Teacher Ever” mug, pause.
Teachers get dozens of those. What they actually appreciate, according to my Instagram poll, are vouchers or nice stationery. It’s practical, thoughtful, and doesn’t end up in a cupboard.
Christmas Eve box
My kids are already getting gifts on Christmas Day, plus enjoying all the festive fun of this time of year.
We have always opted not to give them a Christmas Eve box – which will typically contain new PJs (I’ve already had a few words to say about those), socks and maybe some craft supplies or other gifts.
We stick with the gifts on Christmas Day, rather than subscribing to this tradition. It’s worth remembering, that you don’t have to join in with every Christmas trend or tradition that other people do, especially when you’re on a budget.
Excessive Food
Hosting Christmas dinner is pricey — our turkey alone can be over $60!
But we’ve learned to simplify. We skip starters, make fewer “just in case” nibbles, and focus on quality over quantity. The truth is, everyone’s too full for a three-course meal anyway.
