Of course you want to spoil and enjoy yourself during the December festive season. Your budget, however will only allow you to do so much. Introducing our money-saving tips for the festive season. •

Don’t hang out at the mall.

Time at the mall makes it all too tempting to spend money. If you are out shopping be clear on how much you are going to spend, make a list of things to buy and stick to it. You’ll be happy you did. 

Eat before you leave home.

In this way you don’t have to spend unnecessary money on take-away foods or restaurants. 

Skip the places with entrance fees.

Look for free events you and your friends can attend. Think charity fair or a Carols by Candlelight Concert. 

Limit outings.

You don’t have to go out every day of the week. Pick a day to go out and find other fun and free things to do during the rest of the week. For example, host sleepovers with your chomas, have a marathon board game evening or have a picnic under the stars in your own back yard. 

Be smart, accessorise.

There is no need to buy a whole new Christmas outfit. Use what you’ve got and just add a few sparkly accessories to jazz up your look. Borrow or swap shoes with a choma or invest in affordable jewels from Mr Price. 

Make personalised gifts.

Buying Christmas gifts can be expensive. Where possible, try and make personal gifts for your loved ones. You could bake cookies, put them in jar and wrap a ribbon around it for a bit of festive cheer. Or offer them a personal back massage voucher – redeemable on Christmas Day. 

Look out for sales.

In the spirit of Christmas, you could find yourself a few savings by the way of blitz Christmas sales, promotions or discounts. If it’s value for money and within the budget, take advantage of it. Have a happy festive season!