Whether it’s crafty gift ideas or online bargains, there are plenty of ways to cut back on costs without feeling all bah, humbug

With just four weeks until the big day, the countdown to Christmas is well and truly on. But as exciting as it is, many of us will need to remember to keep our heads because luxuries will be tougher than ever to afford this year, on top of the increasingly pricey basics.

Workers’ union Unite says even people with jobs are being forced to borrow an average of £325 a month just to cover essentials such as food and heating.

Unite leader Len McCluskey said: “Ordinary ­working families face a Christmas of worry and financial hardship, thanks to the Scrooge brothers, Cameron and Osborne.”

But there’s no need to miss out on the festive fun – whether it’s crafty gift ideas or online bargains, there are plenty of ways to cut back on costs without feeling all bah, humbug.

Take a look at our guide to a thrifty Christmas, and you’ll still be able to celebrate without breaking the bank...
1. Make a list

Ok, so it might sound basic, but a massive 70 per cent of us don't even bother. And once you write your list of everyone you MUST buy a present for (and that does not mean ­everyone you’ve ever met) stick to it.

Match your list up to your budget so you know exactly what you can spend on each person and you’re on the road to a very thrifty Christmas.
2. Have a huge family feast

Invite round ALL the relatives. Do it – it only needs to be once a year. Get everyone to organise one part of the dinner or, if it’s unrealistic to get different people to prepare each course, at least put together a kitty which will help you split the cost.
3. Secret Santa

Cut down the number of pressies you’ve got to buy with a Secret Santa approach. This works well if you’ve got grown-up kids, especially students, and anyone with young kids of their own. They’ll be only too delighted to have to pick up one gift rather than a whole sack-full.

And this is great with work colleagues  too – go for cheap and cheerful and it will keep them happy.
4. Bake gifts

If the Secret Santa technique is getting old in your office, bake! The Great British Bake Off has made cakes cool, and it’s the ultimate road to popularity. Everyone will love you and your gingerbread men, and the yummy present-giving experience will be a treat for you too. Even better.
5. Shop online

Check out some great deals on the internet – there are plenty on offer. Just now vouchercodes.co.uk is offering 20 per cent off at Office online and in-store. Buyagift.com is offering two-for-one on indoor sky-diving and there’s 30 per cent savings on flights and hotels at Lastminute.com. Debenhams is offering 25 per cent off all girls’ dresses and men’s dinner suits. And of course, there’s loads of others on there too.

Comparison sites like Kelkoo and Pricerunner will help you root out the best prices, while Hotukdeals.co.uk will find special offers on lots of products.

And don’t forget online shopper favourite eBay where you’ll find loads of fab, thrifty gifts.
6. Cash in your loyalty points

When you thought you were wasting your money on all that shampoo and mascara in Boots throughout the year, in fact, you were just preparing for this moment. At last – it’s time to splurge on your loyalty points. Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op and all sorts of others will be able to treat you with some lovely bits and bobs without spending a penny.
7. Get out of town

Outlet stores around the country have greatly discounted clothes and gift options. To find one near you and to have a look for other deals, visit www.gooddealdirectory.co.uk.
8. Make your own decorations

If you think the kids are getting a bit twitchy about Santa now, wait until December, when the hysteria will hit fever pitch. Kill two birds with one stone and get them out from under your feet by making your ­decorations. Hand-made paper chains, Christmas cards and pretty pine cones.
9. Have fun for free

Every area will have free events to entertain the kids so you won’t have to fork out every time on pricey pantos. Just check out your local council website and find out what’s going on in your town or village. Chances are there will be plenty of bargains around to keep the kids busy if they get a bit stir crazy at home.
10. Stay in and veg out

TV bosses go hell for leather to out-do each other for the top Christmas telly ratings, so make the most of it. Stay in with the family and indulge in some classic movies, soap dramas and all sorts of seasonal television treats.
11. Buy bargain booze

All the supermarkets will have great offers on alcohol between now and Christmas, so shop around to find the best. Also look at wine merchants such as Majestic if you plan to buy a lot as they can do great discounts if you buy over a certain quantity.
12. Splash out.. but only once

Some thrifty families make a communal gift to themselves, and share it out. Like a new DVD player or a fab new telly that means everyone can benefit. That means no one gets spoiled more than anyone else and a one-off spend means the budget is pretty clear. Add to that some fun and board games, and you’re laughing.
13. Pretty pictures

For a sure-fire grandparent pleaser (and if they’re not pleased, they’ll at least have to fake it!) make the most of your cute little ones. A couple of nice pictures of the kids can make a whole range of gifts from calendars and cups to a simple framed masterpiece. Do it now, before they turn into spotty teens.
14. Visit charity shops

Pop into your local charity shop and see what you can pick up. They’re especially good these days for top quality books, which often haven’t even been read, and who doesn’t love a book at Christmas?
15. Dress right

With all those parties lined up, it’s worth investing in a diverse frock you can wear again and again. An LBD is the easiest choice for dressing up with different accessories. Or even better, dig out last year’s party frock and bring it back to life.
16. Haggle

Remember shops are desperate to sell at this time of year, more so the closer to Christmas you get. If you’re buying electrical goods, give your negotiating skills an outing and see if you can barter something off the price. You’re more likely to succeed if you buy more than one item at a time.
17. Post your cards early

If you’re sending out Christmas cards to all and sundry, get them in the post early so you can use a second-class stamp. The last date to make sure your cards arrive is Tuesday, December 18. Or even better,

avoid the post box altogether and if the people you’re sending cards to live in your town, take a walk and deliver them by hand.
18. Save on food shopping

Start looking now for Buy One Get One Free offers in the supermarkets now so you can add bit by bit every week. Get your biscuits, sweets, booze and other things that will last in dribs and drabs so you’re not left with one mad dash a few days before Christmas
19. Check your entitlements

You might feel like you’ve got a million and one things to do, but take 10 minutes out to check that you’re receiving all the benefits and tax credits you should be. It could make a big difference between now and Christmas. Visit www.turn2us.org.uk.
20. Get the right turkey

Don’t buy a bigger turkey than you need unless you plan to make the most of the leftovers. A 2kg bird will feed four or five people, 2.5kg will feed five or six people and 3kg will feed six or seven people.

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