Low Cost Christmas: Ideas for Homemade Gifts, Decorations & Cards

Oct 18, 2010
Carol Finch

Homemade Ideas for a Low Cost Christmas - Image by banj0e

Those looking for a low cost Christmas may find it cheaper to make homemade gifts, decorations, cards and wrapping paper. How easy is Xmas on a budget?

Money may be tight for some families this Christmas and you may be looking for ways to reduce spending without taking the fun out of the holiday season. Making homemade gifts, decorations, cards and gift wrap may help to keep to a low cost Christmas.

The Advantages of a Homemade Christmas

A family that takes a homemade approach to Christmas won't just see cost savings. This may be a good way to save some money but there are also other benefits. Giving gifts that were made at home rather than purchased in stores, for example, can make things much more personal. Plus, making your own decorations, cards and wrap can become a fun family activity, keeping the kids occupied in the run up to the holiday.

Giving Homemade Christmas Gifts

Cutting back on gift spending may well be the easiest way to save money at this time of year. Making homemade Christmas gifts could help keep to a budget far more effectively and may result in presents that actually mean more to the recipients. People often appreciate the time and effort that has gone into something that is homemade.

Those who are good with their hands could use their skills here. Hand knitted sweaters, scarves and gloves may go down well and carpentry skills could be turned towards making wooden toys and dolls houses. This is also a great way to get kids involved. They could, for example, make and decorate photo frames for their grandparents or help make Christmas candy, chocolates or cookies. Learn more in Save Money by Making Homemade Christmas Gifts.

Making Homemade Christmas Decorations

Decorating the tree or the house can be expensive, even if you've built up a collection of decorations over the years and just add a few pieces every Christmas. Making your own homemade streamers and chains simply needs some paper or card and some glue. There are also plenty of ideas on how to create tree or hanging decorations online with stuff you may already have in the house or in the garden. Again, this is an activity that kids will really enjoy, especially if you get messy with glitter! Learn more in Homemade Christmas Decorations Can Save Money

Using Free Printable Christmas Cards

Some families may find it cheaper to make their own Christmas cards rather than to buy them from stores. Some may make each card individually; others will create a design and have a local printer produce it for them. One of the cheapest options, however, may be to look at sites that offer free printable templates that can be customized and then printed at home. Learn more in How to Use Printable Christmas Cards

Making Homemade Gift Wrap

Making your own wrapping paper is another way to stick to a low cost Christmas budget. Putting your own decorations (or letting the kids loose with some paint or crayons) on to plain or colored paper could help save money. You could personalize each sheet that you create or simply go for a general seasonal look. Again, this adds an individual element to a gift that store-bought wrap simply doesn't have. Learn more in Use Homemade Crafts to Make Christmas Wrapping Paper.

Interested in finding other ways of creating a low cost Christmas? The following articles may be useful: