It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Unless you’re strapped for cash, that is. With the pressure on, buying Christmas presents can be a stress-filled minefield. We’ve put together some ideas for how you can save the pennies and still be rockin’ around the Christmas tree come 25th December.

Get your bake on!

Who says you have to buy your gifts? Something made with love doesn’t have to cost the earth. You can make shortbread with as little as 3 ingredients: butter, sugar and flour.

Not baked before? All Recipes have an easy peasy shortbread recipe that’s a great place to start!

Give more, get more

Do the charity shop challenge with your mates. Much like your standard secret Santa, everyone gets one person to buy for. There are only two rules:

1. It can’t be more than £5
2. It has to be from a charity shop

This way, not only are you finding an absolute gem for a gift, you’re doing good and supporting great causes too. Win-win!

The gift of time

I’m not saying it’s not awesome getting presents but when money’s tight a great alternative is just going out together. It could be a coffee and a chat or a meal out somewhere or even just inviting them round for a cuppa and a biscuit.

Have a talk with your friends and family first, so they know what you’re thinking, but really the people you love just want to spend time with you.

Use your UNiDAYS discount!

It may sound obvious, but it’s true. We’re bringing you some crackin’ deals to help you reduce the cost of your Christmas. So before you hit ‘buy’, just check we can’t save you that little bit extra first. It’d be rude(olph) not to.