Tis the season to be jolly, but it doesn’t mean your wallet has to take a hit. I’m sure there are many of you out there who spend hours wrapping presents for your kids and family, to then watch that beautifully expensive paper get ripped up in as little as 20 minutes. It is almost soul-destroying. If you have a large family, the wrapping paper itself can be an excessive expense, that you really just don’t need on top of all the other costs this Christmas. So why not explore inventive ways to save money on wrapping paper and Christmas cards while at the same time being a little more environmentally conscious?! By embracing creativity and sustainability, you can add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations without breaking the bank.
Repurposed Materials:
Instead of spending what feels like a small fortune on new wrapping paper, consider repurposing materials you already have at home. Old newspapers, magazines, and even brown paper bags can be transformed into unique and rustic wrapping paper. Not only does this save you money, but it also reduces waste.
Fabric Wraps:
Invest in fabric pieces or repurpose old scarves, bandanas, or clothing to wrap your gifts. Fabric wraps not only look stylish but can be reused for years to come. Tie them with twine or ribbon for an added festive touch.
DIY Stamps:
Create your own custom wrapping paper by making DIY stamps. Carve holiday-themed designs into potatoes or erasers, dip them in paint, and stamp away on plain paper or recycled materials. This adds a personal touch to your gifts without the cost of store-bought paper.
Digital Greetings:
Consider sending digital Christmas cards instead of buying traditional ones. I always feel that we can spend hours writing out Christmas cards, for them to either be put at the bottom of a pile, or displayed for a couple of weeks before they are just tossed away. This really is wasteful. There are numerous of online platforms that allow you to create personalized e-cards with photos, animations, and messages. It’s not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly.
Homemade Cards:
Get creative with handmade Christmas cards using materials you already have. Cardstock, old magazines, and even cardboard can be transformed into unique and heartfelt cards. Add personal touches like family photos, drawings, or handwritten notes to make them extra special. Even better, if you have kids, get your kids involved, and make a fun afternoon out of creating and designing Christmas cards. I am sure that your loved ones and friends would enjoy these much more than just the usual bought card, and it’s a great way to spend a rainy winters afternoon with the kids.
Recycled Cards:
If you have received holiday cards in the past, repurpose them into gift tags or new cards. Cut out festive shapes or use punches to create decorative elements. This not only saves money but also gives a second life to the beautiful cards you’ve received.
Nature-Inspired Decor:
Bring the outdoors in by using natural elements for gift decorations. Pinecones, twigs, and dried flowers can be gathered from your backyard or local park to add a rustic and festive touch to your presents. Tie this in with a rustic-looking brown bag, you could get a really great festive wrap.
Reusable Gift Bags:
Invest in reusable fabric gift bags that can be used year after year. These bags come in various sizes and designs, and they’re not only eco-friendly but also save you money in the long run.
Add a Touch of Nostalgia:
Have some old cassette tapes sitting in boxes in your garage? Why not use the tape as a ribbon for your gifts?! It’s a quirky way to repurpose obsolete technology and give your presents that funky retro vibe. Have some old broken CDs? Why not add these as decoration.
Get the Kids Involved:
Everyone loves a kid’s drawing, so why not get the kids to create some lovely drawings over large sheets of paper, these can be used to wrap up your pressies. This really has a lovely, personalised feel, and just like making the cards above, kids love getting involved and it keeps them busy.
Puzzle Piece Gift Tags:
If you have old puzzles missing a few pieces, repurpose them into unique gift tags. Paint or decorate the pieces with holiday motifs and attach them to your gifts with twine.
Map it out:
A little bit of a quirky suggestion could be using maps. You can go to a second-hand bookstore or charity shop and find old maps, accompany these with some red and white string and this can really look amazing.
Save money on Postage:
Don’t spend fortunes on stamps, hand deliver as many local cards as you can.
You can find money-saving tips just like these on the Mad About Money App. The app aims to help you achieve your money and well-being goals through the power of our wonderful community. We are always thinking and finding ways in which we can help you save money. Download the app today and start saving for free! As an extra touch, why not download vouchers from our app, and add these to your homemade Christmas cards!
This Christmas, embrace the spirit of creativity and being just that little bit different while putting pounds back in your pocket. By repurposing materials, embracing DIY projects, and opting for reusable options, you can enjoy a festive holiday season without compromising your budget or the environment. Remember, it’s the thought that counts the most during this joyful time of year.