Baking gifts from scratch and doing DIY decorations are becoming popular with thrifty people as over half say the festive season is more expensive than it was five years ago
Snuggling on the sofa with a Christmas film, jazzing up old party outfits with new accessories and baking mince pies from scratch are the ways Brits are looking to save money this Christmas.
Other methods for a thrifty festive season include cooking or baking homemade gifts, making mulled wine or cider at home and creating DIY decorations. The research, from food firm Dr.Oetker, found 41% of people think a homemade gift is more thoughtful and 29% are trying not to buy ready made food over Christmas.
On average, Brits will spend £1,100 over the festive period, with over half of respondents to the poll saying it is way more expensive than it was five years ago. Two thirds of people think that Christmas is most expensive time of the year with the cost of presents, increasing food and drink prices, shops putting up the prices and feel compelled to buy a lot of presents all driving up the cost.
As a result, 64% of people have had to cut back their spending in the New Year after splashing out over Christmas. Dr.Oetker head of marketing – cake, Jennifer Johnson, said: “It’s clear from the research that Brits are looking for ways to save money and we’re delighted to see how many Brits will be trying their hand at baking from scratch this Christmas.”
The firm have launched ‘The Festive Windough Display’ at Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, Tunbridge Wells ahead of Christmas Day, a display made almost entirely of cake to inspire the nation to start new traditions and bake a little joy this Christmas.
Meanwhile a separate poll by AlixPartners found only 13% planned to spend more on food this Christmas than last. Some 55% intended to spend the same amount as last year, while 21% planned to spend less.
10 ways Brits are saving money this Christmas
1. Snuggling up on the sofa with a Christmas film – 30%
2. Re-wearing an old party outfit, with new accessories– 28%
3. Baking mince pies from scratch – 26%
4. Cooking or baking homemade gifts (chutney, pickle, cookies) – 18%
5. Baking a Christmas cake – 18% Making mulled wine or cider – 17%
6. Making your own stuffing from scratch – 14%
7. Baking gingerbread – 13% Creating DIY decorations – 13%
8. Making advent calendars for your kids – 12%
9. Choosing thrifty items to fill out stockings – 11%
10. Knitting socks, hats or scarves as presents
