This year, like most years, people will be wanting to spoil those around them but it can be hard when you don't have enough money.
This year is especially tight for many people with the cost of living crisis ongoing - but you can still get some of the items on your wish list - or theirs - without spending as much as you think.
And now Money Saving Expert - which Martin Lewis founded - has issued tips on what you can do this Christmas to save money on some of the items you're eyeing up.
READ MORE: We tried M&S' Friends inspired 'Moist Maker' sarnie and see why Ross was angry
So what tips should you know if you're looking to save money? here's what MSE say...
1. If you see a discount, go for it
If you make a list of what you need and for who, as soon as you see it has money off of the item, buy it - if you can afford it that is.
MSE say you should keep your eyes peeled for discounts and deals on their " Vouchers, Hot Bargains and Sales pages. For cheap yet thoughtful gifts, the Free Photo Prints deals page lists the top photo book, canvas, card and calendar discount codes."
2. Be wary when buying gift cards
MSE say if you're considering giving gift cards or vouchers there are four key things you should be aware of:
- Sometimes retailers go bust: A host of big name retailers have gone into administration in recent years. When this happens, they usually stop accepting cards altogether and there's very little you can do to get your money back. See our Administration Help guide for what you can try if you have a gift card for a company that has gone bust.
- Gift cards have expiry dates: Most gift cards must be redeemed within a certain period of time, so the recipient needs to spend them before time runs out.
- Beware of admin fees: Some companies will begin reducing your balance if you don't use the card within a certain timeframe, such as the the multi-shop gift card provider One4all, which deducts 90p a month from your balance once you've had the card 18 months.
- They could forget or lose them: Often people forget to use them, lose them, delete the email, or accidentally run them through the wash.
Taking into account all of the above, we think giving cash is a much better alternative to gift cards.
If however you still want to buy one, there are some multi-shop gift cards, such as Love2Shop, which you would be able to use at other retailers in the scheme if one shop went bust.
3. Find the cheapest place to buy gifts in seconds
Comparison sites are a great place to start when it comes to finding a good deal.
MSE say: "We found Google Shopping is the most consistent at finding the cheapest price – the MSE Deals team even use it as a starting point when checking out deals. Google Shopping searches a wide range of retailers, including biggies such as Amazon, Currys PC World, John Lewis and Tesco."
For a full how-to guide and other price comparison sites to try, see 40+ Online Shopping Tricks.
4. Get a gift receipt or ask the shop to write 'it's a gift'
Legally, only the person who bought the gift has rights to exchange said item. However MSE say that many shops ignore this and will help however despite this, and for safety reasons, it's always better to ask for a gift receipt.
They add: "If a store offers gift receipts, it suggests it's willing to deal with the recipient rather than the buyer. You should be able to exchange an item, though if you want a refund the retailer may insist that the payment be refunded to the same card.
"Alternatively, get the shop assistant to write on its copy of the receipt, and yours, that it's a gift and who it's for, eg, "bought as a gift for Bob Smith", and this again should help to at least exchange the item."
5. Amazon discount warehouse's big bargains
If you need to buy items from Amazon, you can hunt down big discounts from the firm's little-known discount outlet using our new Amazon Warehouse Discount Finder tool.
READ NEXT:
Martin Lewis' money-saving calculation for air fryers and microwaves
Expert issues boiler cover advice amid increasing energy bills
Tesco Clubcard holders issued update amid 'two week' coupon shake up
Royal Mail strikes and your rights to late, missing or faulty parcels
10 Christmas stocking fillers for parents running out of ideas
