Save Big This Christmas: Top Tips for Property Guardians

Christmas is just around the corner, and while it can be a favourite time of year for many, it can also become quite expensive.

Our team at DEX has put together a list of our money-saving top tips for Property Guardians this Christmas—and for life in general! 

DON'T BUY AT FULL PRICE

Looking for a specific item? Check out marketplaces like Vinted, Spock, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace for lower prices. Many let you filter by condition, so you can find brand-new items with tags for less. 

Sales start early with Black Friday month already upon us. You may have seen an advert or two! Post Christmas sales start earlier with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day big sales, so waiting until this time could lead to better deals. Don’t forget to look for promo codes for online orders. You might save on your purchase, especially as many stores offer discounts for new customers.

Lastly, when visiting stores (especially independent ones), don’t hesitate to ask what their best price is—they might be willing to negotiate!

A young man leaning against a bench looking at his phone

BE SMART WHEN EATING OUT

Christmas, and the lead up to Christmas can be busy with social catch ups. And expensive. 

Apps like First Table allow you to reserve either the first or last table for 50% off your food bill. This is not only a fantastic way to save money, but it also helps you discover new restaurants in the areas you plan to visit. 

Staying in? Try to collect orders when possible to save on delivery fees. You can also use apps like Too Good To Go, where you can purchase a box of mystery food items at a lower price, helping to reduce food waste—a win-win situation! 

And always remember to ask if the restaurant has a loyalty card. By using it, you can accrue rewards each time you spend. 

A girl with a groups of friends at a restaurant enjoying what she is eating

BUY FROZEN

You can save money by purchasing frozen foods.

Buying frozen items can also make products that are typically more expensive more accessible. For instance, fresh berries can be costly, but buying a large bag of frozen berries allows you to control portions, save money, and reduce food waste. And it also can be a replacement ice cube for a smoothie or drink!

Having a well-stocked freezer means fewer trips to the supermarket and gives you more meal options, making meal planning easier.

A bowl of frozen blueberries
A woman holding coins in her hands with the words Make a change handwritten on a pice of paper.

ALTERNATIVE GIFTS

If you have a large family or a big group of friends, consider organising a Secret Santa. This way, you only need to buy one gift for the drawing. Just be sure to plan this in advance.

Another thoughtful idea is to let your friends and family know that instead of giving individual gifts, you will be donating to a cause you believe in. Or why not volunteer together and help others. This can be your special gift experience you can share!

GET CREATIVE

Instead of spending a lot of money on a gift, consider offering to take your friend or family member to a free gallery that they might enjoy. After exploring the gallery, you could take your mate out for a hot chocolate or a drink at the gallery bar.

Combining an experience with a simple gift will not only make it more memorable but also show that you put in some effort. 

If you enjoy being creative, consider making gifts yourself. Homemade chutneys,  baked goods, and photo frames make particularly festive gift ideas.

These are just a handful of ways to save some money at this expensive time of year. A strict budget also helps!  By setting clear spending limits for gifts, decorations, and meals, you can stay on track and avoid the stress of overspending. 

Keep an eye on our blog for more lifestyle tips for Property Guardians.