How to find the perfect Christmas gift on a budget

With Christmas only a few weeks away, being a student can be quite daunting to think about all the loved ones you need to buy presents for – especially if like me you’ve only got a few pounds in the bank!

Luckily I’ve come up with a few foolproof ways to get the perfect presents on a budget. I believe, the key to buying a good present is getting to know a person really well and finding out what they love!

Get personal

Whether it’s your favourite book, vinyl, or art piece, sharing something that’s special to you is a really easy way to show a loved one how much you care. I personally love picking out my favourite books and buying a copy for family members who I think would like it – my mum and I have bonded over so many romantic books that I think it’s an addiction!

Similarly, like me, you might have a grandparent who’s into their music. My grandad loves downloading new songs on his iPod, so even getting something as a simple as an iTunes voucher shows I care because I’ve taken an interest in what he likes.

Take advantage of special offers

Walk down the high-street and you’ll see so many Christmas promotions that it can be quite overwhelming. After a few years of doing this, I always opt to head to shops like Boots; not only to they offer 3 for 2 on all their Christmas gift sets, but you also get £10 worth of points if you spend £50. Along with this, Boots also sell lots of popular brands such as Nando’s, Yankee Candle and Jack Wills, so it’s impossible to leave without finding the perfect gift!

Go handmade

A few years ago, handmade presents were reserved for kids on mother’s day or Easter but with the rise of websites such as Pinterest it’s now so easy to make a handmade gift that looks like you spent a fortune on it.

I personally love making gifts that incorporate photos as its an easy way to make something personal and meaningful that doesn’t break the bank. Use a scrapbook and add things like stickers, washi tape, and ribbons to get it looking beautiful. Other ideas you could make are homemade bath bombs, candles or even cookies.

Try out the discount shops

Personally. I’m a massive fan of shops like TK Maxx and Homesense, as not only do they have a massive range of branded items, they’re also up to 60% off the RRP. From watches to biscotti, I’m confident you’ll find a gift you love at the perfect price from one of these shops!

Along with this, if you’ve got a friend or family member who loves homeware, shops like Home Bargains or Home Sense are great for picking up adorable decorations to jazz up any room. My personal favourites include fluffy pillows, reindeer statues (very seasonal and fitting) and plants. If like me you’re terrible at keeping plants alive, opt for something like a succulent or cacti as they’re much more resilient!

With all these tips in mind, there’s no reason you can’t get the perfect gifts for your loved ones – so go out and get (carefully) spending those pennies!