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8 ways to hack Christmas when you’re stretching the budget
Updated 1 December 2025
First published 6 December 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes
By Tom Hartmann,
11 comments
When it comes to Christmas for your whānau, you want every dollar spent to count. At this time of year, is there any better way to say it than ‘cheap and cheerful’? That’s just what we’re after.
In that spirit, here are eight ways to hack Christmas when you're budgeting this season.
1. Squeeze the most out of that spend
With prices continually rising, we can all agree that more spending does not necessarily mean more Christmas. We’ve got to make sure we squeeze the most ‘Christmas’ out of our money – as much uplifting fun as you can, however you celebrate. Especially this year, may your money choices buy more cheer!
2. Make a list, check it twice
Sticking to a list really ticks all the boxes for keeping spending on track. It keeps us focused on the task at hand – the exact opposite of a shopping experience that’s designed to keep us buying on impulse both in store and online. Check yours twice… at least.
3. Stick to gifts kids actually need
Kids need books. Kids need togs. Kids need shoes. Persuade whānau that these kinds of presents will keep on giving rather than a whole bunch of plastic toys that will only end up as landfill in the end. Have you heard of the ‘want, need, wear, read’ strategy for gift giving? Giving one of each makes sure they get something they need and gets them reading more.
4. Comparison shop ’til you drop
Get the best deals possible by researching prices online. Beyond the convenience, websites are the perfect place to quickly compare. The mark of someone who’s good with money is that they compare options and get the best deal available. It doesn’t take long, but it’s worth it.
5. Use DIY gifts to make ends meet
Baking, crafting, card making... there’s something undeniably special about a ‘do it yourself’ present. They nurture our creative side, and there’s often more of an authentic Christmas experience in giving homemade cookies than many a store-bought present.
6. Give homemade vouchers
These can be for babysitting, gardening, oiling the deck, cleaning the car or anything else. My favourite was when my sister-in-law gave her hubby a set of chic wine glasses complete with a voucher for lifetime washing. (Apparently he’s a bit accident prone while washing stemware.)
7. Make more memories
A family tradition of an early stroll on the beach on Christmas morning can bring more happy memories than many gifts might. Which will we remember most in the years to come?
8. Stick to your plan (not someone else’s)
Every Christmas, there are two things working against us: the feeling of limited time (it’s running out!) and scarcity (there are only so many gifts available!), but try to keep your eyes fixed on your goals. Don’t be swayed by the feeding frenzy out there and end up feeling that your money didn’t go where you wanted it to.
We hope these hacks help you this holiday season. Here’s more on actions you can take tonight, this week and next week to get your spending under control in time for Christmas. If you had success with these or have any hacks for others to try, leave a comment below!
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Comments (10)
Comments
Nicole | 5 December 25
Great tips, thanks Tom :)
Josephine | 4 December 25
Wonderful advice that will be extremely helpful to those that need this guidance right now. Love and appreciate this site.
Brenda | 2 December 25
Thank you, some great advice, relevant still in 2025
Rachel | 2 December 25
Bake bread, but only use half the amount of chocolate. Make your own candied citrus peel for decoration. Give that as a gift to people who might care about you. Don't worry about anything else.
Kalameli | 2 December 25
Hi I really need your help about the financial for christmas thank you
Pardip | 19 December 23
Be safe
Anonymous | 30 October 23
Too good to not share again with the community, acknowledging your advice.
Faye | 9 December 22
Great practical
Cate | 8 December 22
Good tips! We simplified things a number of years ago as the wider family grew & costs were getting higher. Now on Christmas Day, anyone who joins us just brings an inexpensive secret santa gift and we play the ‘bitchy santa’ game ( rigged so littler kids get the final picks). Everyone gets something, doesn’t matter how many ‘extras’ turn up, the fun is in the game.
Tui Williams | 8 December 22
Thank you, shared to Facebook.
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