Mum shares clever hacks on how to make your kids feel like they’ve got lots of presents without forking out a fortune

CHRISTMAS is just around the corner, so we bet you're not the only parent checking their list - and then checking it twice.

As busy mums and dads up and down the country prepare for the big day, they'll no doubt be wondering whether they've got their kids enough presents.

Savvy mum Vicky regularly shares useful money-saving tricksCredit: More Than a Mummy

With rising energy bills, Vicky is encouraging others not to spend more than they can affordCredit: More Than a Mummy

But fortunately, one savvy mum has come to the rescue - and revealed how you can ensure your children think they've got lots of gifts without you having to fork out a fortune.

Vicky Smith, a blogger at More Than A Mummy, regularly shares parent-friendly money-saving tricks and hacks.

And speaking exclusively to Fabulous, the parent shared some of her number one tips to do so.

Vicky revealed that she follows a ‘three gift rule’ - in which she gets them something they want, something they need and something they can read.

Read More on Christmas

KNIT HIT

All the items you’ll need every day between Christmas and New Year

GIFT HACK

Mum shares hacks to transform Poundland buys into expensive-looking presents

The mum continued that this is the perfect way to ensure that her little ones get a variety of things without breaking the bank.

She told us: “My best thrifty tip for getting lots of gifts for the kids without blowing the budget is to rely on the three gifts rule.

“They may want a new doll, need a new coat and then I may get them the latest book in a series they have been reading.

“I also find much of the excitement regarding Christmas is in the presentation - say, for example, you’ve kitted your child out with everything they need to fill their pencil case for school next term.

“I don’t put everything in the pencil case and then wrap the pencil case, I take everything out and wrap it individually.

“That way they have loads of things to open rather than one big thing.”

Vicky said this is a clever tactic she uses to add to the excitement of Christmas on a budget - and that her kids are none the wiser.

She added: “You can also make the act of opening the gift more exciting by wrapping up a few mini chocolate bars or bags of sweets to go in their stockings.

“These are cheap, but the kids will love to open them and count up how many they have."

The freelancer, who is mum to two young daughters, said her Christmas organisation relies heavily on having lists which set out her clear budget.

This includes what she is buying for people, what food they need, as well as a master to-do list featuring all the things she needs to get done in the run-up to Christmas.

My best thrifty tip for getting lots of gifts for the kids without blowing the budget is to rely on the three gifts rule
Vicky Smith

The mum from Berkshire explained: “I became more conscious of my budget after having kids. I was made redundant from my job shortly after returning from my second maternity leave."

“While I grew my own freelance business I felt I needed to be more careful with my spending - as you never know when your income can take a hit.

“I also wanted to ensure I was saving money for the children regularly, so I put more effort into making things go further and making sensible purchases.

“There’s so much peace of mind to be gained by saving money and growing your savings pot, whether for a rainy day or to save for big purchases.”

The thrifty mum continued: “My biggest spend will be on presents for the kids, as I tend to only buy smaller gifts for the adults in the family.

“I write down (in a notebook I keep tucked away from kids) what everyone would like for Christmas and start to research prices.

“Writing down exactly what I’m buying and the cost, then ticking it off as I go means I stick to the budget.

“I will sometimes take advantage of Black Friday prices so will leave certain items until the sales in the run-up to Christmas.

“I will monitor the prices of big-ticket items I have my eye on for a few months before purchasing so that I can ensure I get the best price.”

Shop smart and look for bargains

“Another way to ensure you can afford lots of pressies for the kids is to shop smart.

''Take advantage of sales in the run-up to Christmas and check bargain bins and clearance aisles.

"However, always research prices to avoid getting conned - sometimes sales prices are not all they are cracked up to be!"

The mum suggested looking for cheaper versions of toys on your kids' Christmas list and avoiding named brands.

Vicky said there are so many people selling unwanted bargains on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, many of which look brand new, so you could even nab a second-hand bargain.

She explained: “You can get your child’s most wished-for gift at a fraction of the price! If you are shopping online, take advantage of cashback websites - this is an easy way to make savings on Christmas gifts!

“As December is so heavily commercial, with lots of pressure to buy stuff, I avoid impulse purchasing by having a minimum five-day cooling off period.

“If I still feel I need it after five days then I will buy it, but if it’s clear this is just something I want then I won’t do it. This ensures I stay within budget.”

Make Christmas food last longer

When it comes to food, Vicky writes a list of everything she will need for Christmas week - including snacks and party food.

Then she does a big shop in the week before Christmas Day. She doesn’t order a turkey in advance and has never had an issue finding one to buy the day before Christmas Eve.

When it comes to saving money on Christmas dinner, the thrifty mum said it’s important to have a plan of exactly what you will eat on the day.

She said: “It can be tempting to stuff your fridge full of nibbles and party food, but you may find a lot of food is wasted come Boxing Day.

“If you don’t mind waiting until the last minute to buy the food for Christmas Day you can save by shopping in the yellow sticker (discounted food about to go out of date) section.

Writing down exactly what I’m buying and the cost, then ticking it off as I go means I stick to the budget
Vicky Smith

“When shopping for Christmas food you can also save money by avoiding the higher priced luxury range - the supermarket range is cheaper and there’s often not much difference.

“I also highly recommend planning how to use your leftovers after Christmas so that you make the most of the food.”

Vicky explained that it can be easy for parents to become overwhelmed with the amount of pressure to spend at Christmas.

So she encouraged people to take a deep breath and remind themselves that a huge part of the magic of Christmas for kids is in the theatre of the occasion, rather than the physical gifts.

She said families should focus on the fun, decorating the tree together, going for walks to spot Christmas lights and putting out the carrot and mince pie for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Vicky added: “It’s the fun and excitement that kids remember more than the actual things they open on Christmas Day.