Cheap Christmas Present Ideas:
If you have the time why not make something simple, like gingerbread men, all that is really needed is ingredients that will prob be in your cupboard and some ribbon to tie around the gingerbread men's neck, this is a cheap but personal gift. You could also make a batch of Mince Pies or a Christmas cake and personalise it.
Separate things that are in packs, for example, socks (I'm not talking about a normal pack, more the big fluffy Christmas pairs that tend to come in packs of two) or lip balms. by separating you can give something that would normally only be for one person and make into two or three presents, most of the time all you need is a little ribbon to retie the socks and viola extra presents. This can also be done with earring, provided you have a spare box.
You could just buy a Pointsetta (aka the Christmas Rose) they are pretty and cheap, ranging from £1.50 for a small to £4 for a large (well at Tesco anyway) and this is a good way to give something nice, festive and not break the bank.
Shop online or on Ebay, a lot of the time you can find the same things as in store and it most of the time it comes in cheaper, and that's including posting to you door. I have saved a lot over the years doing this as the pounds will start to add up.
For anyone with children there are free services that give your child a letter or a video call from Santa (yes free, beats spending £10 for a crappy postcard), making them feel special and all it cost you is some time, Here is the link and information if your interested.
General tips and tricks:
Reuse any bags given to you, all you will need to do is tear of the old label and attach a new one, as labels are cheaper than bags this will save you a few pounds.
Don't throw away tinsel if it has gone ratty, if you have children they can use it in craft projects or you could use it to tie around cheaper crackers to spruce them up. if your really crafty I have seen people turn old tinsel into garlands that are amazing, its really up to you.
Turn last years Christmas cards into decorations such as these amazing baubles. Or cut off the back and turn them into Christmas Postcards, save on buying lots of cards and maybe even the postage costs as larger cards may cost more to send.
If you have some baubles or ornaments that are slightly damaged why not make them into a table centerpiece or a wreath (as shown in pics above).
When making your Christmas dinner, if there are only a few of you in your household and have bought a load of vegetables, then I would suggest that you freeze what you haven't used in the mean, this is a good way to save money and have more food in the house for future meals.
Also unless you are having a huge party with lots of people I would not suggest buying a huge turkey, My husband and I have bought a large turkey crown for £10 that would easily feed 6 people with bits left over for later. No need to be extravagant especially if you spend loads and it ends up going in the bin.
Whatever is not eaten, put in the fridge and make a fry up the next day, Trust me Bubble and Squeak is amazing with all the bits and pieces of a Christmas dinner in it.
start your Christmas pop/munchies shop in September, If you buy bits and pieces that are on offer early, you have a whole heap of goodies by Christmas and you wouldn't have noticed the few extra pounds a week split over the 3 months before. Of course fresh has to be done closer to Christmas. But brand items are not always better, Aldi and Lidl offer some amazing like for like product at half the price. Also I suggest going to your local market, you can get twice as much fruit and veg as you can in a supermarket for around half the price!
Deserts do not have to cost the earth and I can tell you that just because the product may say 'Finest' does not mean that it is better. Go to Iceland or if you have time make your own with ingredients in your kitchen, after a large dinner it may end up being left, so don't wast money on products that are anything but fine!
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