Christmas gift ideas on a budget
Christmas gift ideas on a budget
Christmas is getting ever closer so we’ve created a handy guide to make your Christmas shopping as easy as a walk in a snowy park… which actually isn’t that easy without the right footwear – but you get the idea.
Christmas craft markets
Support local business and pick yourself up a unique gift that you wouldn’t find on the high street, at one of the many craft markets and fairs across Sussex during Christmas.
We’ve listed out some of our craft fair highlights across Sussex in December:
Brighton’s Christmas Artisan Makers Market & Street Food Market: 14th December 2019
A large Christmas Craft & Street Food Market in Brighton. Inside will be packed with up to 40 of the very best and unique local artists & makers selling a wonderful mix of artisan crafty gifts and handmade wares.From stocking fillers to bespoke gifts, there is something for everyone! More info
Littlehampton Artisan Christmas Market: 21st December 2019
Festive stalls, carol singing, live music and DJ, snow machine and lots of entertainment whilst you pick up those last minute Christmas bargains. More info
Crowborough Farmers Market: 28th December 2019
Local Farmers Market, open on the fourth Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm on Croft Road, Crowborough. More info
The Guildbourne Shopping Centre: 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd December 2019 More info
Antique shops and auction rooms
You might think antiques would be expensive and far from ‘budget’, but that’s a common misconception.
Antique shops are a great place to pick up a bargain and there’s always a hidden gem to be had. From a rare record that’s just the ticket for the music lover in your family, or a vintage teddy or toy in great condition, you’re sure to find something unique and thoughtful.
Some great local auction house and antique shops include:
Toovey’s, Washington, West Sussex
Stable Antiques, Storrington, West Sussex
The Barns, Pulborough
Money Saving Expert’s Local eBay Deals Mapper
Why spend hour after hour watching items on ebay for bargains, when you can sign up this brilliant tool from Money Saving Expert.
Simply enter your location and the type of items you’re looking, with a max and min price and Money Saving Expert’s tool will do the donkey work for you. It filters all items on eBay with ‘local pick-up’, meaning the seller is looking to save on delivery and passes those savings / cost of pick up onto the buyer.
Facebook Marketplace
A great place to pick up bargains is Facebook Marketplace. You can search in your local area and there’s often items that are good as new, or barely used that you can buy for a fraction of the price.
Get started by logging into Facebook and searching ‘Facebook marketplace’ then shop by category.
Get inspired by Pinterest craft makers
If you have absolutely no artistic ability, then you can always stick with the other ideas in our list – but you won’t know until you try! Think unique drawings, crafty framed artwork and more – check out some examples below. If the worst does happen, at least you can add your attempt to the ever growing list of hilarious Pinterest Fails.
Charity shops
Shopping in charity shops isn’t all about worn out hand me downs or tired looking items. In fact, it’s not like that at all – with many items unused and in great condition. Shopping in charity shops is becoming ever more popular, especially amongst younger generations on the look out for ‘retro’ fashion or unique one of a kind bargains.
Every pound you spend supports a fantastic cause, so not only can you grab that perfect Christmas gift for a loved one to enjoy, you’re also doing a good deed in the process!
There’s plenty of charity shops in your local high street, so get out there and explore everything they have to offer. We’ve listed just some of the options in Lancing and the local area below:
St Barnabas (Queens Parade, North Rd, Lancing BN15 9BA)
Salvation Army (154 South St, Lancing BN15 8AU)
Age UK (39 North Rd, Lancing BN15 9AS)
Mind (Queens Parade, North Rd, Lancing BN15 9BA)
Dogs Trust Charity Shop (12 High St, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5DA)
Bake a cake
Channel your inner Mary Berry and bake a cake as your Christmas gift. Either it turns out perfect, or is a complete disaster – either way, it’s sure to be a conversation starter at your Christmas gathering.
Here’s some easy cake recipes to get you started.
A mix CD
Nothing says “I love you” this Christmas like a well thought out and curated mix cd. If you’ve watched Guardians of The Galaxy, you’ll know the power of a mixtape! In fact, why not get some inspiration for your own by listening to the Guardians of The Galaxy mixtape collection.
A photo in a frame
There’s a lot to be said for a nice frame and photo combo – celebrating friendships, family, or simply an unforgettable shared adventure.
You can pick up a great looking photo frame relatively low cost and, with a great photo inside it, you’re sure to get a great reaction from the receiver on Christmas day!
Scratch card or lottery ticket
A little bit of fun and who knows, you could transform someone’s life! Throw a couple of scratch cards into a Christmas card with a nice message and a joke about how if they win, you’re entitled to half, and Bob’s your uncle – you’ve got a light-hearted gift sure to bring a smile to the face this festive season.
There we have it – get out there and grab yourself (or make yourself) a fun, low cost gift! Merry Christmas from us all at Time Out Fostering.