All the latest breaking news on Christmas. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Christmas.
It’s that time of year.
THEGAYUK family will be resting for a few days. We hope you have a wonderful day and New Year ahead. Our chat and listings will continue to operate over this period.
If you need any assistance please reach out to our community, if you need some mental health resources please click here.
Until 2025
Take care of yourself.
Step aside, chestnuts roasting on an open fire – it’s time for a Big Gay Christmas playlist that’s dripping in glitter and wrapped in a rainbow bow. We’re diving into the most fabulous, the most extra, and the undeniably gayest Christmas songs that have ever jingled their way into our festive hearts. From diva duets to campy carols, get ready for a sleigh ride through a wonderland where tinsel is the only acceptable accessory, and Mariah Carey reigns supreme. It’s a gay celebration of holiday tunes that would make even the most stoic sugar plum fairy twirl with joy. Let the gayest Christmas playlist commence! 🌈🎄✨ #SlayBellsRing #QueerHolidayHarmony
Mariah and Ariana with Jennifer Hudson: Oh Santa
Why this track is topping the list: Because let’s face it, every gay couldn’t stop raving about Mariah and Ari’s epic whistle harmony. It’s the diva duet we didn’t know we needed, and now we can’t get enough! 🌟🎤 #WhistleGoals #MariahAndAriMagic
Lady Gaga: Christmas Tree
Why this bop made the cut: Serving major The Fame vibes (hello, 2008 throwback!), this track is the ultimate cheeky delight. With lines like “Ho ho ho, under the mistletoe / Yes, everybody knows / We will take off our clothes” and “My Christmas tree is delicious,” it’s a festive feast of sass straight from the pop queen herself. 🎄🎶 #GagaVibes #CheekyChristmasJams
Ariana Grande: Santa Tell Me
Why this anthem earns its spot: Because, let’s be real, every fabulous soul can vibe with the “Santa, tell me if you’re really there / Don’t make me fall in love again if he won’t be here next year” chorus. It’s the queer holiday mood we’ve all felt at least once! 🎅❤️🌈 #SantaSpillTheTea #RelatableJams
WHAM!: Last Christmas
Why this classic earns its spot: Because, let’s be real, this timeless masterpiece sounds just as hauntingly beautiful today as it did over three decades ago. Plus, it’s the Christmas anthem that sparked a gazillion covers. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, darling. 🎄🎶 #TimelessTunes #CoverWorthyClassic
Kelly Clarkson: Underneath The Tree
Why this track secures its spot: Because Kelly is sneakily making a play for Mariah’s Queen of Christmas throne. The vocals are fierce, the holiday vibes are strong, and somewhere in the festive universe, there’s a diva duel for the crown. 👑🎄 #KellyVsMariah
Amy Winehouse: I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Why this song is on this list: Because every Amy song we have is a treasure.
Katy Perry: Cosy Little Christmas
Why this track sleighs on our list: Because Katy Claus gifted us a quirky and up-tempo holiday anthem — complete with a campy music video to jingle all the way. It’s festive, it’s fab, and it’s Katy in her holiday prime! 🎄🎁 #KatyClausMagic #CampyChristmasVibes
Sia: Santa’s Coming For US
Why this bop is on the list: Because it’s not just a dancy delight; it’s the ultimate test of gay lyrical prowess. Watch the fabulous spectacle as fellow queers try to keep up with the lyrics and realize they’re in for a jolly challenge. It’s the perfect blend of dancefloor magic and lyrical hilarity! 💃🎤 #DanceAndLyricStruggles #GayKaraokeRealness
Jake Hook: Hey Santa! Bring My Baby Back.
One of our own… I mean he’s singing about being a good boy…. purlease. We know the score honey.
Eartha Kitt: Santa Baby
Why this classic graces our list: Because, darlings, nearly every pop diva has taken a swing at this tune, but not a single one has twirled close to the enchanted original by Eartha Kitt. Her rendition is a bewitching spell that no cover can quite replicate. 🌟🎤 #EarthaMagic #OriginalDivaDelight
Cher and Rosie O’Donald: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Why this anthem made the cut: Because it’s basically “Believe” dressed up in a fabulously glittery Christmas ensemble! Cher, but make it festive. 🌟🎄 #BelieveInChristmasMagic #GlitteryTunes
Britney: My Only Wish This Year
Why this tune reigns supreme on the list: Because in that extra fabulous corner of gay heaven, this song is on a festive loop during the holiday season. It’s the heavenly anthem that keeps the gay joy flowing in style. 🌈🎄 #GayHeavenPlaylist #FestiveFabulosity
Need more? Check out our 36 gayest ever Christmas playlist. It is something else
Many people will expect you to be in great spirits at Christmas but don’t necessarily take into account why you may appear to be down. For those of us who experience negative thoughts or feelings at Christmas, it can be hard to admit that at such a festive time of the year that you don’t share in the delight of the holidays. However, more people are struggling than you think. Making the decision to talk about your feelings and share them with those around you can improve your mood and make it easier to deal with the tough times – especially when you discover that many of the people around you may find themselves in the same position!
It’s extremely easy to get burnt out over Christmas and New Year. Between work parties, spending time with friends, the intensity of family gatherings and then the pressure of New Year, many people are sucked into giving away too much of their free time and ending up extremely tired, lethargic and blue. Make time for the people you care most about, but ensure that you take enough time for yourself to recover and relax.
The weather influences the way in which we behave every day – it dictates the food we eat, the clothes we decide to wear, and to some extent where we decide to go. However, for millions of people in the UK, the short, dark days around Christmas and New Year can have a disastrous impact on health and wellbeing, triggering the onset of a depression known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
There are, however, plenty of ways to alleviate the symptoms of SAD. Getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and exposing yourself to as much sunlight as possible are of course extremely important, but you could also consider other options such as light boxes and dawn simulators to help regulate your circadian rhythms.
SAD is also closely linked with a lack of vitamin D which your body naturally produces when exposed to sunlight – given that sunlight is in fairly short supply in the UK at Christmas, it may be worth getting your vitamin levels checked – using vitamin D supplements could certainly help to resolve any deficit you may have.
For the heavier drinkers, those trying to cut back, and people who perhaps have a poor relationship with alcohol, my suggestions for remaining sober and in control at Christmas are as follows:
It’s very easy to become inactive and sedentary at Christmas. The food, the presents and the time spent with close ones can compound with the often poor weather to make the prospect of exercise daunting. However, regular exercise can boost your self-esteem (especially for those who enjoy the chocolate at Christmas), and will also help you to sleep better and get the rest that so many of us look forward to in the run up to Christmas.
If you’re having difficulty during the fesitve season and have no one to talk to, you can reach out to Samaritans or the LGBT+ helpline, Switchboard
Get ready to sleigh the gift game because we’re about to spill the tea on the hottest stocking fillers for gay men. Whether you’re shopping for your GBFF, partner-in-crime, or treating yourself (because, duh, you deserve it!), we’ve got the lowdown on the sassiest, classiest, and just downright fabulous gifts that will have your stockings slaying this holiday season. From glittery gadgets to gay-tastic trinkets, this list is serving up all the sparkle and shimmer you need to sleigh in style. Get ready to unwrap the magic, darling! 💅🏳️🌈
Top and Bottom Mugs
You can buy the Top and Bottom mug separately (£8.99) or as a 2 mug set (£15.99) if you know a gay couple! The set would make stocking fillers for gay men – who like to spill the tea.
Who doesn’t love a cheeky coaster? The Pride Shop sells a whole variety of them from famed visual artist, Dean Morris. You could get Alexa Send Wine or a Totally Gay or an I Love Cock one! £3.25 each.
Take your game to the next level with this deluxe set of playing cards. Housed in an eye-catching box with gold foil, this 54-card deck features humorous expletives, elegant calligraphy, and classic designs with a modern twist. With gold metallic accents throughout and top-quality cardstock, this portable deck is sure to delight card players of all suits. £10.99
Let your gay friends show their gayness through the subtlety of socks! THEGAYSHOP has a range of gay socks. These are probably the least offensive of them all!
We all know the game, Truth or Dare – but dare you play the raunchy version of this game? Each player takes it in turn to pick a straw/stick and either reveals the truth that’s written on the stick or play the dare that is written on it. Games, particularly naughty ones make great stocking fillers for gay men.
We love these super cute teddy bear keyrings. This super cute teddy has the iconic rainbow flag embroidered on its belly and has a standard keyring attachment for adding to your set of keys. This little buddy will keep you company and also means that it will be harder to lose your keys! £5.99
Who cares about winning? In this game, it’s the taking part that counts. This X-rated twist on the classic game of Snap is all about speed, spontaneity and paying close attention to the sex positions on the cards. £6.99
This stunning journal is a simple and rewarding way to record and reflect on five years of memories. The pages offer space to write a brief line each day, while allowing you to compare today’s events with your notes from the same date in years past. With exuberant artwork by Kindah Khalidy on the cover and interior, and with foil accents and a ribbon page marker, this keepsake journal will brighten all your days. We think that journals can make ideal stocking fillers for gay men. £14.99
Celebrate your love for all things Queer Eye with this officially licensed talking button, featuring inspirational and fun phrases from Jonathan, Tan, Bobby, Antoni, and Karamo. Includes a 48-page mini-book with profiles of the Fab Five, fun facts about the show, and full-colour photos. £9.99
There are four designs by visual artist Patrick Devon. These mugs depict gay men having sex, inspired by real-life couples. Deeply erotic and very visually pleasing. Erotic art makes sexy stocking fillers for gay men, particularly if they’re open-minded and don’t work in a large office where the office Karen is sure to take offence. £12.99 each
I love this book for you – you can fold it into your Christmas stocking. So simple. This book contains over 150 of the finest quotes from the most infamous riches-to-rags story a small town has ever seen. From side-splitting bickering between David and Alexis and Roland Schitt’s political wisdom to Johnny Rose’s solid business advice and of course, Moira’s many regaling turns of phrase. Whether you need a pick-me-up or a well-timed put-down, let the eclectic cast of Schitt’s Creek guide you on your way. £5.99
Getting into the Christmas mood? Check out our Christmas recipes and our Christmas survival guide.
Get ready to spice up the holiday season with our Erotic Christmas Gift Guide for Gay Men! Whether you’re shopping for your partner, lover, or looking to treat yourself, we’ve curated a collection of sensual and exciting presents that will set the festive mood ablaze. From intimate accessories to playful games, this guide is designed to add a touch of passion to your Christmas celebrations. Let’s unwrap the pleasure and make this holiday season one to remember! 🔥🎁✨
The perfect butt plug
If your friend, bf, or lover loves butt play then buying the perfect butt plug might just be the way to this Christmas. Whether he loves a big toy or just experimenting the world of butt plugs and dildos is well, neverending.
If he’s into anal training then these anal gape grommets could be a great bet. If he’s looking to get a great sensation then you can’t beat the Prowler Red 6.5 dildo and if he just wants to be destroyed then look no further than the Tower…
The only cock present he’ll need
The Satisfer is only masturbation toy is the only toy he needs. We’ve written about how this toy is the ultimate vibrating toy and it’s a perfect gift – and it won’t break the bank at under £40
Kinky Bear
These bondage bears are cuteness in bear form. Even The Most Extreme Fetishist Will Appreciate These bondage-loving teddy bears. There’s Charlie Chains, Sal The Slave, Freddie Flogger, Bound Up Billy, Gag Ball Gary and Gimpy Glen. They’re all extremely cuddly and cute and priced at £23.99
Naughty Puppy
Brand new from Prowler these kinky and naught pups are the perfect present for the kinky man in your life. Choose from Captain Chains, Roped Up Rover or Booted Up Bandit.
Patrick Devon Naughty Mugs
We love these gay erotic art mugs from our very own sex and relationship expert Patrick Devon. He’s created these very sexy mugs which feature a pop art depiction of men having sex.
Not for the faint arted… or those who work in a very public office.
Check out the Patrick Devon Erotic Mug range here from THE GAY SHOP All are under £15
Clone your willy
This is surely one of the most unique gift ideas, where you can legitimately tell your gay mate to go fuck himself… literally. Buy it here
Naughty Dice
Turn up the heat this Christmas with the perfect gift for intimate moments: Sex Dice! Spice up your holiday season with these playful and enticing dice that add a touch of excitement and spontaneity to your intimate adventures. Whether you’re gifting your partner or a couple, unwrap the pleasure and bring a whole new level of fun to the festive season. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! 🎲 Check out the range here
Sex Books
There’s a great selection of books for gay sex over at The Pride Shop. From The Ultimate Guide To Anal Sex to Position Of The Day, Little Book of Sex Tips and Little Book Of Sex Facts. All incredibly interesting and who doesn’t want a library of sex literature?
Harness
Explore new realms of style and confidence with a Harness! These bold and fashion-forward accessories are designed to make a statement, whether you’re hitting the club scene or embracing your unique fashion sense. Choose from a variety of styles and materials to express your individuality and feel empowered. Elevate your look with a gay harness that celebrates your authenticity and adds a touch of daring flair to any outfit. Check out the full range here
Sex Vouchers
Are you bold enough to share these intimate vouchers with your partner? This coupon book features 62 tear-out vouchers for you to gift. Make enticing promises like “Embark on adventurous role play” or “Plant kisses from head to toe.” Each voucher holds a spicy pledge that you’re committed to fulfilling when redeemed. Buy them here
Underwear
Now normally buying underwear for men is so cliché, but swap out a pair of ratty briefs for a cheeky jockstrap or even a thong and suddenly it’s a tree-mendous idea!
Feeling in the Christmas spirit? Check out our Christmas recipes to cook up a festive feast at home. Looking for non-erotic Christmas gifts for your gay pals check this out.
Some of the links in this article may generate us a small commission if you decide to purchase from any of the vendors.
The Holi-gays are coming and Tis the season to slay, and we’ve got the ultimate Christmas gift ideas for the fabulous gay men in your life. From festive fashion statements to gifts that scream “extra,” our guide is filled with enough sparkle and spice to make even the sugarplum fairies jealous. Get ready to sleigh the gift game with presents as bold and brilliant as your favourite holiday playlist. So, buckle up, buttercup, because these Christmas gift ideas for gay men are about to sleigh your world and make this Christmas the most fabulous one yet! 🌈🎁✨
RuPaul
RuPaul is undoubtedly a cultural touchstone for the gay community at the moment. Since the launch of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the world-famous drag queen’s popularity has soared. We love this RuPaul jigaw (under £15) for a start, but there’s also this RuPaul pin badge which is under £5 and numerous books for any RuPaul fan.
LGBTQ+ Coconut Bracelet
The world-famous gay flag was created back in 1978. Since then it has been used as a way to show support and solidarity with the gay community. Originally it had 8 coloured stripes, but a later version cut that number to 6 stripes. These awesome rainbow bracelets (under a tenner) capture the original colours of the Gilbert Baker flag and the 6-stripe version. This particular one is made from coconut wood and has a single rainbow resin bead.
These bracelets are handmade in the UK by members of the LGBTQ+ community. Buy from THE PRIDE SHOP
Kinky Bear
These bondage bears are cuteness in bear form. Even The Most Extreme Fetishist Will Appreciate These bondage-loving teddy bears. There’s Charlie Chains, Sal The Slave, Freddie Flogger, Bound Up Billy, Gag Ball Gary and Gimpy Glen. They’re all extremely cuddly and cute and priced at £23.99
Rainbow Keyring from Lego Bricks
These Rainbow keyrings made by THE PRIDE SHOP from official Lego blocks are an awesome way to show someone you care. Each keyring uses a coloured Lego block to create the LGBT Rainbow flag. They are stuck down so they won’t come apart in your pocket. Buy from Etsy
Gay Men’s Flag
Did you know that gay men or men who love men (MLM) have their very own flag – aside from the standard rainbow one? Yes! You can find out about the gay man’s flag here, but in the meantime check out the full MLM range here.
Patrick Devon Naughty Mugs
We love these gay erotic art mugs from our very own sex and relationship expert Patrick Devon. He’s created these very sexy mugs which feature a pop art depiction of men having sex.
Not for the faint arted… or those who work in a very public office.
Check out the Patrick Devon Erotic Mug range here from THE GAY SHOP All under £15
BinGay Bingo Game
This totally gay bingo game (£22.00) houses a wealth of queer history’s heroes – activists, artists, comedians, writers, philosophers, musicians and poets. These icons of the LGBTIQ+ community have championed civil rights, radically increased queer visibility and provided means of escapism through their soul-affirming artistry. With 8 double-sided randomized bingo cards, 48 tokens of queer heroes, and instructions for play. Buy from THE PRIDE SHOP
Naughty Dice
Behind Closed Doors 4 Sex Dice is an exciting way to spice up your sex life! Roll the dice and see what new pleasures await you and your lover. Looking for Christmas gift ideas for gay men, then maybe a saucy, sexy and naughty game is the way to go!
Coffee Table Books
Really neat Christmas gift ideas for gay men could include a collect of coffee table books. Elevate your coffee table with a touch of diversity and pride by exploring our curated collection of LGBTQ+ Coffee Table Books. From captivating photography to compelling stories, these visually stunning books celebrate the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ history, culture, and experiences. Showcase your support for love, equality, and inclusivity with these beautifully designed and thought-provoking books that make for both a meaningful and stylish gift for any occasion.
Gift Card
Can’t decide what to get him, why not try a gift card from The Pride Shop. Available as a digital/same-day gift option or a physical card that can be sent directly to him. Buy from THE PRIDE SHOP
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury is a classic gay icon and his music can speak volumes to the LGBTQ+ people in your life. Luckily we’ve found there are loads of great gift ideas from Jigsaws, books and even pin badges dedicated to his legacy.
Neon Rainbow Light
We’re in love with these Rainbow Neon lights. Perfect for the office, bedroom or living room. It’s battery-operated and can be powered by USB.
Sounds Gay I’m In
We’re totally here for anything that sounds gay… so this Sounds Gay I’m In Range are a perfect gift idea for anyone who likes the sound of doing something gay. This coaster is currently £3.50
Underwear
Now normally buying underwear for men is so cliché, but swap out a pair of ratty briefs for a cheeky jockstrap or even a thong and suddenly it’s a tree-mendous idea!
Feeling in the Christmas spirit? Check out our Christmas recipes to cook up a festive feast at home.
Some of the links in this article may generate us a small commission if you decide to purchase from any of the vendors.
Finding it hard to find a couples’ calendar for that cute gay couple you know? It’s actually surprisingly hard and even Amazon comes up with a few dud suggestions – pooping cats? Really Amazon?
*Just so you know, The Pride Shop is owned by our parent company and is affiliated with us. Other shops are available.
Well, you can find gay and lesbian couples’ calendars at The Pride Shop. An LGBTQ owned and managed shop right here in the UK. What’s more, they design all their own calendars – and they are bright, colourful and very very gay.
Designed by members of the LGBTQ community, these slimline wall calendars have been created and printed right here in the UK ensuring that their carbon footprint is as small as possible. They are also printed on paper/card that is sourced ethically and from sustainable forestry.
So, what’s inside the calendar – all the normal stuff like bank holidays and important holidays, but also we’ve also included loads of LGBTQ dates of note – like Pride Month, Lesbian Visibility Day and Gay Uncle Day, so you’ll never miss out on an important event.
They are just £6.99 each + P&P and we post out via Royal Mail, so you can have them the next day*
His and His Calendars and Hers and Hers calendars are the perfect Christmas gift for the LGBTQ couples in your life.
So how does this calendar support the LGBTQ community? The Pride Shop created a Fund called The Pride Fund, which aims to help Pride events across the UK become sustainable. To read more about The Pride Fund and its work Click Here.
* Royal Mail does not guarantee next day delivery.
First of all, you should make a list of all the people in your life that you’re likely to meet between now and Christmas. Once that list is made check it twice. How many of those people do you need to buy for and what level of present do they need and remember not everyone will expect a present from you. I’ve bought people presents when they weren’t expecting it and it got a little awkward. So don’t feel the need to splash out. Perhaps a bottle of plonk and a poinsettia is all you need!
Our very own Daniel Browne suggests on agreeing on a budget with your partner, “I really panicked about buying him presents. His income was much higher than mine at the time and I worried that my presents for him would be paltry compared to what he bought me. To alleviate those worries, agree on a budget. It’s good to be upfront about what’s affordable. For example, if your budget is only £10, explain that and agree to only spend £10 on each other.”
There are some incredible deals to be had on one of the many many voucher sites where you can pick up deals on spa days, theatre tickets and even home learning courses. That’s a gift that keeps on giving.
For those of you who have a little extra spare time perhaps you can give a DIY gift. This book has lots of ideas.
If you’ve got a huge family why not suggest doing Secret Santa. This will save you lots of cash, but also so much time trawling the high street looking for that must-have washing up brush for long-lost Aunt Petunia.
I heard an ingenious saving tip. A pound for the week number. So on the first week you save £1 the second week you save £2 and the third £3 and so on. By the end of the year, you’ll have saved up £1,378!
Daniel Brown suggests that spending time with someone is worth more than gold. He says,
“More important than the presents is the time you’re spending with each other. If you’ve found yourself a good ‘n’ he will be fine with that.”
Office parties, social gatherings they’re all pretty pricey. So try these simple things: Have pre-drinks (have a few before you leave). Get to the club early so you don’t have to pay entry and prepare your post-boozing carb-fest before you leave the house. That way you won’t be tempted to get that pricey dirty kebab on the way home.
Gerard Barnes, CEO of mental health treatment specialists Smart TMS gives THEGAYUK five tips on how to “safeguard” your mental wellbeing this holiday season.
Many people will expect you to be in great spirits at Christmas, but don’t necessarily take into account why you may appear to be down. For those of us who experience negative thoughts or feelings at Christmas, it can be hard to admit that at such a festive time of the year that you don’t share in the delight of the holidays. However, more people are struggling than you think. Making the decision to talk about your feelings and share them with those around you can improve your mood and make it easier to deal with the tough times – especially when you discover that many of the people around you may find themselves in the same position!
It’s extremely easy to get burnt out over Christmas and New Year. Between work parties, spending time with friends, the intensity of family gatherings and then the pressure of New Year, many people are sucked into giving away too much of their free time and ending up extremely tired, lethargic and blue. Make time for the people you care most about, but ensure that you take enough time for yourself to recover and relax.
The weather influences the way in which we behave every day – it dictates the food we eat, the clothes we decide to wear, and to some extent where we decide to go. However, for millions of people in the UK, the short, dark days around Christmas and New Year can have a disastrous impact on health and wellbeing, triggering the onset of a depression known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
There are, however, plenty of ways to alleviate the symptoms of SAD. Getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and exposing yourself to as much sunlight as possible are of course extremely important, but you could also consider other options such as light boxes and dawn simulators to help regulate your circadian rhythms.
SAD is also closely linked with a lack of vitamin D which your body naturally produces when exposed to sunlight – given that sunlight is in fairly short supply in the UK at Christmas, it may be worth getting your vitamin levels checked – using vitamin D supplements could certainly help to resolve any deficit you may have.
For the heavier drinkers, those trying to cut back, and people who perhaps have a poor relationship with alcohol, my suggestions for remaining sober and in control at Christmas are as follows:
It’s very easy to become inactive and sedentary at Christmas. The food, the presents and the time spent with close ones can compound with the often poor weather to make the prospect of exercise daunting. However, regular exercise can boost your self-esteem (especially for those who enjoy the chocolate at Christmas), and will also help you to sleep better and get the rest that so many of us look forward to in the run up to Christmas.
If you’re having difficulty during the fesitve season and have no one to talk to, you can reach out to Samaritans or the LGBT+ helpline, Switchboard
First of all, you should make a list of all the people in your life that you’re likely to meet between now and Christmas. Once that list is made check it twice. How many of those people do you need to buy for and what level of present do they need and remember not everyone will expect a present from you. I’ve bought people presents when they weren’t expecting it and it got a little awkward. So don’t feel the need to splash out. Perhaps a bottle of plonk and a poinsettia is all you need!
Our very own Daniel Browne suggests on agreeing on a budget with your partner, “I really panicked about buying him presents. His income was much higher than mine at the time and I worried that my presents for him would be paltry compared to what he bought me. To alleviate those worries, agree on a budget. It’s good to be upfront about what’s affordable. For example, if your budget is only £10, explain that and agree to only spend £10 on each other.”
There are some incredible deals to be had on one of the many many voucher sites where you can pick up deals on spa days, theatre tickets and even home learning courses. That’s a gift that keeps on giving. But also be on the lookout for smaller retailers and their offers.
For those of you who have a little extra spare time perhaps you can give a DIY gift. For instance, this book, suggests what you can make with wooden pallets – of which thousands and thousands are thrown away every year! You can usually pick them up for free from a local business.
If you’ve got a huge family why not suggest doing Secret Santa. This will save you lots of cash, but also so much time trawling the high street looking for that must-have washing up brush for long-lost Aunt Petunia.
I heard an ingenious saving tip. A pound for the week number. So on the first week you save £1 the second week you save £2 and the third £3 and so on. By the end of the year, you’ll have saved up £1,378!
Daniel Brown suggests that spending time with someone is worth more than gold. He says,
“More important than the presents is the time you’re spending with each other. If you’ve found yourself a good ‘n’ he will be fine with that.”
Office parties, social gatherings they’re all pretty pricey. So try these simple things: Have pre-drinks (have a few before you leave). Get to the club early so you don’t have to pay entry and prepare your post-boozing carb fest before you leave the house. That way you won’t be tempted to get that pricey dirty kebab on the way home.
Have you been shopping at Tesco or maybe Sainsbury’s all year? Well, if you’ve been collecting loyalty point you might have tonnes of money to spend. It’s not uncommon to find at the end of the year that you’ll have saved up to buy a nice gift from all those nectar points – or even the entire Christmas dinner on your loyalty card!
It’s such a simple hack, buy frozen rather than fresh. You’ll be able to use exactly the right amount and put the rest away for another meal, it’ll have a long use by date and it’s usually cheaper in the supermarket. Plus nobody will know the difference.
Dear Dilemmas,
I got together with my boyfriend a few weeks before Christmas, so we haven’t been together long. However, he bought me a laptop as a present, because my old one died – and I really need one for uni. However, I didn’t really think we were doing gifts, so I only bought him a bottle of wine. I’m not sure if he can afford the computer, but I feel like it’s wrong to accept something so big of him.
What should I do?
Toby
Dear Toby
It sounds like your boyfriend’s heart is in the right place, but buying you a laptop is probably way too much at this stage in your relationship and maybe this is a really grand gesture on his behalf to show how much he cares. But you say you have a feeling that it’s wrong. Ask yourself why does it feel wrong?
If he knew that you were both “not really doing gifts” and he still bought you an extravagant gift I would worry that this guy doesn’t know boundaries or is trying to buy your affection. It might make me question whether he’s trying to own you – knowing that you can’t afford this item, which is tied to your success at uni. It could put him in a position of power over you.
There’s a couple of options. Firstly, you need to communicate about how you feel – communication is key to any successful relationship and especially in a new one. You can politely refuse the gift and say it’s just too much at this stage in your relationship or you can make an arrangement to pay him a manageable monthly instalment for half of the computer – that way you get to keep it, but you’ll also half own it.