Countdown to Christmas: Brits urged to save £34.54 a week to beat festive financial pressure

Based on research conducted by the discount voucher site in 2024, which revealed that the average Brit spends £345.35* on Christmas gifts alone.

A Christmas savings jar full of coins. Next to it are some tea lights and Christmas baubles.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
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With just 10 weeks to go until Christmas, money saving website MyVoucherCodes is urging UK households to start setting aside £34.54 per week starting today, October 16th, to avoid financial stress during the festive period.

The figure is based on research conducted by the discount voucher site in 2024, which revealed that the average Brit spends £345.35* on Christmas gifts alone.

“Setting aside a small, manageable amount each week could help shoppers feel more in control, reduce financial anxiety, and make it easier to enjoy the holiday season without added pressure. It also allows people to take advantage of early deals and discounts, rather than being forced into rushed purchases at peak prices the closer the big day arrives.

“At MyVoucherCodes, we know Christmas can be a magical time, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. By planning ahead and saving little by little, people can avoid the last-minute panic and January debt hangover that many face after overspending.

“Here are my top six money-saving tips in the run-up to Christmas

  • Set a Realistic BudgetWork out how much you can afford to spend overall and break it down into categories like gifts, food, and travel. Stick to your limits and avoid impulse buying.
  • Start Shopping EarlySpread out your spending by starting now. Shopping gradually gives you more time to find bargains and avoid the inflated prices that often come closer to Christmas.
  • Track Your SpendingUse apps or simple spreadsheets to keep track of every purchase. It’ll help you stay on budget and give you a clear picture of where your money is going.
  • Use Voucher SitesAlways check discount voucher sites like MyVoucherCodes before you buy. You can often find codes for free delivery, percentage discounts, or even bonus gifts – especially in the lead-up to Christmas.
  • Consider DIY Gifts or ExperiencesThoughtful, homemade presents or offering your time through experiences (like babysitting for a friend or cooking a meal) can be more meaningful – and much cheaper – than shop-bought items.
  • Buy pre-loved items
  • Platforms like Vinted and Facebook Marketplace can be goldmines for high-quality pre-loved items.
Disclaimer

Notes to editors: *This online survey of 2000 UK Adults was commissioned by Front Door Comms on behalf of MyVoucherCodes and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between 18/11/2024 and 19/11/2024. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, have corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council. For more information, please contact Rachel Mainwaring or Lisa Blake at Front Door Communications on rachel@fdcomms.co.uk or lisa@fdcomms.co.uk or call 029 20 020360.

Sarah-Jane Outten
Sarah-Jane Outten
PR & Beauty Editor

Hi, I’m SJ. I’m the Beauty Editor and PR Executive here at MyVoucherCodes. As a qualified make-up artist, I've been able to share my knowledge on all things beauty and skincare with our readers so they not only look good and feel great, but save money. As a mum of three, I understand the challenges that families face, and making budgets go further is something I feel passionately about. My research and recommendations help families of all sizes shop better allowing them to enjoy the little luxuries in life. My work has been featured in many publications including The Sun, The Mirror,  Netmums, and The Telegraph. 


Outside of MyVoucherCodes, I'm a writer and interviewer for pop culture magazines like Buzz Magazine. I've chatted to celebrities such as Strictly's Johannes Redebe and poet Kae Tempest. It's certainly one of the best parts of my job. Over the years I've built a portfolio of work that shows the diversity of my writing, which gives me a breadth of knowledge and experience that I apply to my work every day.