There are plenty of smart ways to cut back this festive season.

It’s that time of year again – defined by decorations, stuffed with social gatherings and a shopping list as long as Santa’s delivery route!

Of course, it’s a lovely time of year but it’s also a time of year when people might benefit from doing some 'festive maths' to ensure that they stay on track with their budget and can enjoy all of the festivities. 

From opting for preloved fashion to making decorations, there are plenty of smart ways to cut back this festive season. As well as being more sustainable and savvier, it means you can better enjoy your quality time with loved ones.

With the help of PayPal, we’re bringing you some top tips* to make the most of this holiday, without feeling the pressure. From sharing costs to better budgeting, here are five ways you can enjoy a smarter, savvier Christmas.

1. Make your own decorations

Gather your housemates, your friends or your family, roll up your sleeves and get crafty. TikTok and Pinterest are awash with genius hacks – from homemade wreaths to simple ribbon bows, to dried orange sliced decorations. Not only will this help you save money, it's also a great way spend an afternoon.

2. Organise a Secret Santa and stick to the budget

Among your friends, decide on an upward spending limit and then organise a Secret Santa. Once you’ve received your person, use PayPal at Checkout to streamline the purchasing process and buy something memorable online. Don’t forget, you can track your spending via the PayPal app.

3. Share hosting duties

Teamwork makes the dream work, so call on your mates and host a joint Christmas party. Have everyone make a dish or order a takeaway, pop on a Christmas playlist and enjoy the tasty bounty. If there are big expenses, like drinks, use PayPal's peer-to-peer payments to split the cost.

4. Apply all relevant coupons

Install Honey on your browser to ensure you're getting the best deal possible while online shopping. At the checkout, Honey automatically searches for and applies coupon codes. While you can research deals and offers yourself, Honey takes the hard work out of it, delivering sweet deals as you shop.

5. Opt for pre-loved fashion

There are so many great retailers that boast an incredible selection of preloved fashions, so be sure to check them out when planning your office party looks or looking for unique gifts. And, to ensure a safe, secure and speedy shopping experience, use PayPal at the checkout and enjoy peace of mind with PayPal's 24/7 fraud detection.

You can sign up to PayPal right here.

* This article includes tips, suggestions, and general information. PayPal recommends that you always do your own research and consider getting independent tax, financial and legal advice before making any important decision.