New data shows that gifts, decorations, and food are the items shoppers want to save on the most
Christmas is the season of joy, laughter, and decking the halls—but let’s face it, it can get expensive quickly! Between gift shopping, festive feasts, and that random urge to buy a 10-foot inflatable Santa for the front yard, it’s no surprise your holiday budget can spiral out of control.
“Google trends data reveals that more people than ever are looking for ways to save money during the holiday season,” says Fred Harrington, the CEO of Coupon Mister, an online platform that provides access to thousands of discount codes, coupons, and deals. Using Google search data, Fred has put together the list of the top ten things consumers want to save money on this year – and he’s giving his top tips on how you can do so!
Table: The Top Ten Things Brits Want To Save Money On During Christmas
| Rank | Category | Category Score(Average) |
| 1 | Gifts | 2.122 |
| 2 | Decorations | 1.429 |
| 3 | Food | 0.963 |
| 4 | Travel | 0.787 |
| 5 | Electronics | 0.782 |
| 6 | Miscellaneous | 0.771 |
| 7 | Events | 0.434 |
| 8 | Home Utilities | 0.262 |
| 9 | Clothing | 0.24 |
| 10 | DIY and Crafts | 0.234 |
For each category, Google Trend weekly interest scores from the past year were totaled, then divided by the number of weeks to calculate an average. The categories were then ranked. Here, Fred shares his tips for saving on items from each category.
Gifts: Heartfelt And Wallet-Friendly
Gifts were the number one thing Brits wanted to save on this year, with a score of 2.122 – the only category on the table to score a two.
- Go For Group Gifts: Chip in with others to give one awesome gift instead of stretching your budget on multiple small ones. Trust us; Aunt Susan doesn’t need another candle.
- DIY Magic: Homemade goodies like cookies, photo frames, or custom playlists can be just as meaningful (and way easier on the wallet). Who doesn’t love edible gifts?
- Set Limits: Secret Santa, but make it budget-savvy. “Agree on spending caps so everyone can avoid the gift-guilt spiral,” says Fred.
Decorations: Deck The Halls, Not Your Savings
Decorations were the second saving Brits were concerned with, scoring 1.429. It was the only category bar gifts to score above a one.
- Thrift It Up: Charity shops are treasure troves for vintage ornaments, lights, and unique holiday décor.
- Nature’s Décor: Pinecones, twigs, and berries make chic, rustic decorations. Free, stylish, and you get a free nature walk out of it!
- LED Lights For Life: Switch to energy-efficient lights to save money and the planet!
Food: How To Feast Without Financial Famine
Food came third on festive financial worries, scoring 0.963.
- Potluck Parties: Make holiday dinners a team effort. Everyone brings a dish, and you avoid footing the entire bill (or the post-feast dishwashing marathon).
- Shop Smart: Start buying non-perishables when they’re on sale weeks in advance. “Planning ahead beats the last-minute expensive rush!” Fred says.
- Limit The Extras: Do you really need five dessert options? Stick to crowd favourites and save time and money.
Travel: Jingle All the Way for Less
Holiday travel was also a concern, scoring 0.787 among consumers.
- Flex Those Dates: “Traveling a day or two before or after peak days can save you big money,” Fred advises. “Who needs the stress of Christmas Eve motorways anyway?”
- Stay With Family: Skip hotels and bunk with family or friends (but maybe bring a bottle of wine as a thank you).
- Book Early Or Late: Snagging early bird deals or last-minute bargains could be the key to your dream (budget-friendly) holiday getaway – or just getting a good deal on train tickets home.
Electronics: Sleigh Those Deals
Electronics, often a key holiday present, scored 0.782, just 0.005 of a point behind Travel.
- Black Friday And Cyber Monday: Obvious but important. Plan ahead and stalk those sales like a savvy holiday-shopping ninja.
- Go Refurbished: Many “like new” gadgets come at a fraction of the price, and your tech-loving nephew will never know the difference.
- Skip The Upgrades: If last year’s gadgets still work fine, do you really need to shell out for the “pro max ultra plus”?
Miscellaneous: The Catch-All Cost Savers
The miscellaneous category included things that weren’t big enough to merit a separate category, like crackers and cards. This category scored 0.771.
- DIY Christmas Hampers: Build your own with budget-friendly goodies instead of buying pre-made ones. Add homemade treats, bulk-bought snacks, or little trinkets for a personal touch that won’t break the bank.
- Affordable Coworker Gifts: Stick to small, universally loved items like fancy teas, gourmet chocolates, or quirky desk accessories. Bonus points if you snag them during a sale or in multipacks!
- Stocking Stuffers on a Dime: Pound stores are a goldmine for small, thoughtful gifts like mini-games, stationery, or festive trinkets. “Here’s my pro tip,” Fred says, “Candy canes and holiday sweets also work wonders and are super affordable in bulk.”
- Christmas Cards: Skip the pricey packs and go digital! Free e-card services or custom designs from apps make sending holiday cheer quick, personal, and budget-friendly (and they help save the planet!).
Events: Party Like A Pro (For Less)
Events like Christmas parties and visiting Santa are essential for many, to get them in the mood before the big day. This category scored 0.434, significantly behind Misc.
- Host At Home: Skip fancy venues and throw a cosy gathering at your place. Bonus: you get to keep the leftovers.
- Free Fun: Check out local holiday events, like light displays, carolling, or community festivals—most are free or super cheap.
- BYOB: “It’s a classic for a reason,” says Fred. “Let your guests bring their favourite drinks and avoid the expense of a fully stocked bar.”
Home Utilities: Keeping Cozy Without Burning Cash
With nights getting colder and guests using up all your hot water, it’s natural to worry about home utilities over the holidays, and this category scored 0.262.
- Energy-Saving Hacks: Seal windows, use draft stoppers, and cosy up in jumpers instead of cranking the heat.
- Smart Timers: Set your lights and heat to turn off when you’re out to save energy and avoid paying to heat an empty house.
Clothing: Dress To Impress
Craving a new Christmas jumper? Or do you need a new dress for the office party? You’re not alone in worrying about new Xmas clothes, as this category scored 0.24.
- Charity Shops FTW: Find ugly sweaters, sparkly dresses, and winter essentials at a fraction of the price.
- Mix And Match: Create new looks with accessories instead of buying new outfits. That little black dress works miracles, people.
- Clothing Swaps: Host a swap party with friends and trade festive pieces for free.
DIY And Crafts: Handmade Holidays On A Budget
From gifts to classic handmade decorations like paper snowflakes, DIY and crafts may be in tenth place, but it has people worried about affording it. “This is especially true for parents, as so many amazing memories are made doing Christmas crafts,” says Fred. This category scored 0.234.
- Use What You’ve Got: Raid your craft drawer for supplies before buying more glitter, ribbons, or paint.
- Upcycle: With a little creativity, old jars, fabric scraps, and broken ornaments can become gorgeous holiday masterpieces.
- Group Crafting Sessions: Make it a fun event! Invite friends to craft together and split the costs of supplies.
Fred Harrington, the CEO of Coupon Mister, commented:
“Planning ahead is like giving your future self a holiday gift. When you map out your Christmas early, you can spread out costs by giving yourself the luxury of time to find deals, compare prices, and avoid last-minute panic shopping, which is where overspending tends to happen. Plus, it opens up creative options—maybe you’ll stumble upon a fun local craft market or have time to make something truly personal. Rushing kills those opportunities.
“Planning also lets you prioritise what really matters to you and your family. When you’re clear on your budget and your goals—whether it’s focusing on experiences over stuff or putting more into travel versus decorations—you can make the choices that make you happy, rather than getting things just because you ‘should’ have them.
“Then, when the big day arrives, you’ll be sipping cocoa with a sense of calm instead of worrying about what’s left to get organised. Isn’t that what Christmas should feel like?”
