Presence over presents for a more meaningful Christmas

Paper chains are trending on TikTok, wooden toys line the middle aisle at the supermarket, and it suddenly feels like we’ve all time-travelled back to December 1996. 

The festive season is always nostalgic. But, this year in particular, Loqbox members are craving a Christmas that feels meaningful, not material: 

• Only 7% of Loqbox members say that gifts are the highlight*
• 63% say quality time with family and loved ones makes Christmas special, with a further 10% specifically highlighting the children in their lives*

And with more and more of us realising that our fondest memories were rarely about presents, but presence, people are finding creative ways to stay on budget:

• 41% are buying fewer gifts*
• 40% choosing more budget-friendly options*

If you’re also looking for ways to cut costs this year, you’re not being a Scrooge, you’re in great company. 

Let’s explore some ways to reduce your festive spending, from low-cost presents to alternative Christmas Day ideas, so that you can enjoy a meaningful holiday season.

4 low-cost present ideas

1. Gift a day of “yes”

One precious thing money can’t buy?  Time. 

Gifting a day of “yes” is a fun way to show someone you care. For 24 hours, you answer “yes” to any reasonable question, choosing your own boundaries for safety, budget and time. 

This isn’t about being dared to run a marathon. Think more along the lines of: 

• “Yes, of course I’ll help you build the flat packs you’ve been putting off”
• “Yes, I’d love to spend this afternoon binge-watching your favourite programme on the TV” 
• “Yes, of course, I’ll take you to (insert low-cost activity of their choice) this weekend”

Whatever your someone special chooses,  treating them like royalty for the day will be far more memorable than anything you can click-and-collect. 

2. Make homemade gift cards

If you’re feeling the pinch this December, homemade gift cards are a way to “Gift Now, Pay Later” (without borrowing money or stretching your budget).  

Swap the standard shop vouchers for something your chosen person really needs or loves. Maybe it’s: 

• Dinner delivered to their door on a stressful weekday
• One blissful day of free childcare during the school holidays 
• An all-expenses paid coffee date in January (we all need one!) 

These are the kinds of quietly brilliant gestures that people really remember.

3. Write “open when” letters

Open-when letters are the written equivalent of a well-timed care package. The sort of present that says, “I really know you.” 

Here are a few ideas: 

• Open when… you’ve had a long day
• Open when… you’re feeling lonely
• Open when… you need inspiration

They’re affordable, heartfelt, and something only you could give.

4. Learn the art of regifting

Looking for ways to be sustainable and stay on budget? Regifting could be just the ticket. 

Here are some tips: 

• Keep a record of who gave you the present 
• Choose someone who will genuinely enjoy the gift 
• Remove old tags or labels, or add a personal dedication if you’re gifting something preloved like a favourite book

Most importantly, be proud. Regifting isn’t about cutting corners. It’s a smart money move that’s both environmentally conscious and money smart.

Alternative ideas for a more affordable Christmas Day

1. Start, or re-ignite, a traditional family or house recipe

Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, housemates or all of the above, cooking together is a great way to indulge in festive nostalgia. 

You can get the whole crew involved by: 

• Letting each person take charge of one step (stirring, decorating, taste testing… everyone’s favourite job!) 
• Swapping stories about where the recipe came from or who used to make it
• Creating a new “house” recipe and starting a tradition for future years

2. Host a bring-and-share festive feast

If you love hosting, but don’t love the bill, a potluck could be the perfect compromise. 

Ask all your guests to bring one dish, and together you’ll create a full Christmas spread without one person carrying the cost (or the cooking pressure!).

3. Join the Wildlife Trusts’ 12 Days Wild

Starting on the 25th December, 12 Days Wild is all about using the festive season to get outdoors, explore nature, and make sustainable choices to protect the environment. 

Visit the Wildlife Trusts’ website to get your free digital pack full of activities for the whole family.

4. Give yourself permission to rest

Remember, Christmas doesn’t need to be Instagram-worthy to feel special. If you're feeling festive burnout, or can't spend another second thinking about cooking for 12, just remember that your Christmas Day is exactly that: yours...

Be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to slow down, keep plans small, eat something simple, or even make no plans at all. 

Festive magic doesn’t come from spending more, but from feeling more present. Protect your energy, protect your money, and enjoy a Christmas that actually feels good for you. 

*Festive finances questionnaire, Typeform survey of 1,247 Loqbox members, December 2025.