Christmas can be a hugely expensive time so we’ve been thinking about creative and thrifty ways to spread the festive love without blowing the budget.

Here are a few ideas that have inspired us. We’ve chosen simple things so that you can get the kids involved in too.

Wrapping paper

This is a great activity to do with kids. All you need is a roll of white or brown paper, paint or ink pads (best option if you’re a perfectionist) which you can get for about £1.50 on ebay. You can buy some festive stamps or make your own out of a potato. Create Christmas shapes like stars, trees or use cookie cutters for more intricate shapes like angels or snowflakes.

Roll the paper out on the floor, choose your paint colours, put out the stamps and get to work. Leave the paper to dry before rolling back up.

Advent calendar

This can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. See our post from last Christmas. The basics required are a long piece of ribbon/string and some craft pegs.

Christmas cards

Use the stamps you made for creating your wrapping paper and knock up some festive cards too. All you need is a pack of 250gsm cards (50 cards and envelopes for £3.99, Buzzcraft) some paint or ink pads and perhaps some glitter for some added sparkle.

Homemade gifts

There are loads of gifts which can be made easily, and save you money. The extra bonus is that people really love to receive something you have created yourself. Here is a selection of our favourite gifts to make and give family and friends.

Raspberry flavoured vodka

Lavender Bags

Bath Salts

Knit a funky cowl

Simplify Christmas with Oxfam unwrapped.  To find out more about this campaign hop over to Whosthemummy and see what you can do to help.