Your Christmas budget
The rows marked "example" are there to show how it works. Edit or remove them.
| Person | Gift idea | Budget | Spent | Remove |
|---|
Budgeting tips
- Set the total first, then split it. It is easier to cut one gift than to find extra money in January.
- Add the hidden costs: wrapping, cards, postage and food add up.
- Use the paydays: the fortnights countdown shows roughly how many pay periods are left.
- Need ideas? See gift ideas by person.
How to set a Christmas budget
A Christmas budget is the single most useful thing you can do before you buy anything. Without one, December spending creeps up a little at a time and the bill arrives in January. With one, every purchase is a simple yes or no.
- Start with what you can afford, not what you think Christmas should cost. Look at what you can set aside from each pay day between now and Christmas. The fortnights until Christmas count helps if you are paid every two weeks.
- Put that number in the total box above.
- List everyone you are buying for, including teachers, neighbours and Secret Santa.
- Give each person a budget. The planner shows whether your plans fit inside your total.
- Update "spent" as you shop. The "left of total" box tells you what remains at a glance.
Don't forget the hidden costs
Gifts are only part of Christmas spending. Add a row for each of these so they come out of the same total:
- Food and drink for Christmas Day and visitors
- Wrapping paper, tape, tags and cards
- Postage, especially overseas and tracked services
- Travel to see family
- Decorations and a tree
- Party outfits and office Secret Santa
Christmas on a budget: tips that work
- Secret Santa for big families. Everyone buys one good gift instead of many small ones.
- Set a family price limit. Agreeing a limit early takes the pressure off everyone.
- Homemade gifts. Cookies, jam, photo books and knitted things are often the most treasured. See our Christmas cookie recipes.
- Experiences over things. A day out together can cost less and mean more.
- Shop the sales with a list. Black Friday deals only save money if the item was on your list. See shopping days.
- Pay in cash or debit. It is easier to stay on budget when the money is already there.
For ideas at every price, see Christmas gift ideas.
Your data stays with you
Everything you type into the planner is saved in your own browser, on this device only. Nothing is sent to us. That also means it will not appear on another phone or computer, so use the same device each time, or note your totals somewhere safe.
Other free tools
Once your budget is set, see the full set of free Christmas tools, including the calendar, key dates and shipping deadlines.
Questions people ask
Quick answers about this countdown.
Is this Christmas budget planner free?
Yes. It is free with no sign-up, and your list is saved in your browser.
How much should I spend on Christmas?
Only what you can pay for without borrowing. Start from what you can save before Christmas, then split it by person.
Can I change the currency?
Yes. Choose US dollars, pounds, euros, Pakistani rupees, Indian rupees or UAE dirhams from the menu.
Will my budget be saved?
Yes, in this browser on this device. It will not sync to other devices.
What are the hidden costs of Christmas?
Food, wrapping, cards, postage, travel and decorations. Add each as a row so they come out of your total.
Keep exploring
More countdowns, tools and Christmas reading on Christmas Days Left.