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29 March 2024

Tips to save money on Christmas shopping

Many residents in Dubai who celebrate this festival see their bills soaring as the Christmas shopping season kicks off with a vengeance (Shutterstock)

Published
By Shuchita Kapur

Christmas is no longer just about carols, decorating the tree and family dinners at home. As with all other festivals, this special day also means a lot of expenditure as more people are willing to fold debt into their traditions.

Many residents in Dubai who celebrate this festival see their bills soaring as the Christmas shopping season kicks off with a vengeance.

The malls in the city are loaded with temptations, people get busy with their shop and ship list, the tech-savvy kids prepare their wish list for Santa, the housemaid expects her bonus and more contributions are needed at school.

In the midst of all this, parents quietly swipe their credit cards resulting into more debt ready to be rolled into the New Year.

You cannot do away with some of the holiday expenditure but there are ways that can help you save money and trim your debt.  Here are some tips that you can look at if you can’t keep pace with your bills.

Look at old markets in Dubai

Buying a real Christmas tree can be a big expense in Dubai. The fancy stores on Sheikh Zayed Road that most people step into have huge markups. But that doesn’t mean that these are the only options.

If you can take the trouble of driving a bit further into the city, you can buy the same tree for a better price.

There are many flower/plants shops in the streets of Satwa and the deal that you can get here may seem quite a bargain if you compare it with the big names. It’s definitely worth trying if you still haven’t bought one.

Skip the paid parties

There are numerous paid Christmas parties and winter wonderlands that you can take your kids to. These can range from five star hotels to kids play areas but it does come at a price. 

If you have small kids you can save money by skipping such parties and organizing your own by getting some mums and kids together.

This is quite popular in many gated communities in Dubai where parents and kids get together in the park to celebrate. Even though there are Santa’s available on demand in the city, it’s a good idea that a parent pitch in for the role to make the little ones happy and save some money too.

Opt for a potluck meal

It’s quite tempting to throw a big party by hiring caterers and such companies in Dubai can get pricey if you look at decent options.

You can avoid it by taking all the load on yourself but you will be totally spent out by the time it’s time for the get-together dinner.

Why not consider a potluck – where everyone pitches for something. You can perhaps provide the centerpiece dish and ask the extended family or friends to bring a different dish to share.

It may mean a small contribution by everyone but it will mean a saving of at least a thousand dirhams or so for you.

Get creative with gifts

This is one part that consumes the most money but still cannot be avoided. However, you can work around it to limit the expenditure.

First, make a budget and then try to stick to it. You don’t have to give everyone an individual gift in the extended family.

Why not think of a family gift exchange? One big gift is better than numerous small ones. Also think of ways which don’t always mean spending money.

If you have cousins who can appreciate other things – like a scrapbook of important times in their lives then try spending your time on making it sans money. It can be a memoir of the happy times they’ve spent with you in Dubai.

Never pay for anything in full

Be a smart shopper. Even if you have to spend money on gifts or lunches and dinners, look for discounts and vouchers.

Before making any kinds of purchase remember to look at discount and deal websites. Not to forget the entertainer vouchers, even if you don’t have the book.

As it’s the end of the year, many people will be happy to donate some vouchers that they haven’t used.

Don’t be shy in asking. You just need to request in one of the various community groups on Facebook and you’ll be surprised by the number of offers that you get.