We share 45 fantastic tips to help get your Christmas Day preparations off to a flying start
1 Christmas presentation packs and selection boxes involve an environmentally unfriendly amount of packaging. It’s better, and often cheaper, simply to buy the individual items and present them in a reusable gift bag instead.
2 Raid the family photo collection and create a calendar full of personal memories using a company like Snapfish. You could also opt to illustrate packs of playing cards, mugs, jigsaws, coasters, phone cases and more. snapfish.co.uk
3 Versatile LED fairy lights are your go-to for an instant festive feel. Wind them inside glass jars, around picture frames, windows and banisters, or drape in front of a mirror to boost the reflective effect.
4 Look in antique and charity shops for material that can be framed as a nostalgic gift, such as an illustrated recipe from a ’60s cookery book, sheet music for a favourite song or a sewing pattern for an iconic fashion style.
5 Have an unwanted gift swap with a group of friends or colleagues. Donate any remaining surplus items to a charity shop or fundraising event for a raffle or tombola.
6 Young guests at a party can be entertained during boring adult chat with some low-cost entertainment such as colouring books and puzzles.
7 Be practical and minimise the waste of unwanted gifts with an exchange of gift lists.
8 After you have finished decorating the tree, thread any leftover baubles onto a cord or a length of tinsel to make a garland, or hang them in colourful clusters.
9 Alternative pop leftover baubles, along with any missing their string, into a clean jar. Tie a ribbon around it and you have a decoration for a shelf or mantel. Wind some holly or ivy around the base to create an eye-catching table centrepiece.
10 Wrap gifts as you buy them, to ease the pre-Christmas pressure on time. There are additional bonuses – you’ll be able to buy paper, bags and tags as you go and avoid surplus materials and spends. And it’ll help to avoid ruining the surprise for any prying eyes!
11 Trim your card list to the most important recipients. Call or chat online with the others – you’ll be able to revitalise flagging friendships and properly catch up on your news.
12 Commission youngsters to create portraits of the recipient, their pet or home and
