How I managed to spend just £26 on each of my children's Christmas presents

A mum has shared how she managed to stick to a budget this Christmas, spending just £26 on each of her children's present, which added up to a total of around £80.

Sadie Farren, 27, a hospitality manager from Leeds, says she used to get herself into debt feeling the pressure to splash out on expensive presents every year. Now, however, she says she has managed to buy everything on her children's Christmas lists for just £80 by shopping smart and buying second hand. As well as saving money, the single mum-of-three says she finds the festive season far less stressful now that she lives within her means.

The Money Charity revealed last year that the average UK household was predicted to spend £1,811.70 on Christmas festivities, the equivalent of 80% of the average monthly UK income, but with the cost of living crisis continuing to bite families are looking to cut back on spending, while still holding onto the magic of the season.

"When my son was born, I used to spend thousands," Sadie explains. "It wasn't even for him, it was just the pressure of Christmas." The mum-of-three says she noticed that her son was actually overwhelmed with the amount of presents he received. "I've learned over the years that actually, my kids don't want or need much. They're happier with basic items. So instead of getting myself into debt I've really learned a valuable lesson."

As well as having a positive impact on her finances, Sadie says she believes not spending as much has been good for her children too. "Presents are nice and they're a bonus but they actually remember memories more," she explains. "They're more bothered about that and their experiences than what's under the tree every Christmas. My kids are learning to be more grateful for what they've got," she adds.

Having completed her Christmas shopping this year, Sadie shared a video on TikTok detailing how much she'd spent and playfully declaring herself the "stingiest parent alive". She also shared some tips on how other parents could look to cut back this year, explaining how she bought many of her children's presents on Vinted or from the TikTok shop.

Within her £80 budget Sadie has bought her children five presents each, including a skateboard, rollerblades, a Frozen doll, a karaoke machine, cars and jigsaw puzzles. The most expensive item was a Peppa Pig e-reader which Sadie said cost her £12. "I prefer the way I'm doing Christmas now, it's a lot less stressful," she says. "I never have a strict set budget, it's whatever I can afford, but it's never more than £200."

Describing herself as a "bargain hunter" Sadie says as well as buying on second hand apps, she also hunts for presents in the sales or at charity shops. As well as their own presents Sadie says her kids have got some others to share, like board games. "My oldest found it very easy to write a list," Sadie says. "He knew exactly what he wanted this year, but usually it takes a bit of encouragement. My daughter actually only asked for one thing."

Sadie's Christmas budgeting seems to have divided parents and since sharing her video she has received over 2,000 comments, with some querying her decision to have a frugal Christmas. "The first two [comments] said how relatable it was, but then the negative comments started," Sadie explains. "Some accused me of being stingy and said I could clearly afford more, but that's not the point," she continues. "I don't want to be in debt again. It's just living within my means but instead of working to survive, it's to live instead."

While she says those who have the money should be free to spend it however they wish, Sadie believes there are some families who have never been able to do that. "And that's when they get into money problems," she says. "They just want to give their kids the best and I totally understand that. It's the ones that are doing it for the wrong reasons. I used it more for validation and that's not healthy at all."

While she says the negative comments don't bother her, she urges others to be kind. "Everyone's life choices and how you bring up your kids are going to be different but I feel like we should be supporting each other because parenting is hard," she adds.

Read more about money saving at Christmas:

• 11 tips to help you save - and even make - money ahead of Christmas (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)

• Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert reveals how to get a free £200 before Christmas (Teeside Live, 2-min read)

• Mum with 11 children shares money hacks to save for Christmas (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)