#ad – this article is in partnership with TopCashback
Ask any dad what the most expensive part of Christmas is and plenty will say the presents. But add up the food shop, from the big dinner to the selection boxes, the cheese board and the “just in case” extra bag of crisps, and it can give the presents a real run for their money.
Here’s how we keep it in check.
Plan your meals, not just the dinner
The big day gets all the attention, but there are a good few days either side. Sit down and plan:
- Christmas Eve – something easy. Nobody wants to cook.
- Christmas Day – the main event.
- Boxing Day – leftovers, obviously.
- The days in between – who’s visiting, who’s eating where.
When you know what you’re actually cooking, you buy what you actually need.
Spread the cost across November
You don’t have to buy everything in one huge shop in the week before Christmas. Store-cupboard bits, drinks, crackers, tins of biscuits and anything that keeps well can be picked up over the next few weeks. It eases the pressure on one pay packet.
Order online through TopCashback
If you do your shop online, it’s worth starting at TopCashback. A number of UK supermarkets and food retailers are listed, along with wine and drink shops, meal kits and specialist food sites. The process is the same as always:
- Go to TopCashback (sign up via our link: https://bit.ly/4yfVj8k).
- Search for your supermarket or retailer.
- Click through and order as normal.
New members get a £10 bonus on a £10+ spend, which is a nice start on a festive shop. Check each retailer’s terms, as cashback can differ for things like delivery passes or particular product types.
Book your delivery slot early
Christmas delivery slots go fast. Book yours as soon as your supermarket opens them up, then add to the order over the coming weeks. It saves a lot of stress (and a trip to a heaving car park).
Be honest about portions
We all overbuy at Christmas. A few sensible checks:
- Count your guests and buy for that number, not for an imaginary crowd.
- Don’t buy three types of potato. Pick one or two and do them well.
- Plan the leftovers. Turkey curry, bubble and squeak, sandwiches for days.
Go own-brand where nobody will notice
Nobody at the table will know if the stuffing, the gravy granules or the cranberry sauce came from the supermarket’s own range. Save the branded stuff for the bits that matter to your family.
Get the kids involved
Give them a job: write the list, check the cupboards, pick the dessert. They’ll feel part of it, and they’ll be less likely to sneak extra chocolate into the trolley. Less likely. Not guaranteed.
The bottom line
A great Christmas dinner doesn’t need a huge bill. Plan your meals, spread the cost, book your slot early and get a bit back through cashback when you shop online.
Ready to start? Join TopCashback here and share your best Christmas dinner money-saver with the DadsNet community.
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