MAKING CENTS: You can save cash and still bring joy to the world this Christmas

Consumer advice with Gráinne McGuinness

WHEN budgeting for Christmas most of us are focused on how we can have the holiday season we want for ourselves and our loved ones and still save some money. But why not keep that thrifty impulse in mind when buying for other people? I’m not talking about turning into Scrooge and stinting on their present. But the people you buy for are also trying to balance their books, so why not help them out with the present you choose. Whether it’s being thoughtful when buying for the broke student or young person in your life or thinking of a way to pay for someone’s favourite indulgence, why not aim for a present that will keep them smiling long into January.

You can come up with your own ideas based on your loved ones’ preferences, but here are some suggestions to spread the Christmas cheer.

For the caffeine fiend never seen without a takeaway coffee cup, set them up to make their own at home and save their euros when out and about. At the higher end of spending, Nespressos and other countertop machines are a huge treat. But on a budget, a single cup gadget like the Aerobie Aeropress (35.99, Argos) should please any coffee lover.

For the movie lover in your life (or anyone you know who will be looking to fill the weekends of Dry January), you can cover the cost of a few trips to the cinema. Serious buffs based in Dublin will appreciate the year-long discounts that come with IFI membership(€35). Elsewhere Omniplex gift cards in the amount of €10-€100 can be used nationwide.

Don’t forget those who don’t have the opportunity (hello new parents!) or inclination to get out much. A Netflix gift card can be used to set someone up with a subscription but also make monthly payments for those who already have the service (check t&cs if they pay through itunes or google play).

Music-lovers can also be sorted out online. Save them having to buy new releases and help them rediscover old favourites with a gift card for music subscription service Spotify. They can use your gift to cover the cost of the premium service and enjoy hours of adfree listening.

You know the old cliche about the scramble for batteries for all the new toys on Christmas morning? Be the hero then and into the future by buying a set of rechargeable batteries and a charger for someone you know will get use out of them.

Bottles of water are just as common as takeaway cups and just as poor value. Whether the recipient glugs water at the gym or at their desk a stylish water bottle will make a change from disposables and save them serious money in the long run.

You can also help out a motorist in your life with a practical gift. With insurance sky-rocketing, take care of some other costs buy paying for a service, fuel voucher or breakdown cover. You may be able to arrange a service with their regular mechanic, or keep an eye on voucher sites like Groupon for special offers from nationwide chains.

Know someone with big travel plans coming up in the next year? Figure out which airline they are likely to be flying with and give them a voucher they can put towards the flights. More spending money for them and a lovely reminder of your generosity and forward-thinking when they book.

For skincare and make-up lovers, there is a growing market in beauty boxes. These packages of carefully curated travel sizes and samples of new and existing lines allow beauty buffs to trial new products and looks before committing to a fullsize purchase.

There are many options available online, Birchbox and Glossy Box are two well-reviewed options who ship to Ireland.

If the beauty lover in your life is the type to stick to what they like, then don’t hesitate to rebuy their favourite perfume/foundation/facemask, or get a voucher for a treatment they love. Don’t worry about being predictable; they will be delighted for a costfree chance to pamper themselves.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Supervalu have branched out from selling groceries, they now also offer home, car and travel insurance.

To promote their home insurance product they are currently offering two months off plus €50 back in SuperValu vouchers when you take out a policy.

Their policies are underwritten by AIG and benefits include 10% contents uplift in cover at Christmas, door locks replacement up to €750 and up to €1,000 in SuperValu vouchers to replace damaged freezer contents.

Home insurance is one of the products where consumers tend to miss out on value from a reluctance to shop around so if your policy is close to expiring see if the discounted Supervalu policy works out at better value.

They have options for private residences, holiday home and both rental and landlord policies.

You can get a quote at www.supervalu.ie/insurance/home or give them a call at 1890111111.