I’m a tight mom, my kids get yellow sticker deals as gifts
COME Christmas Day, Catherine Lofthouse’s loved ones can expect some very familiar presents.
To save money, the mother gives her own items as gifts this holiday season.
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A lucky few will receive new gifts, but Catherine will definitely save money there too by only shopping in the yellow sticker section.
And although she likes to give out freebies and offers gifts at low prices, Catherine will have no problem accepting new ones in return.
Catherine, 43, is a self-confessed ‘tight mum’ and often makes headlines with her clever – but controversial – festive tips and tricks.
The mother-of-three has told her children, Alex, 12, William, 10, and Robin, five, that Santa Claus isn’t real in a bid to avoid having to buy extra stocking stuffers.
Last year she bought them ‘tat’ as a gift so she could spend the extra money on a spa holiday.
And for 2024, she has done her best: she only decorates her house with thrift store finds and gives everyone she knows the gift of… freebies.
The writer, from Leicestershire, told Fabulous: “This is the first year I’ve had all the great value gifts for adults as well as the kids.
“To be honest, I don’t think they would know any different.
“All the gifts are discounted items from supermarkets, mainly using loyalty points I’ve collected over the year to pay for them.
“I actually only bought thrift store or sale items, such as yellow stickers, to give as gifts.
‘I even have real freebies to give to people, including hand-me-down clothes from friends whose children have outgrown them.
“And also books from the village book exchange.
“If they look more or less new, I just wrap them up and stick them under the tree.”
Catherine, who previously shocked people when she revealed she repacks her children’s old toys for re-gifting, says she has only spent a total of £150 on holiday gifts.
In total, her frugal attitude saves her at least £500 on the entire party.
And it’s not just discounted gifts she stocks, but also decorations for the home.
She says: “I decorate the house with cheap things I find at the thrift stores or from the January sales.
I don’t feel bad about re-gifting items or finding freebies. If they’re concerned about how much I spent, that’s their business.
Catherine Lofthouse
“I got a large festive wreath for my mantle piece for a fiver and a gold urn that I filled with Christmas baubles for a few pounds.
“To be honest, we even use the same artificial tree I had growing up.
“He must be the same age as me – and still going strong.
“I enjoy looking around all the Christmas departments in shops and garden centers and admiring the decorations, but then I look at the price tag and think: ‘no thanks!’
“My home is unique and pays tribute to the people I love because I incorporate pieces from my childhood, things my children have made and things I have found along the way.
“I don’t think we need a lot of new things to make our decor feel magical.”
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Despite receiving new items, the mother of three doesn’t feel bad at all about giving second-hand items.
She claims it certainly takes away all the stress of Christmas.
She said: ‘I’ve pretty much shopped this way for all special occasions since I had my first son.
“I really enjoy it and find it a lot less stressful because I get a few bits here and there when I’m on the road.
“[Otherwise]I would scour all the stores in December and grab whatever I could find, regardless of how much it costs or if it really suits the recipient.
THREE WAYS TO SAVE FOR CHRISTMAS
MAKE A LIST:
If you write down what you expect to need for Christmas, you can spread out your expenses and buy things when they are at the best price.
You can use price comparison sites like idealo.co.uk to view the price history of specific items and set up email alerts so you’re notified as soon as costs drop.
If you shop specifically on Amazon, price tracking sites bobalob.com And camelcamelcamel.com do a similar job.
AGENDA DATES:
Laptops are typically at their best price on December 19 at £1,267, after falling by around £90 from November.
For a capsule coffee maker, hit the stores on November 17, when the lowest average price is $135 – $30 less than average prices in October.
Wait until the last minute for trainers as the cheapest price is on December 24th, saving you around £5 compared to November.
SHOPPING EVENTS:
It’s also worth keeping an eye on prices on Black Friday, which falls on November 29 this year, as some retailers are offering special discounts at this time.
Make sure to sign up for marketing emails from your favorite stores to receive exclusive offers or discounts that you can use when shopping.
Sometimes you can also get money on products by placing them in your shopping cart online and not paying for them.
Some retailers then send an email with a discount on the item to get the purchase across the line.
“It actually doesn’t bother me when people realize where their gifts come from.
“I don’t feel bad about re-gifting items or finding freebies.
“If they’re concerned about how much I spent, that’s their business.
“It’s about the time and effort I put into finding something that I think they’ll enjoy unpacking.
“I’ve seen people spend huge amounts of money on tat, that’s clearly not wanted, and what’s the point?
“If you get something you don’t want or need, pass it on to someone who can use it.”
Catherine also believes that her “tight mom” attitude teaches her children a valuable lesson; something other parents should do too.
The mother added: “My sons are now reaching an age where they want things like games consoles and expensive trainers – and that’s fine.
I get a kick out of finding the perfect gift for someone at a price I can afford
Catherine Lofthouse
‘If it’s beyond my budget, I tell them I’ll help, but they also have to save some money.
“If it’s not important enough for them to spend their pocket money on, it’s probably just a passing phase.
“The best gift I can receive is knowing that I am teaching them the value of money so they don’t spend more than they can afford.”
Catherine says more mothers should take a leaf out of her book.
“I think anyone can do the same – just start with one or two gifts and see if the bug bites you,” she says.
“I get a kick out of finding the perfect gift for someone at a price I can afford.
“If you’re still buying brand new because you think you should, it might be time to reconsider.
“Remember that Christmas isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about taking time to be with your family and friends.”
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