Hi Everyone,

Our price-busting blogger Samantha Downes wants your real-life christmas money saving tips. We've heard what the experts have to say, but what are your secrets for a successful christmas on the cheap? Share them with us here and Sam will put them together for everyone to help you all get through this year's festivities without clearing out your bank account.

We look forward to hearing them!

The Moneymagpie Team

I keep a list of who I have to buy for in the back of diary (always with me) and update it as I buy things. I regularly visit my local 7 charity shops and buy gifts (regifting is green, frugal and cool!) - I don't buy smellies (may be old) but I do buy small gifts for stockings and fun things for kids (after checking condition etc). I have also bought a lot of  "new" knitting yarn from charity shops - still in packs or with the ball band in tact - small amounts, but they make good scarves, wrist warmers, beanies, fun toys and- what seems to be popular again - HOT WATER BOTTLE COVERS! Check out these free patterns.

I 'm just about to start knitting!

I've been looking on-line for Christmas gift inspiration and I can't remember where it was, but one of the offerings was a chocolate "pizza" studded with red cherries, green pistachios, nuts etc! It ocurred to me that this could be made easily at home using a large slab of chocolate melted in a round baking tin (like a victoria sandwich tin) and studding with whatever your recipient likes , e.g brazils, Smarties, marshmallows etc. It looked quite thin so in fact a large slab would probably make at least 2 "pizzas". When finished it just needs to be wrapped in sellophane and trimmed with a ribbon and label. There also lots of regular "studded" bars on the high street and they are extremely expensive - £10 -12 is average. It has got to be cheaper to "do it yourself"!