5 money saving tips for Notts families in the run-up to Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching and families in Nottinghamshire will be tightening their belts ready for the expensive time ahead.
Christmas can be a very expensive time of year.Christmas can be a very expensive time of year.
Christmas can be a very expensive time of year.

With that in mind, money saving website Voucherbox has put together some top tips on how to save cash, as well as some budget days out in Nottinghamshire that families can enjoy in the run-up to Christmas.

1- Plan ahead

Whether you’re trying to keep the kids entertained at the weekend or trying to burn off their energy during the school holidays, a family day out is a great way to do this. Before you head out and about make sure you do your research. Booking entrance tickets to a museum or even a play centre online rather than on the door can save you as much as 20%. It’s these kinds of savings which add up over time. Also look to use money saving sites such as Voucherbox in order to see what deals are available before you go.

Families across Nottinghamshire will be looking to tighten their belts, ready for the expensive time to come.Families across Nottinghamshire will be looking to tighten their belts, ready for the expensive time to come.
Families across Nottinghamshire will be looking to tighten their belts, ready for the expensive time to come.

2 - Food glorious food

If you’re like most parents, then you probably feel like you’re constantly refilling the fridge, and the reality is you probably are. To avoid overspending by buying expensive goods in the corner shop as opposed to the big supermarket you should use a meal planner to organise your family’s weekly meals. This pre-planned approach can also ensure you don’t end up throwing away food that has passed its use-by date.

3 - Arts and crafts

With Christmas fast approaching and the usual churn of loved one’s birthdays, buying presents and cards can get expensive, so why not entertain the kids by getting them to make them for you? Not only will it save some money but it also gives a personalised touch to someone’s big day and provides you with a fun way to spend some quality time with your children.

There's plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained in Nottinghamshire without having to break the bank.There's plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained in Nottinghamshire without having to break the bank.
There's plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained in Nottinghamshire without having to break the bank.

4 - Shop around

Before you buy your weekly shop from the same retailer you have always gone to, why not shop around? There are a whole host of money saving sites that can help you compare product prices and the chances are you will find the same brand of nappies or box of biscuits for a cheaper rate elsewhere.

5 - Fun indoors

If the kids are driving you mad, it can be tempting to head out to the cinema or bowling alley just to get out of the house. But this can break the bank and indeed the budget, so why not get creative at home and encourage them to bake and garden? These types of activities are low cost and it will help them burn off energy instead of staring at a tablet or TV screen.

Families across Nottinghamshire will be looking to tighten their belts, ready for the expensive time to come.Families across Nottinghamshire will be looking to tighten their belts, ready for the expensive time to come.
Families across Nottinghamshire will be looking to tighten their belts, ready for the expensive time to come.

Top family days out to keep the kids entertained in Nottinghamshire for under £50 for a family of four:

Visit a museum

Visiting the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery is totally free. Full of fun and contemporary exhibitions that are constantly changing. They have talks and shows throughout the year with plenty on over half term – just check their website. There is also likely to be lots of activities to get the family involved including the Explorer Bags full of games, toys, activities and bright ideas.

Average entrance cost for a family of four: Free

There's plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained in Nottinghamshire without having to break the bank.There's plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained in Nottinghamshire without having to break the bank.
There's plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained in Nottinghamshire without having to break the bank.

Go to a science centre

While school’s out, it is always tricky to think of ways to keep the kids challenged. Well look no further! Greens Windmill and Science Centre which is located in a 19th century tower windmill is the place for your kids to flex their scientific muscles. Once in this historic venue your little ones can experiment with light, electricity and magnetism in the footsteps of mathematical physicist George Green (1793 to 1841) and learn about his life's work and achievements in this charming tribute to one of Britain's most undersold geniuses.

Average entrance cost for a family of four: Free

Get down and dirty on the farm

White Post Farm is wonderful place to escape the rat race and get the family connected with nature. It is a working farm so the little ones will get a chance to get their hands dirty and (hopefully) enjoy rural life by coming face to face with the best of Britain’s animals, including cows, calves, llamas, sheep, donkeys, deer, pigs and chickens! There is also a lovely little pet shop where you can even let your little ones choose a new friend to care for.

Average entrance cost for a family of four: £48.40