Sign a PRE-No Unnecessary Present Pact
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Ever received a gift you never used? The NUPP campaign aims to take the stigma out of NOT giving unnecessary gifts just for the sake of it, fighting the over-commercialisation of Christmas.
It isn't anti-presents. Family Christmas gift-giving's a lovely tradition. Yet a tick-list of presents for friends, that'll languish unused in cupboards isn't.
Not giving can be a bigger gift. Buying presents can obligate friends to do the same, even if they can't afford it.
What about small gifts? That's NUPP-Lite, where you agree to limit gift costs to £5 or £10 and some thought. Or why not give time or to charity instead?
Alternatively, just talk to your friends about it. Though by sending the email, you're part of something bigger, so it makes it easier to get the message across. See a NUPP email preview.
Read Martin's Is it time to ban Xmas presents? blog.
It should be about Christmas presents, not paying for Christmas past. It's possible to have a great Christmas staying within budget and without going over the top. For more info read:
Christmas MoneySaving: How to get more and pay less.
Festive Fivers: Make it or buy it for under a fiver gift ideas.
Shopping Vouchers: Daily updated list of discount vouchers.
2for1 Restaurant Vouchers: Take a friend out for dinner instead.
Instead of giving gifts that mightn't be used, why not donate to your favourite charity instead? Alternatively, many now have gift catalogues, where you can send a specific gift in someone's name. These include:
Oxfam Unwrapped: Gifts like £10 seed bags for developing world communities
Save the Children: Gifts like Plumpy'nut, high-protein peanut butter for a malnourished child
Present Aid: Gifts like £10 watering cans to help fight poverty.
Good Gifts: Gifts like eye tests and specs for five elderly people.
Charities Aid Foundation: Search thousands of charities in the UK and find one to donate to online.