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Splurge vs. save: How to do Christmas on the cheap

When it comes to buying Christmas gifts, we all know it ain't cheap.

First you have to buy presents for the kids, then there's your parents to think about and don't even mention the countless Kris Kringles you get roped into.

And while everyone may be lusting over those Chloé boots or those designer sunglasses we've been eyeing up all year, there's fat chance they'll find them in their stocking this year.

We've scoured the internet to find the best money-saving items you can buy this year that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Candles

Nothing says Christmas is here more than a nice festive candle. They set the mood, create an ambience like no other and best of all, they smell incredible.

If you're looking to splurge, this Glasshouse Frangrances $44.95 Night Before Christmas candle will leave your home smelling as festive as pine needles on a Christmas tree.

Glasshouse Fragrances Night Before Christmas Triple Scented Candle  - $44.95. Photo: Glasshouse Fragrances.
Glasshouse Fragrances Night Before Christmas Triple Scented Candle - $44.95. Photo: Glasshouse Fragrances.

On the cheaper side is Crabtree & Evelyn's fragranced Noel candle for $25.

Crabtree & Evelyn Noël Small Fragranced Candle  - $25. Photo: Crabtree & Evelyn.
Crabtree & Evelyn Noël Small Fragranced Candle - $25. Photo: Crabtree & Evelyn.

Straightening brushes

Forget hair straighteners, it's all about the straightening brushes for Christmas this year.

If you're in the market for a flashy hair wizard, this Dafni brush comes in at $229.

Dafni Hair Straightening Ceramic Brush - $229. Photo: Dafni.
Dafni Hair Straightening Ceramic Brush - $229. Photo: Dafni.

Remington Also do a cheaper $99 version of the brush with keratin and Argan oil-infused bristles.

Remington Keratin & Argan Oil Nourish Straightening Brush - $99. Photo: Remington.
Remington Keratin & Argan Oil Nourish Straightening Brush - $99. Photo: Remington.

Ankle boots

Whether the heaven's have opened and it's lashing rain or the sun is splitting the stones, ankle boots are never out of fashion.

At the top of the pile are these $1,7999 Chloé velvet, studded ankle boots.

Chloé ussana Velvet Boot - $1,799. Photo: Chloé
Chloé ussana Velvet Boot - $1,799. Photo: Chloé

If you're looking for a similar version at a fraction of the cost, then Asos have these startlingly similar Alloy Stud Suede Ankle Boots on sale for $166.

Office Alloy Stud Suede Ankle Boots - $166. Photo: Asos
Office Alloy Stud Suede Ankle Boots - $166. Photo: Asos

Purses

Handbags may be beautiful and one of the loves of our lives but we're not going to lie, purses may just be taking their spot in the last few years.

Especially is you happen to be able to afford this gorgeous Gucci Swing wallet.

Gucci Swing continental wallet - $755. Photo: Gucci.
Gucci Swing continental wallet - $755. Photo: Gucci.

However it will set you back $775 so if you're after a budget version, maybe this The Daily Edited pale pink continental wallet for $119.95 would suit you better.

The Daily Edited Pale Pink Continental Wallet - $119.95. Photo: The Daily Edited.
The Daily Edited Pale Pink Continental Wallet - $119.95. Photo: The Daily Edited.

Gym leggings

While we may not want to think about hitting the gym in the lead up to Christmas, you just know once Jan 1st hits you'll be wishing you invested in a good pair of workout pants.

For the big spenders, Lululemon have these $149 ombre leggings up for sale, which look very chic with a plain black top.

Lululemon Wunder Under Pant - $149.00. Photo: Lululemon.
Lululemon Wunder Under Pant - $149.00. Photo: Lululemon.

Or you could head to Cotton On where a very similar pair of two-tone gym pants are on sale for $59.95.

Cotton On  - $59.95. Photo: Cotton On.
Cotton On - $59.95. Photo: Cotton On.

Party dresses

'Tis the season for staff parties, family parties, New Years Eve parties and any other type of celebration you can think of. So of course you need the ultimate party dress that you can tailor for any occasion.

This Zimmermann long silk drape dress is for the splurges out there, coming in at $520.

Zimmermann Silk Drape Long Dress - $520.00. Photo: Zimmermann
Zimmermann Silk Drape Long Dress - $520.00. Photo: Zimmermann

On the other hand, we found one that looks pretty similar at Portmans for the budget-friendly shoppers out there and it costs just $129.95.

Portmans Romantic Drape Front Dress - $129.95. Photo: Portmans
Portmans Romantic Drape Front Dress - $129.95. Photo: Portmans

Sunglasses

With the sunny weather we've been having lately, sunglasses could be the ultimate Christmas present.

For those looking for an expensive pair of sunnies, Rayban have a festive pair of $201 gold glasses which will suit just about everybody.

Raybans - $210. Photo: Sunglass Hut.
Raybans - $210. Photo: Sunglass Hut.

For a budget version, we found a pair that look just like the Raybans in SportsGirl and they cost $29.95.

Sportsgirl Heatwave Light Gold Sunglasses - $29.95. Photo: SportsGirl.
Sportsgirl Heatwave Light Gold Sunglasses - $29.95. Photo: SportsGirl.

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