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How Much Should You Spend on Christmas? A Simple Way to Decide
26 October 2026 · SlateAndTally
There's no right number for Christmas. What matters is a number that fits your pays and doesn't follow you into January. Here's a simple way to set yours.
Step 1: Count your pays
How many paydays are left before Christmas? From late October, most fortnightly earners have four or five.
Step 2: Find your spare amount per pay
After bills and essentials, how much could you set aside each pay without stress? Be honest.
Step 3: Multiply
Spare amount × pays left = your Christmas total. For example, A$150 × 4 pays = A$600. Example figures only.
Step 4: Split it
- Gifts
- Food and drinks
- Wrapping, cards and postage
- Outings and travel
- A small buffer
Step 5: Give each person a number
Use a Christmas shopping list with a budget beside every name.
Keep January safe
Remember January bills and back-to-school costs. See our January budget guide.
General information only, not financial or tax advice.
FAQ
What if my total feels too small?
Try a Kris Kringle, homemade gifts or a family experience.
Should I use BNPL for Christmas?
It can make it easy to overspend. Read our BNPL guide first.
When should I start?
Now. Every pay counts.
Try it in an app
Christmas Planner (A$45, one-off): Plan Christmas, birthdays and events against one budget: gift lists per person, event costs and a savings countdown to the big day.
Party Planner (A$19, one-off): Christmas parties, birthdays and get-togethers: budget, shopping list, guests and a countdown for each event.