TAKING a trip to see Father Christmas can be a magical moment for families with small children.
But a visit to the grotto can be pricey at a time when budgets are stretched to the max.
Rather than breaking the bank, here are some cheap and cheerful Santa experiences to enjoy . . .
GET A LETTER: Children can receive a lovely personalised letter from Santa through charity the NSPCC.
The suggested donation for the service is £8 but anything over £4 will cover costs and go towards the charity’s work.
You can choose from eight different designs and must order by December 13 to get it in time for Christmas.
SANTA STORIES: Sit down and listen as Santa gives daily updates from Lapland until December 25 with the podcast Elfcast Stories with Father Christmas.
The tales are free to listen to and last around ten minutes each.
VIDEO CALLING: Get a free personalised video for your child at portablenorthpole.com/santa-video and click on the free trials.
Father Christmas will say your child’s name, age and feature a photo of your child in the one minute video without any costs.
TRACK SANTA: On Christmas Eve, you can track Father Christmas as he delivers gifts with free website Noradsanta.org or download the free Norad Tracks Santa Claus app.
Children will love watching Santa and his sleigh on the annual mission to visit the homes of good little boys and girls.
HIDDEN GEMS: Not all grottos are pricey.
Local school fairs, rotary clubs and shopping centres often have a cheap or free opportunity to see the big man.
You can also use Eventbrite to search out smaller grottos happening near you.
Search for events for free or paid.
A quick search brought up local experiences from as little as £3.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
GET the perfect light for doing your make-up with this Studio London magnifying mirror with LED light, it’s down from £30 to £15 at Superdrug.
SAVE: £15
Cheap treat
GIVE the festive season a nod with H&M’s satin lipstick in shade Stop Sign, £9.99.
What’s new?
GET in the festive spirit with these cute reindeer mini rolls, new in at Sainsbury’s.
A pack is £2.50 with a Nectar card, £3 without.
Top swap
DEEP clean your hair with Olaplex clarifying shampoo, £22.40, at lookfantastic.com.
Or save your pennies and pick up Plex System cleansing shampoo, £2.49 at B&M.
SAVE: £19.91
Leah’s little helper
SPOIL your pooch with a Christmas meal out.
Bill’s has a special dog menu so your pet can enjoy a bite with you.
There are pigs in blankets or Christmas lunch treat bites, £3.50 each.
Shop and save
COSTA fans can make their favourite drink at home with these Millionaires Mocha sachets at Morrisons, down from £2.49 to £2.
SAVE: 49p
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