Get free Christmas cards, gifts, music, animations and more!

by Alison Hunt on 08 December 2011  |  9 comments
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Think nothing in life is free? Then check out how you can send free Christmas cards, listen to free Christmas music, give free Christmas gifts and much more!

Christmas e-cards

Christmas cards definitely seem to have had their day. Not only does buying and posting them all add up, but most of us seem to think it pretty pointless to chop down trees to make thousands of cards that are put in the bin within a matter of weeks.

But what if you'd still like to send some festive cheer to your friends and relatives? Good news, there are plenty of e-cards available that can be sent to your whole email address book in seconds, and some are even free. And many have unlimited space for your message, so you could even squeeze in your annual Christmas letter to boot.

Check out 123 greetings, blue mountain, e-cards and Ilovecards for free Christmas e-cards - and for free charity cards take a look at Treeaid and SOS Children's villages.

Free Christmas animation

Alternatively, for a bit of fun check out these free Xmas downloads, including a free animated Elf snowball fight!

Free Christmas clipart

If you fancy creating your own gift tags, table decorations or party invitations you'll need some sort of Christmas artwork. If you're not inclined to create your own you can find heaps of free Christmas clipart here that can be simply pasted into your creations to give them a lovely festive feel.

Alternatively, you could print these free, ready created gift tags, certificates, Christmas cards and even gift wrap from All Things Christmas.

Free Christmas activities for kids

The Christmas holidays are on their way so it's time to get prepared with activities to keep the kids occupied.

You can create Christmas decorations and other projects at the AllFreeCrafts site and ActivityVillage (including Shidonni - where you can create your own virtual pet).

Plus there are some Christmas themed activities at the CBeebies and CBBC websites.

Have a read of Top 10 cheap Christmas activities for kids for more help.

Free Christmas music

Having a party or gathering but don't own a single Christmassy CD? Not to worry, the internet can come to the rescue.

You can find free Christmas party music and download Christmas MP3s of carols and music. If you fancy a Christmas sing song but can't remember any words, you can find the most popular music and lyrics here. Or simply create your own playlist and stream the music you want from Spotify or We7.

Free Christmas parking

Many towns and cities will be offering some sort of free parking incentive in the run up to Christmas with a number timing this with free festive activities and events.

If you live in Bolton, for example you'll be able to park for free in the run up to Christmas. Check out your local council's website and see how much you can save.

Free Christmas events

Although there are a lot of festive events that cost money, there are equally a large number that are absolutely free.

If you live in Liverpool, you can take the kids to free art and craft activities and Christmas storytelling at the World Museum. Anyone living in London can take advantage of the free events lined up at the Southbank Centre.

Read our guide Cut the cost of going out for more help.

Free Christmas knitting patterns

Knitting has become incredibly trendy with a surprising number of us having picked up some needles for the first time. If you're an avid knitter, or know someone who is, check out these free, downloadable knitting patterns to crete cute Christmas novelties.

Free or cheap Christmas gifts

Christmas presents can add up to a fortune, and let's face it; most are simply dumped in cupboards after the big day. What a waste of money!

Why not agree to a "no gifts" Christmas with presents only bought for the children, or organise a Secret Santa? Or try your hand at making Christmas presents such as bath salts and cookies.

Alternatively, there are things you can give that will cost you nothing apart from a little time that will be far more appreciated.

For example, why not create a voucher that will entitle a parent to a night's worth of babysitting; an elderly relative an afternoon's worth of gardening or a child to ice skating/swimming/football in the park?

And if you must buy presents don't forget those loyalty points - you may have enough Tesco, Nectar or Boots Advantage card points for a few free gifts.

Free festive makeover

Finally, if you have a Christmas party to go to, you can look great for nothing by getting your make up done in a shop or department store. Big names such as MAC do charge a fee which is redeemable against any cosmetics you buy. But if you stick with smaller companies you can often look just as good, without having to pay a bean. Just try to turn up when they are a bit less busy, and make sure you're dressed smartly! Read 10 ways to look good for less this party season for more help.

Have a happy and frugal Christmas!

This article has been updated from an earlier version.