The festive season is all about connecting with loved ones, but it can also stretch your budget. To help you make the most of the holidays without financial stress, the team at Laager Rooibos shares five creative ways to save money while keeping the festive cheer alive.
“The holidays can be expensive, but with some planning and creativity, you can celebrate without breaking the bank,” says Candice Sessions, Laager Rooibos marketing manager.
1. Make your own festive iced tea
Skip costly sugary drinks by creating your own refreshing iced teas with Laager Rooibos. The range includes flavours like Tea4Kidz Apple & Berry, Peach & Apricot, and Strawberry – perfect for festive drinks.
Ingredients
- 8 Laager Tea4Kidz strawberry teabags
- 2 litres boiling water
- 2 tsp honey (optional)
- Assortment of fresh berries
Brew teabags in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove.
Cool, stir in honey (if desired), and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Add fresh berries and ice, and garnish with mint leaves or citrus slices.
2. Make your own Christmas wrapping paper
Save money and reduce waste by creating DIY wrapping paper. Use plain brown paper or recyclable newsprint, decorated with stamps, stencils or hand-drawn designs. Add a colourful string or sprig of greenery for an eco-friendly, festive touch.
3. Make your own Christmas gifts
Handmade gifts are thoughtful and budget-friendly.
Some ideas include:
- Tea gift sets – pair your favourite Laager tea flavour with a festive mug and homemade biscuits.
- DIY ornaments – create unique tree decorations using salt dough or clay.
- Homemade sugar scrubs – mix together sugar, coconut oil and essential oils for a pampering treat.
4. Make your own Christmas cookies
Baking your own cookies is cost-effective and adds a personal touch. Try this simple Laager Tea4Kidz Vanilla Rooibos Cookie Recipe:
Ingredients
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp sugar
- 5 Laager Tea4Kidz Original Rooibos teabags
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1¼ cups flour
- ¼ cup icing sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 2 tsp milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1½ tbsp brown sugar
Toast the tea leaves from the teabags in a pan for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Blend toasted tea, brown sugar and vanilla bean in a food processor until fine.
Add icing sugar, flour and salt; pulse to combine.
Add milk, vanilla essence and butter; mix into a dough.
Shape dough into a log, roll in brown sugar, wrap and chill for 30+ minutes.
Slice 1cm rounds, bake at 190°C for 12 minutes, and cool.
5. Make your own festive fun
Create meaningful holiday traditions at home:
- Host a tea party in the garden with Laager Rooibos teas and homemade cookies.
- Enjoy a family movie night with festive treats.
- Organise a Christmas crafting session for handmade ornaments or decorations.
Stay healthy and save
Laager Rooibos teas are naturally caffeine-free, sugar-free and available in a variety of flavours, making them the perfect festive companion. For more recipes, advice and money-saving tips, visit the website or follow on Facebook and Instagram.