There’s no shame in penny-pinching during Christmastime.

When there are many special people in your life, as well as plenty of get-togethers to attend, being extra mindful about spendings makes it easier to spread joy and share the love (aka gift-giving).

Going for more affordable holiday treats is a way to stretch your budget—whether it’s for gifting, adding to the family’s Yuletide spread or just indulging an instant craving.

Here are eight of our inexpensive favorite Christmas eats, and where to find them.

1. MERINGUE
At P3 apiece, a plastic bag full of these pastel-pretty swirls of sweetness is enough to fill candy jars (also good for decorating the kitchen or dining table) and there’ll still be enough left for teatime.

Available at Allan and Abeng Bakery and Store on the corner of Zapote and Montojo Streets, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Makati City.

2. CARAMEL FUDGE
These snack-size chewy bars (only P15 apiece) with a sprinkling of chopped nuts can be addicting. Plus, where these are sold, you’ll find other pocket-friendly pastries that are just as likely to make your taste buds happy.

Available at Tinapayan Festival Bakeshop, Dapitan, Sampaloc, Manila; visit Tinapayan Festival Bakeshop on Facebook.

3. MINI “BIBINGKA”
Nothing fancy or elaborate about the SM Supermarket Bakery’s bibingka with red egg, whose mini versions are sold for a minimum two pieces at only P48. Pop in the microwave then top with thick butter shavings for a filling merienda that’s buttery soft and warm.

Available at selected SM Supermarket Bakery branches.

4. FRUIT SALAD
In a country where extended families live in the same home, it makes perfect sense to make A LOT of fruit salad, which is a staple meal-ender during the holidays. So, what to do if you rent by yourself or live in a small household? Buy single-serve fruit salad juice (only P35/12oz, with nata de coco and fresh fruits!), and add cheese bits to it. Stuff in the freezer if you prefer spoonfuls of icy fruity chunks.

Available in major supermarkets.

5. “QUESO NO BOLA”
If you don’t want to spend on a whole queso de bola, the next best thing is to get packaged Edam wedge or slices. You won’t get stuck with just one bola for the entire holidays, as the small portions help you afford variety.

Available in the dairy section of major supermarkets.

6. “PASTILLAS” WITH “YEMA”
Two treats for the price of one? Yes, please! These ones we found have ube, strawberry, pandan yema flavors.

Available in mall food bazaars. Find Rodillas Yema Cake booth, tel. 09324444789.

7. “PUTO BUMBONG” WITH CHEESE
Made to order and generously topped with grated cheese, this version of the beloved post-Simbang Gabi snack beats a lot of the restaurant-made variety—and costs just P28.

Available at roadside stall that sells puto bumbong and bibingka on Yague Street (between Sta. Cruz Barangay Hall and the corner of Yague and Zapote Streets), Makati City.

8. ALMOND SPREAD
Nutty flavors and aromas are all part of Christmas. Shaker Maker’s Almond Spread delivers both and offers an inexpensive alternative to the high-end supermarket variety. It’s gluten- and preservative-
free, as well as vegan-friendly.

Order from Instagram @shakermakersph, which offers free recipes and tips.