Christmas is just around the corner and while the carols playing in stores and Instagram posts of advent calendars are nostalgic, stress levels inadvertently rise this time of year.

I’m talking about stress on both you AND your bank account.

But preparing for Christmas doesn’t have to be so tense.

To help you prepare for December 25, I’ve come up with a gift, food and decoration guide – all for under $50 (I tracked these down myself recently when I popped into Big W to use a $50 voucher I had been given).

1. Christmas for kids.

Crayola Monster Tub available from Big W.

Kids are the easiest to buy for at Christmas, whether they have a wish list or not. Some inexpensive but exciting gifts for kids include:

2. Christmas for her.

Peter Morrissey ready to wear range available at Big W.

When it comes to gifts for her, the choices are endlesss:

 3. Christmas for him.

Mistral popcorn maker available at Big W.

Many of us draw a blank when it comes to gifts for him, but guys might just be the easiest people you could shop for:

4. Christmas for your Secret Santa.

Classic board games are available at Big W.

For the person who has everything or even for your office Kris Kringle, these gifts are perfect:

 5. Christmas decorations and food.

Ferrero Rocher Christmas box available at Big W.

Decorations and food are at the heart of Christmas and make perfect gifts for a hostess, or as a little something for you:

The days leading up to Christmas can get a little hectic and crazy – but only if you let them.

Grab one hour, one shopping trolley and this list and get all your last minute gifts sorted.

Who knows, Santa might be doing the exact same thing.

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

To really get into the Christmas spirit, you need the right soundtrack…

Barbra Stresisand- A Christmas album

Jackson 5- Christmas album 1970

Vince Gill - Let there be peace on earth

Amy Grant - Home for Christmas

Josh Groban - Noël

*NSYNC - Home for Christmas

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John This Christas

Andrea Bocelli- My Christmas

Sesame Street- Merry Christmas

Boys || Men - Christmas Interpretations

Frank Sinatra - The Christmas Album

Celine Dion - These are special times

Susan Boyle- The Gift

Destiny's Child - 8 days of Christmas

The Nat King Cole Christmas album

Elvis - Christmas Album 1957

Harry Connick Jnr - What A Night