Posted under Christmas & Jewellery & shopping
Although is it October and many sensible people have bought their Christmas presents there are still large numbers of us who have still to get the majority of our shopping. Whether present requests range from modern electronics, gadgets, clothing, fine jewellery or toys and play things we all like to get a good deal on what we buy. It may be a bit too late in the year to start any major savings schemes or plans for this year, but we will be wiser and better prepared next year, it is still possible to make really good savings on our Christmas gifts.
The key to saving money at Christmas is preparation and information. We need to inform ourselves of all the various sources from where we can make our purchases from shops, markets, fairs, and the internet to catalogues, product parties or even auction sites or house. Although it is too late to save money into an account for spending it is not too late to take some practical steps to make savings. Such steps should include:
Firstly, make a list. Lists are underrated but it is essential to know who we have to buy for; then set a budget, it is much easier to decide what to buy when we know how much we have to spend, then decide what to buy and for whom. Only buy some presents, perhaps agree with other relatives that each family will buy for a specified person. Some friends or relatives may prefer a visit from you rather than a present. Research the items, uses price comparison sites and look for the best deals, both locally in shops and more widely on line.
Look for deals such as 3 for 2, or buy 1 get 1 free/half price. When buying locally use cash, it is easier to stick to a budget when you can see the cash being spent, it is very easy to present a credit card and not monitor the spending, keep an eye out for local sales. If you are shopping online, use a debit card rather than a credit card, unless it’s for larger purchases where a credit card will offer better consumer protection.
Not all presents need to be bought, consider making presents, these could be knitted items such as scarves or gloves, or even bake Christmas shortcake or mince pies and hand deliver them. Although it is perhaps a bit risky, it could be very fruitful to leave buying presents to the very last minute. Many shops start their January sales on Christmas Eve or in the immediate days before Christmas.
Christmas shopping can be very stressful but if we are prepared it makes it a whole lot easier.