Start Christmas shopping early to save £120

Christmas is a magical time for many families. But it can also get expensive. Gifts, food, decorations and travel all add up.

But there’s some good news. Starting your Christmas shopping early could save you around £120, according to a new survey by TopCashback.

When do people start shopping?

An Opinium survey of 2,000 UK adults found that around 78% start buying gifts at least one month before Christmas. But around 16% leave most of their shopping until the final week.

Mid to late November is the most popular time to begin the festive shop, but roughly 13% pick up bargains all year round with women (17%) more likely to do this than men (9%).

Why do people shop early?

People who start early say it helps them:

• spread the cost over a few months – that way, the big Christmas shop doesn’t all come out of their November salary
• find better deals and discounts – taking advantage of all the sales leading up to Black Friday is a great way to save
• stay organised – there's lots to get done before the festive season, so ticking tasks off the list early help keep them on task
• avoid delivery delays – some presents are in demand and come from abroad, so it’s worth making sure you order early

And those early birds say they save around £120 by shopping before mid-December.

How do people pay for Christmas?

Christmas can get pricey, and many people struggle to pay without dipping into savings. Some have separate savings pots specifically for Christmas spending. Here’s how most people fund the festive season:

• 40% use money from their current account
• 18% use credit cards
• 15% dip into savings
• 13% use a special Christmas savings pot

How to make Christmas shopping easier

Whether you’re shopping early or late, here are some simple ways to make Christmas more affordable:

• spread the cost – buy a few gifts each payday; it’s easier on your budget and gives you time to find good deals
• watch for sales – look out for discount days on sites like Amazon and use price trackers to check if it’s really a bargain
• use loyalty schemes - Nectar, Tesco Clubcard, Boots Advantage and others often run bonus points events around Christmas
• sign up for newsletters – retailers often send their best deals to subscribers first, so it’s worth signing up to newsletters; you could even have a separate email address just for special offers
• check out online marketplaces - check eBay, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace and charity shops for great-condition items at lower prices; some are still brand new in their original packaging
• pick up the small bits now – wrapping paper, tape, cards and stocking fillers can sneak up on you; grab them early, especially if you spot multi-buy deals

Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and a few smart choices, you can enjoy the season without the stress, and maybe even save more than you expected.