Tips for starting Christmas shopping in October

Anyone else starting to think about Christmas?

Although it may seem a lifetime away, the reality is there's just two paydays left until the big day!

With this in mind, it's a good time to start your festive shopping now if you want to avoid the holiday rush and ensure you're getting the best deals.

Here are some tips to help you plan and shop smartly in October.

Create a budget and gift list

• Set a budget which outlines how much you’re willing to spend overall and for each person on your list.
• Make a list and check it twice! Write down who you’re buying for and note any gift ideas you already have. This helps you stay organised and avoid overspending.

Look for early deals

• Take advantage of those early sales including early Black Friday offers. Many stores start their holiday promotions in October so watch out for the discounts and stock up when prices are low.
• Track prices to make sure you're getting the best deal. Use apps or browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel to monitor price changes on the items you’re interested in.

Consider DIY or personalised gifts

• Get crafty this Christmas! If you enjoy making gifts, starting early gives you plenty of time to create handmade gifts that will really add a special touch.
• If you're ordering customised gifts, such as engraved jewellery, mugs or framed photos, these often take longer to produce and ship. This means the sooner you order, the better!

Shop online and locally

• Shopping online gives you access to more deals, but it's also a good idea to check out nearby boutiques or holiday markets for unique finds, especially if you want to support local small businesses.
• Look for online retailers offering free shipping, and be aware of deadlines to avoid last-minute rush charges.

Use payment plans

• Consider splitting the payment for gifts, food and décor, which gives you longer to pay for them. Make sure you can afford the payments though, otherwise you will be charged extra and potentially affect your credit score.
• Well-known services include Clearpay and Klarna, and are a secure way to let you break payments into smaller amounts, which can help manage your budget.

Prioritise your gift list

• Tackle the tricky ones first! Shopping early gives you more time to find the perfect gift for those hard-to-shop-for friends or family members.
•  If someone on your list wants a high-demand item (e.g., tech gadgets or toys), buy them early before they sell out or prices rise closer to Christmas.

Stagger your spending

• Spread out purchases by buying a few gifts each week. This will ease the strain on your finances and help you avoid a big shopping bill in December.

Stay organised

• Track your purchases by keeping a running list of what you've bought and how much you've spent to avoid overspending or doubling up on gifts.
• Set up a space at home to start wrapping gifts early. This way, you avoid last-minute wrapping stress.

Be mindful of return policies

Check return windows and ensure that items bought in October can be returned or exchanged if needed after Christmas. Some stores extend their return policies during the holiday season.

By starting early in October, you can enjoy a more relaxed holiday season, spread out costs, and have more time to find thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.