When to start your Christmas shopping

Have you started your Christmas shopping already? Or maybe you leave it until the day before?

There is no specific date to begin, some people decide to buy throughout the year and others leave it right until the last minute. Your shopping preference will depend on a huge number of factors, including affordability, promotion and having recipients who are always changing their mind.

Here are some times to start festive shopping, and the benefits each one has…

Early planning (September - October)

Some people like to start planning and shopping for gifts early to spread out the expenses and avoid the last-minute rush. This can also give you more time to find thoughtful gifts and take advantage of sales throughout the year.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November)

A huge number of retailers offer significant discounts and deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (the following Monday). If you're looking for bargains, this can be a good time to start looking for presents.

Traditional holiday shopping (December)

December is the most common time for holiday shopping, with many people starting in the first half of the month. If you prefer a festive atmosphere and want to see the holiday decorations in stores, this is the best time for you.

Last-minute shopping (Mid-December - Christmas Eve)

Some people enjoy the excitement of last-minute shopping, and retailers offer additional discounts to clear out their remaining inventory meaning that you can often grab a bargain.

Throughout the year

If you come across sales, deals, or items that you think would make great gifts throughout the year, you can consider purchasing them and saving them for Christmas. This allows you to avoid the holiday rush and spread out your expenses rather than having one huge cost at the end of the year.

Ultimately, the best time to start shopping for Christmas depends on your personal preferences, budget and the availability of items you want to purchase. 

Starting early can help you avoid stress and potentially find better deals, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It's a good idea to make a plan based on your own needs and preferences.