Christmas Shopping! (I Know It's Early)
Ask a Question
So I always try and plan Christmas Shopping to start around the end of June after all of my children's birthdays as they are all start half of the year...
This year I was thinking of maybe trying to use deals on here and store stuff away throughout the year, hoping that maybe they get more for their budgetted amount.
I have 4 children, with baby 5 on the way and due the 1st of July. But how does everyone else do it?
I always start from now as I find it less stressful come December. It is so much easier to pick up little for kids throughout the year especially things like soap and small toys. The hardest part is remembering where I've hidden it 
Swimmer94 oh I know. I’m thinking of clearing out my hallway cupboard as it’s a walking and putting a lock on it so they can’t get in there to hide it all in and keep a list of what I’ve bought. Just need to hope interests don’t change too much throughout the year haha
samanthadunn11 that sounds like a really good idea! Perfect place to hide it all and not lose it. I haven't had any issues yet especially for the smaller things.
Leannexxx I normally do that but wondered about changing it up now with the extended family (aka partners 2 children) plus my own 4, and baby 5 on way haha
I will always tick stuff off throughout the year especially if I come across certain deals on here then I’ll grab them
samanthadunn11 I always do it tbh. My sons are older now but still stuff like gift sets etc and one of my sons collects his Pokémon cards and stuff like that so always look for them
Yeah I've been buying a few bits and pieces, I always do, there is some decent bargains around
martinlufc5637 Oh I know some of the deals on here will be too good to miss I think
When kids were little I'd pick things up all year then go through end of November and see what could be used for December and February birthdays the rest was for Christmas. The kids are now adults so no presents. OH has grand and great grand kids and as of 2025 it's cash only as they didn't appreciate any of the items given.
I start saving my survey vouchers round about May. Before that I use them to buy my sons school uniform and then come May start saving for Christmas. Then I keep an eye out for deals so I can make them go further.
MrsCraig I've joined some survey sites so using that as Amazon GC or Paypal and not touching it till closer to end of the year and my Tesco Clubcard I've set up so all vochures go to the Christmas pot ones
samanthadunn11 I get Asda vouchers at the start of the year so I can buy my sons school uniform and then get Amazon vouchers and save them up till Christmas. Saves us loads of money.
I start seriously after all my childrens birthdays but the last one is october. Last year I shopped earlier and found it less stressful. I even bought some of OH birthday presents before Christmas. His bday is January
Imnotcheap Yeah sound similar to what I normally do but now have 4 kids of my own, baby 5 due July and the new partners 2 children
When my children were younger I used to start shopping for toys in the January sales and store them in the loft. Come Christmas it was a surprise for me as well as I had forgotten what I had purchased.
eyeballkerry That's what I worry about so thinking of making a spreadsheet haha
I used to buy Christmas cards, crackers and table decorations in the January sales, then they could be put away with the rest of the Christmas decorations. For presents, I always left it until later as I was never given a list until much later in the year. As they're grown up, I give them the money and buy little bits and pieces to open a parcel.
It's much harder buying for little ones and trying to keep them hidden. It's tricky to buy early as their tastes can change.
SunnyDay It's the change of interests im worried about as even my older 3 who are 9, 8 and 7 they are all autistic so change often haha
samanthadunn11 Oh heck, that's a big problem to overcome. Sending best wishes your way.
I always start in the January sales and I’m usually finished by June / August so in December I only have sweets and food to buy
I always buy cards, wrapping paper and tags in the Christmas sales. I buy things through out the year to put away if I know my friends/family would like them. It’s finding them again when Christmas comes again. !!!
I start now - as someone has already said - January sales are the perfect time to get the bargains. Have to be careful about buying kids toys as the fads seem to change so i start on those around June.
If I’m really stuffed for ideas I will give the little ones money but make sure i always put a note and coins in there as the little ones think its a lot of money. I make sure I tell the parents so the kids dont try to swallow the coins and i also write it in big capital letters on the envelope.
I have always bought Christmas cards, wrapping paper in the January sales. Someone once said why do you do that and my answer is that there is no sell buy date or use by date.I have got my adult children doing it as well.I keep thinking that everybody does that. Some of them chocolate coins you get in a net have a long date on them. I got some the other day and the date on them says February 2026.
If I bought things in January I'd probably end up giving them all away rather than saving them until Christmas.Truth being I like to dish out little gifts all the year round.Does't have to be a name day.Everyday is special when you hit a certain age.
I get bits and pieces I see throughout the year, but things like wrapping paper are cheapest in the jan sales
There’s no harm in looking at sales items now or even throughout the year! It is the best way to save money on clothes and other items that you need
Congratulations 
on your baby~ 
Join for free to get genuine deals, money saving advice and help from our friendly community
Chief Bargain Hunter
