Millions have already began Christmas buying as consultants clarify find out how to unfold price
Shoppers are already going Christmas crackers – three months before the big day. Almost one in five brits will have started buying presents by the end of September, figures show.
And women are twice as likely as men to start this month. Almost a quarter of females say they have started in September or earlier, compared with just 12% of men. More than a third of Brits say they regret leaving it late in previous years.
And almost four in ten Brits (38%) put money aside each month to help manage what they spend at Christmas. Gift cards have become a popular budgeting tool, with more than a fifth (22%) using them to keep festive spending in check.
Women are twice as more likely to start early than men(Image: DAILY RECORD)
This figure rises to 39% among 18 to 24-year-olds, a study by Tesco Insurance and Money Services shows.
It also found that knowing what to buy is the nation’s biggest Yuletide head ache, cited by 43% of Brits, ahead of crowded shops (23%) and affording gifts (14%).
Ban Mahsoub, Partnerships Director at the retail giant, said: “September is a great time to start thinking ahead.
Many Brits are saving up throughout the year(Image: Getty Images)
“Planning early can help take some of the pressure off the festive rush, while giving you more time to set a budget and spread the cost over the coming months.
“And for those who find choosing the right present tricky, gift cards can be a great way to stick to a set budget while still giving loved ones the freedom to choose something they really want.”
Experts top tips on saving for Christmas
Set your Christmas budget early: Before you start shopping, work out how much you can comfortably afford to spend over the festive season. Remember to factor in costs beyond presents, including food, travel, decorations and social plans, to give yourself a realistic overall figure.
Break down your gifting budget: Once you’ve set an overall budget, decide how much you’d like to spend on each person. Having individual limits in mind before you shop can make it easier to keep track of spending and avoid overspending.
The big day is still months away(Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)
Spread purchases over the coming months: Rather than leaving everything until December, consider spreading purchases across the paydays you have left before Christmas. Picking up gifts gradually can help spread the cost and means there’s less to organise as the big day approaches.
Consider gift cards for those who are difficult to buy for: If you’re stuck on what to buy someone, a gift card takes away the guesswork and lets them choose something they’ll genuinely enjoy. Choosing the value in advance can also help you stay within the amount you’ve budgeted for them.
Keep track of what you’ve already bought: Starting early only helps if you can remember what you’ve purchased. Keep a simple list of who you’re buying for, what you’ve bought and how much you’ve spent, so you can keep an eye on your overall budget and avoid accidentally doubling up.
