CHRISTMAS is an expensive time of year for many, and thinking about how you can afford to buy everything on your list can be very daunting.
Shopping for Christmas gifts is the dreaded task that comes at the end of each year.
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Savers professionals share their top tips for saving money when shopping for ChristmasPhoto credit: Getty
The hassle of budgeting and traveling to busy city centers all winter is a chore, and the pros at Net Voucher Codes have shared their top money-saving tips this year.
A spokesperson for Net Voucher Codes said, “The news has reported that there is likely to be a shortage of Christmas gifts this year, which will stress many parents, but there is no need to go to stores and panic buying.
“Expectations for Christmas are high, especially when you have the little ones, so we wanted to highlight several things families can do now to take the stress out of Christmas shopping.
“This isn’t new, Christmas shopping is a stress we all face every year, but there are things you can do to plan ahead and keep an eye out for gift trends.
So if this year you’re looking to save money, time and help overcome the Christmas shortage, here are the tips for you.
Enjoy!
Pay attention to trends
Keep an eye on blogs and news articles for what’s going to be popular this Christmas this year.
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If you think something is sold out, get it ASAPPhoto credit: Getty
So you always stay one step ahead when it comes to children’s toys and electrical gifts.
If a gift you have in mind is likely to sell out, keep that in mind and consider the earliest time you can afford to buy it.
Start early
It can be scary to think about Christmas months ago, but the truth is that it’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping to avoid disappointment.
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Start your Christmas shopping nowPhoto credit: Getty
As mentioned earlier, if there is a particular toy or gadget that your loved ones have in mind, check to see if it is available and if you can … grab it.
This means there may be few gifts left and the most important ones taken care of in December.
Just make sure you’ve sorted your hiding place at home so the kids won’t find it!
Look for discounts
Budgeting for Christmas can be tricky, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for deals and discounts to help with spending.
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Look out for sales and coupon codesCredit: Alamy Live News
NetVoucherCodes offers a wide variety of codes and discounts for toys and gadgets that you might want to use when buying gifts.
Take advantage of online shopping … but don’t rely on it
Shopping online is great for making your life easier, especially if you start shopping early.
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Online shopping is keyCredit: Alamy
Eliminates the need to travel to busy city centers during the week when you have other priorities.
When shopping online, it is always important to check delivery times and return options.
Online stores keep you informed of their delivery times and most likely have a Christmas gift order deadline to make sure they arrive before the 25th.
The return policy is one more thing to check – most places extend their returns, but make sure a gift you bought online in November can be returned in January if needed.
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Make a list
Getting the bill can be so easy when it comes to Christmas shopping, which is why you can benefit from a list.
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Making a list helps with budgetingPhoto credit: Getty
Write down the names of those you are buying for and what you would like to get them.
This will make it clear to you what to shop for, how much to buy for everyone, and hopefully it will deter you from buying things that you see in the store.
This also gives you a limit to when you are officially done with your Christmas shopping.
Remember that bigger doesn’t always mean better
Gifts for family and friends don’t always have to come from big stores.
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Don’t forget that Christmas isn’t all about big giftsPhoto credit: Getty
Small businesses in your area often have great gifts with a more personal and unique touch that are half the price of those on the main drag.
And as a massive bonus, you support your neighborhood.
Remember that Christmas doesn’t have to be all about gifts.
Of course, you’d want your little one’s faces to light up on Christmas morning when they see the tree, but remember that Christmas Day can be so much more than just gifts.
Plan some fun family activities and games for Christmas Day, and you will quickly find that expensive gifts aren’t the only way to bring Christmas to your family.
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Have a great Christmas with these tips!Photo credit: Getty
In the meantime, my partner and I never have take away or buy brands and we’ve saved £ 20,000 in 10 months – here are my top tips.
The Primark Christmas collection is also here, and it’s full of cheap bed linen, candles and decorations.
The clever mom reveals how she bagged her Christmas gifts at half the price with this money-saving hack
