Things you always wish you'd bought earlier

[Sparklyfee]

Just thinking ahead to Christmas and trying to remember all the things I always wish I'd bought earlier because they are cheaper.

I bought my crackers and wrap etc in January but I'm thinking of looking at Christmas jumpers, pyjamas etc now.

Any other ideas of things I can buy in advance that might be cheaper now than in December?

Thanks

Anything you can get in the sales that are still knocking around on websites such as Urban Outfitters and Oliver Bonas.

Wine - when Tesco for example has 25% off six, use it as a chance to stock up on already discounted Champagne and fizz; the savings are quite considerable. There will probably be another one from Tesco or Sainsbo before Christmas.

Look out for the jo Malone grabber game - there might be another before Christmas and it’s a great way to buy two for one.

I always see cards and wrap starting to come in and think “Oh it’s too early to get any yet”, but, actually, why not get them now. If I had a box of cards at home, I could pick them up whenever I had a spare moment and they’d be done by end November and I wouldn’t be frantically writing them in the second week of December. Similarly, if you had wrap at home now, you could wrap as soon as you buy and save yourself a job nearer the time.

My goal this year is not to do anything in December that could possibly be done before.

January wrapping paper, Christmas cards, baubles, tree lights, crackers and gifts for birthdays, parties and next Christmas. Puddings can be bought now as they have very long shelf life.

February discounted valentines stock is red and will look chrissmassy in December.

March stock changes over, can be a good time to pick up winter clearance items

August summer clearance sales

September toys in Smyths and Argos sales (Amazon and others price match Argos). Stationery for stockings is discounted. Boots Star Gift Fridays begins. Book pantomime. Bake cake and puddings.

October earliest to buy stamps. Stock up dry goods. Book Christmas appointments for hair/nails etc

November Black Friday sales for consoles, electronics, book hotel breaks for new year if deals are good. Stock up freezer.

December buy chocolate/wine (I’d eat it if I bought it any sooner), otherwise avoid shops, crowds and stress and enjoy a chilled Christmas.

Forgot to add that early September is best time to buy gardening gifts as they clear stock for Halloween.

That’s a great tip about gardening stuff.

Yesterday evening I saw some really lovely Christmas paper in Ryman - just one roll oddly enough. On principle I didn’t buy it but came very close !! Have never ever thought about wrapping paper in September. I think partly I didn’t buy it because I would have had to walk home in very busy area with lots of friends/neighbours milling about etc with obvious Christmas paper. Really really didn’t want to be that person or be seen to be that person. Worrying. In many ways. It needs to get darker earlier so I can go pick it up under cover of darkness. ☺️

Everything!

I got loads of gorgeous paper from John Lewis and M&S in the sales after Christmas last year. It's well worth doing!

It's a bit odd worrying what your neighbours might think if you buy Christmas paper in September. They'd probably not notice or, if they did, wouldn't bat an eyelid!

No word - I agree re walking along street with Christmas paper in September. Downright bizarre to question it internally. But it was much more internal reasons after lifetime of bemoaning ‘early Christmas creep’ which made me walk on by. Good for everyone who gets organised so early. I just can’t do It myself. Doesn’t feel right. I know it means missing great deals etc.

When DC were younger I used to get branded toys like Lego and Barbie in Oct or Nov when there were offers on. Much more expensive or sold out in December.

I've just got my wrapping paper from studio cards because they had a 50% off sale.

I start looking about for offer from now (after DD2 birthday) as I only have a certain budget so why not look for the best deals.

Plus I hate shopping from Mid November as it too busy.

HeronLanyon - I know what you mean. I always allowed other people’s views about it being too early to override my own preferences to start thinking about it once the summer holidays were over.

But, there’s a lot to do and I have a busy life. The earlier I start, the more time I have to enjoy it. I personally get the most enjoyment out of the more fiddly, unnecessary crafty, foody Christmas prep and it’s fun to think about and plan these things. But I won’t get the time to enjoy these if I don’t get the other things done too. So, the sooner I can get cards written and gifts wrapped, the more time I can ponce about with crocheted baubles and Buche de Noel.

So everyone else can Sod Off with their opinions about “too early” and let me plan my own time and activities in the way that I want to.

So everyone else can Sod Off with their opinions about “too early” and let me plan my own time and activities in the way that I want to.

^

This. Exactly!

Bought the whole family festive duvets sets about a fortnight ago at sale price at Studio!

This is random but I buy Hallmark StarWars Christmas paper (and the paper gift bags) each year and the last two years they’ve sold out (and I’ve been a weirdo stalking all of the shops). I don’t know why, my kids don’t particularly care.