I'm starting Christmas shopping now. A few items per month

[Invasionofthegutsnatchers]

Might sound ridiculous but with another fuel price hike due in October I think it's a good idea. I've just bought stocking fillers so far. In general we are cutting down presents but we'll still want a few things to open.

Toys tend to shoot up in price just before Christmas and I don't think there will be many good offers this year.

Great idea but I strongly suggest you to have a list of things bought or take photos of the items you already have because it's easy to lose track of stuff you've already got and buy the same thing twice (happened to me multiple times as I'm an early buyer). Also think of stuff that can be done on your own, like cards than can be made via a christmas cards collage maker or calendars that can be personalized and designed through www.shutterfly.com/calendars or photo-calendar-software.com/ etc. Plenty of things can be replaced with DIY or custom equivalents which make them really unique.

I got an oodie sleep tee for ds today
...shes autistic, so loves the size and comfort. Reduced to 39 pounds, and came day after I ordered it. I agree, prices are going to shoot up, best to get what you can early and store it away .

Do sorry...not ds

Dd....god, going mad 🙈

I have my DD's 2 main presents that she has asked for already. She has become a Harry Potter fanatic and has asked for Sorting had and a Niffler. Have picked both up cheap so won't be too upset if she changes her mind.

I have just got a salt lamp for my dad and his partner (on offer) inspired by this thread 😊

Definitely agree with a list or spreadsheet to keep track of what you have got too.

@Kirstos1

I have just got a salt lamp for my dad and his partner (on offer) inspired by this thread 😊

Thats a niche gift. If they have asked for it aren't you worried that by December they will have bought one?

I've bought loads of things as I've seen them on offer. I never regret it as I buy quite generic things for the cleaner, childminder, teacher and I make better buying choices when there's no pressure.

I'm hoping not! The reason I bought it was when I was there at Christmas my dad seemed proper pleased with some himalayan salt tea light holders they had found in Lidl or somewhere, made a bit thing of lighting them and how nice they looked. So I shall scope out their house over the year and if I see they have bought one I'll keep it for myself, I've fancied one for a while 😁

Not ridiculous at all I've also just started and am also committing to buying things each month from now to spread the cost.

I have a small amount of savings building up which will be around £350 by Christmas time which is going to be very helpful, but I need to start buying now as stockings are a huge deal in this house (completely my fault!).

My DC are little, will be 7, 5 and nearly 3 this Christmas, so while I know I can't buy main presents I can safely buy stocking fillers which as PPs say add up - and massively so in my house.

I keep a spreadsheet of everything and I'm committed to buying each child one or two stocking fillers per month, that will be a big chunk of things bought by the time I'd usually start my shopping! :)

Also planning on buying some of the other things I know we will get them more in advance e.g. they always get pajamas.

I buy presents all year round, as I see them. Our two are actually very predictable in their wants! I'm also saving money each month to buy gifts closer to the time. My food is paid for with Nectar points, other than our Booth's order and cheese from the local cheese shop.

I always get pyjamas and jumpers in the Next sale in Dec/Jan, 2 sizes too big, so they last for the next two years!

Ohhhh I actually thought about this yesterday...

Spreadsheet is ready and waiting from last year

£30 a month into savings with a friend for JD Vouchers... May up a few payments to £40/50 nearer the time to allow for coat, trainers and tracksuit. DS is predictable and wears same brands all in black or grey

Asda savings card is £5 a fortnight to save £250 for the Christmas shop. This is my best plan as I hate pulling out for food shop.

Going to add to amazon basket as I see bits for youngest Christmas Eve/Stocking etc

Also at some point when it's 20% off will do a George shop of socks, Boxers, pants and vests for everyone

@Youcansaythatagainandagain

plus their Christmas jumpers for any school Christmas jumper days

This is a great idea and one I meant to do myself this year. Christmas jumpers are so expensive and I usually just buy a tshirt and put a long sleeved top underneath it.
If anyone sees any cheap Xmas jumpers pls let me know!

@Youcansaythatagainandagain I think Vinted would be perfect for you. I've already been having a nosey at Christmas clothes on there 😂

I've just started this past couple of weeks. I saw some reduced Hot Wheels sets in Sainsburys so have picked those up for my youngest. I won't pick much up for my older two girls yet, mostly as my eldests birthday is in the summer so I like to get that sorted first!

I don’t buy much will save money later on in year

The Christmas bargains prequel thread in the Christmas section here is full of like minded people who shop all year. It's full of great ideas too.

Agree op, I'm starting this month, as September onwards are expensive months for us - all the car expenses, home insurance, birthdays etc.
My kids are both under 5 though so don't really get a lot so I'm starting with nieces and nephews especially as I'm feeling like our house needs a good declutter before I can even think about my small ones!

I just started last week but only because I found a few sale bargains! I save each month for it as well! I once didn't and got into credit card debt for it! Never again!!!! Took me the following year to pay it off!

Now is also a good time to talk to those distant friends and relatives and agree not to exchange gifts next Christmas. If you wait until October/November its too late as many people may have already started buying.

I want to do this. Or stockings at least. Not sure what to put in them though - any ideas. Boy will be 13 and girl will be 11. Thinking shower gel, deodorant, bath bomb,………

I've started already. I am the most disorganised mess of a person with nearly everything except for Christmas gifts where I am amazing if I may say so myself. I love browsing for nice presents and getting them for a good price. I won't get a huge amount this early, but I've got a few stocking fillers for the kids, and also some Bath & Body Works things that were hugely reduced in the Next sale.

Yes, I'm with you ladies and started back in January (which is crazy I know), but in my defence I do have 11 folk of varying ages over Christmas. I have bought tree presents, Christmas Crackers, napkins, some decorations, table centre piece, candles and some main presents (easy as they wanted watches so not going to go out of date). I have started on Christmas Eve boxes for all and have even bought new Christmas themed Bedding for all (I know, I know completely OTT!!). I have also bought a few bits of non-perishables when I have done my weekly shop, such things that have 'best by' date way into 2023 or sometimes 2024 - such as jars of pickles, stuffing mixture, chutneys, T.Bags, coffee, rice, large Bacofoil wrap etc. I have cleared a shelf in the garage to keep everything out of harms way. I am trying not to sound smug here but I am pleased with myself for starting to early. Husband on the other hand thinks I am completely mad😳

I've nearly finished.
Most want board games, so when I see them a bit lower in price than previously, I am buying.

I am only intending on buying half the amount of presents of previous years. Dont think many of who I buy for will complain.

Would it be a better idea to save rather than buy at this stage? It is quite a long way out and you might end up re-buying.