Watch our last episode of Shop Talk where CarrieMumsnet discusses surviving the Christmas shop with Ruth Langsford. NOW CLOSED

[KatieBMumsnet]

Last week MNers were asked how they get the best deals on Christmas food and present shopping.

Watch episode 4 of Shop Talk now for tips on savvy seasonal shopping.

Barclaycard Freedom Rewards, in association with Mumsnet, created a new weekly online chat show, Shop Talk, and this is the last episode.

Here's what Barclaycard have to say about the show: "This is the final episode of Shop Talk, a weekly chat show where weve tackled the big shopping stories that you're talking about. A different presenter has hosted each show, and for our last show it was Ruth Langsford. Two panellists, including shopping blogger Emily and Carrie from MNHQ, joined Ruth to discuss surviving the Christmas shop and stocking filler saviours.

With regards to the Barclaycard Freedom Rewards credit card, Barclaycard say: Freedom Rewards is a credit card designed to reward you for the way you already shop. Collect Freedom Rewards points everywhere, and double at UK supermarkets and petrol stations, to turn into vouchers to spend at our huge range of high street and online shop.
If you loved Shop Talk and want to see the highlights from all four shows watch out for them here from Monday 18th November.

Thanks,

MNHQ

I save money by searching online, both in terms of cheapest price and discount codes. Also I plan what I am going to buy for each person & stick to a budget. I have 4 children and I try to stockpile prizes/freebies throughout the year for stockings and fill up with essentials such as pants and socks.

We only buy presents for our own kids because the family is so big. I allocate a budget for each of the kids and my mum. I use discount codes and sales to make my money go further. I try to stay within budget. We have a big family dinner (25 people) and all the adults make a contribution to the cost of the food and drink. We also share the cooking. For me, this is what Xmas is all about, spending the day with loved ones.

I make my shopping list well in advance, then add them all to my basket on Amazon and check daily when the price drops and I'm ready to pounce. I have also taken the Amazon Family trial out now so that I get fast delivery.

Come up with a budget....and STICK to it!! Christmas is a special time for everybody, but you are not going to enjoy it if all you are thinking about is how to pay off the loan or credit cards!!

If it is a small budget and you have to cut back on spending on other people then do let them know that things are tight, you could always be creative with your gifts and make or bake something, which will probably be appreciated a whole lot more than the smellies from Boots!! And most of all, HAVE FUN!!

I start my Christmas shopping early and always look for deals online and search where I can get items from at the cheapest price. I often look for discount voucher codes, 3 for 2 deals are a big bonus when Christmas shopping too :)

It's best to start early but there are still some bargains out there nearer to Christmas. We search for the best deals online for the bigger things and get stocking fillers from local shops, and always stick to a budget.

I have a rough list of things I would like for each person and then find the best deal either online or in store. But most years I end up leaving it last minute and panic buy instead

I try to start early by buying in the sales throughout the year. Not only can this save money but it is surprising how often you see things and think that would be perfect for someone and then when you want to buy it at Christmas it is no longer available.

I also compare prices on the internet for bigger items. Sometimes it is worth having the item giftwrapped and sent direct to the person you want to give the gift ot if you are not going to get to see them before Christmas

as soon as Christmas is over I start again buying xmas cards and wrapping paper and then collect presents throughout the year no big shock on the credit card

I keep my eyes open throughout the year for things that would really be appreciated by my children. The oldest are the hardest to buy for as I don't like to give money. I have managed to purchase an electric guitar and amp from ebay for the 14 year old, and discount hotel stay in London for the older 2 they are 17 and 19 with a trip to the o2 to see a band. The 5 year old has got toys purchased in the sainsburys half price sale... I also use online shopping to check prices and loyalty points to keep the prices down... As for hubby we have a new rule, something you want, something you need, something to eat and something to read.

I have spent the last three months on the christmas bargain thread on here, its amazing. I have bought some amazing gifts at bargain prices all on line and therefore have perfect gifts for the whole family. I think you just need to be organised and not rush or panic buy. If you give yourself time it can be great fun and a bit of an adventure to find that great present.

I start thinking about Christmas in January, I list everyone I buy presents for and then throughout the year when I spot a bargain I grab it and put it away until Xmas. I save so much money doing it this way, buying cards & wrapping paper in January & just being organised :)

We do Christmas lists in my family, and then I try to get a discount code or cashback when buying things.

I agree with other posters, start as early as possible, gives you time to compare prices and shop around, I find the best savings can actually be found in the January sales, Boots tend to have really good beauty bargains in their sales sometimes picking up on the 3 for 2 offer, these can be put away for the following Christmas. Those discount vouchers that come in the post, don't bin then because they really do come in handy. I also spend a £2 a week on supermarket stamps so come Christmas I have enough to buy my food shopping!

I always buy my wrapping paper and cards after christmas for the following year, you can get some really good bargains at that time of year.

I find out what the grandchildren want to search online for the cheapest. I also use my vouchers from my Tesco clubcard to buy some presents.

I think about xmas the whole year thing so I am able to get the best deals. I more often shop for smaller things and make up hampers of goodies I know the kids / adults in the family will love eg for the ladies smellies / cosmetics and the children items for a kids night in ie DVD, PJs some yum snacks, bedding perhaps. I also sign up to all the online sites for deals and compare prices where possible and buy items when in the sale if it seems a good price at the time and take advantage of buy 3 for 2 etc. I also save points on store cards like nectar and tesco and collect the year round to knock off the price off goodies at xmas even if it's just the xmas food shopping, it all helps! I like to think of myself as a savvy mum!

I make a list of everyone I need to buy a gift for with a budget and then stick to it. Going £1 or £2 over on a gift soon adds up otherwise. I also make good use of voucher codes and buy good quality second hand where possible for kids stuff.

I save £20 a week starting from the first week in January.. I don't miss the £20 like I would most of Decembers wages if I left Christmas shopping until then (used to do that but soon learnt it's not nice being skint at Christmas, especially if you get asked to nice Christmas meals/nights out etc!) I do buy the odd thing throughout the year if a big bargain then use the money I've saved all year to buy the things that especially are requested by my children nearer the time! The only stress I have is wrapping it all haha! As I do buy things here and there on good sale through the year, I do find I even have money left over that I've saved all year once I've finished my Xmas shopping, and that normally gets spent on lots of lovely Christmas food (I go food shopping on Xmas eve as there are huge Christmas food bargains reduced then!) and voila! No December wages are touched by Christmas and no skint feeling on boxing day! Lol :-)

I start shopping in the January sales and keep a look out for other sales throughout the year.Also I put a few pounds on a supermarket saving card every week for the Christmas food shop and any leftover goes on last minute gifts like console games released just before Christmas.

I start my purchasing from October . . ish. I wait for the blue cross days and also tend to shop with loyalty cards. That way, there is always a little something for me in there as well !

this will sound awful and please dont tell my family!; i comp for my xmas presents and do quite well. what i dont win i look for on ebay. gumtree and freeads. its not second hand stuff, for example i just bought a yves saint laurent opium gift set, brand new still in original packaging. its over £50 in boots; i paid £30 and its no different

I save money every week for Birthdays & Christmas and then buy things in the sales or when they are on offer throughout the year.

I usually just keep an eye out for yellow reduced stickers then decide whether i want that or not LOL

I write a list, start in the Christmas sales and make sure I know what I want before I go so I don't over spend