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

[piggypoo]

I work out a budget for each person, then use loyalty points that I've earned through the year, and will use buy 2 get 1 free offers and combine that with points booster vouchers, that way I save quite a bit of cash. If I have to use my credit card, I make sure that I am getting 0% interest and rewards while I spend!

[beehummingbird]

I just keep an eye out for gifts and deals in general from November onwards.

Also it's worth using the Amazon Prime trial in December, so that any gifts you order will get to you quicker.

[pattiesplum]

I start shopping for presents in September looking something I hope friends and family will love.

Sticking to my budget is important so I am always on the look out for good buys and attend a few auctions where new/returned goods are auctioned and get some really excellent bargains. Usually manage to get most of my presents this way which means I can buy a "better" present than I could afford in a shop etc,

[baconbap]

I keep an eye out for presents all year round. That way it's less stressful and the cost is spread out

[sydroo]

I have to say I'm awful at planning, I tend to have a vague idea of what people would need, I don't like buying presents like Santa socks that will either never be used or, given away to a charity shop in three years time when the sock draw is full.
I do all my Christmas shopping in one go, usually at the end of second week of December when shops start reducing prices and introducing buy one get one free offers and take advantage of lat night shopping when it tends too be less crowded.

[carriecakes]

When it comes to Christmas shopping,
I start very early on,
I normally start on Jan the 1st
I know some think that's wrong!
But I have four kids to buy for
so careful I must be,
its even harder these days,
(Thanks to lack of money!)
So first, I grab the bargains,
from the sales in january
Its amazing what you can get
Bargains, there are so many!
I also use the Charity shops,
My kids don't really care
if their toys been played with before,
as long as its now theirs!
I also make sure I budget
kids don't need too much,
its the memories you make with them
that give the magic touch,
The last thing that I do
is to swap the things our kids don't use,
Us mums and dads we all meet up
and swap toys. clothes and shoes!
This can be amazing, and
save you so much dough!
Just bag up all your kids old stuff
call your friends round and
then go!
But just remember if you're poor like me
that its not how much you spend,
its about the time you have at Christmas
Altogether, in the end. :-)

[chrriss]

OK so I start my Xmas shopping in the January sales (best bargains). Hot UK deals have some great saving throughout the year. I see what I want and then 'mega shop bot' it to see if I can get it cheaper. I prefer to shop online and always look for discount and promo codes and 'free delivery'. I'm not adverse to asking the website for free deliver or discounts too! Lastly go through a money back site for that extra bit of savings! Check returns policy, gifts purchased early need to be able to return after Xmas if not wanted!

[Juicyjo]

I'm always on the lookout for bargains throughout the year, and take advantage of offers, like 3 for 2, too. I have to admit that I'm not quite so organised with the wrapping of them though! Also, make sure you keep a list of what you've bought, if you buy through the year, or you'll end up like I did a few years ago...forgetting what you've already purchassed, and finding that you've got two presents for some people and none for others!

[jennyn8545]

We have a rough list of what the boys have asked for. From the end of august onwards we start buying to spread the cost.
For main presents or more expensive/ sell out items i usually compare prices online and then go with the best deals, As they say every little helps !

[igu04366]

I do occasionally buy some smaller Christmas presents on the spur of the moment throughout the year if I see a good deal, but generally shop around for the best price on my family's main presents. I will compare online prices with those in the shops as it can sometimes be cheaper in store.

In relation to Christmas food, I always just buy this from my usual supermarket but I tend not to go crazy as I don't want food going to waste.

[tiddles12]

I tend to buy things from charity shops or in the sales that I think people would like. I also use MSE forums and MN forums to seek out bargains and loo for gifts on ebay.

[Widgetg]

I always intend to start christmas shopping early but usually never actually achieve it... But this year I'm pleased to say I bought my first christmas present at the beginning of September and have slowly been getting a few present here and there since then. I have nearly all presents bought and wrapped now which is great, much less stressful than other years and I've managed to get some great offers too!

[FrenchieMum2Be]

I have a budget and set list of people to buy presents for. This helps keeping the budget on track, also we put money away each month to pay for Christmas a instead of waiting for December to pay it all. Well that's the plan anyway!

[dragon60]

Shop all year around. PIck up bargains in the Christmas sales for the following year. It is never too early to start.

[custardcream1000]

Firstly I allocate a budget for each person so I know what I can afford. I start looking for presents from August so I have time to find the best deals and think carefully about what I want to buy each person.

There is nothing worse than last minute shopping. I find it often results in overspending, stress and buying presents for the sake of it.

Happy xmas everyone :)

[KatieBMumsnet]

Thanks for all your comments and tips.

The winner of the prize draw is...

wonderingsoul

Congratulations, I'll PM you for your details.