It might only be October, but almost a third (31%) of us have planned on starting Christmas shopping already with a further 12% planning to get cracking before the end of the month. And it seems this group have got the right idea, as writer and shopping expert Alexandra Stedman recommends ‘early gifting’ to get the most value out of Christmas.
According to new research we are a nation of bargain hunters, with the majority of us (64%) shopping around for the best price of the item we want to buy. This is likely to be even more prevalent at the moment, amid the cost-of-living crisis, with the research also suggesting that Christmas shopping this Autumn is taking slightly different shape.
Over half (53%) have said they are planning to spend less than last year, with many also looking to alternate ways of gifting. Alex Stedman recommends getting creative with traditional gifts – for example, taking a multipack and splitting to make gifts for several recipients at once.
Almost two thirds (65%) have said that they would re-gift a present, with 37% saying they would do so if they thought the recipient would like the gift, 36% doing so to save money and 19% doing so because sustainability and circular consumption is important to them.
Alex’s suggestions for ‘eco’ Christmas gifts include reusable mugs, water bottles and even pantry items like refillable olive oil pourers.
This year, 36% have also said that they are considering making their own gift, 16% are not buying gifts at all and 1 in 10 would also consider restoring/upholstering a household item that they already have as a gift.
The 16% who’ve said they won’t be buying gifts say they will do something thoughtful for the people they care about instead.
To talk about these trends and advise people on being “frugal” with their spending this Christmas, Alexandra Stedman of “Thefrugality.com” has teamed up with TK Maxx to give her tips on saving and being economical when gifting this Christmas season.
Top 10 Savvy Christmas Shopping Tips by Alex Stedman i.e. The Frugality
- Try and start buying presents early to help spread the cost. I start buying from September/October whenever I see the perfect gift and put it aside.
- Do you have someone who is notoriously hard to buy for? Useful gifts are always the best gifts, in my opinion! Kitchen essentials, hand soap, socks and even food (I love the Deli section at TK Maxx) will guarantee to be used.
- Looking for more sustainable options? There are lots of eco cups, water bottles and gorgeous pantry items at TK Maxx like refillable olive oil jars which make great presents.
- I love buying multipacks, like a set of 6 candles and then splitting them up, I will wrap a couple of candles with ribbon and give as a gorgeous dinner party gift. 3 gifts in 1!
- Save boxes and tissue from your home deliveries to reuse when sending gifts by post.
- Write down gift ideas as soon as they pop into your head. That way you can start purchasing early, saving money but also ticking it off your list sooner! It also helps aimlessly shopping and overspending.
- Stocking fillers don't have to break the bank. TK Maxx often does great multipacks of books, hot chocolate, bath bombs and kids nail polishes which you can split up for added value.
- Save any spare ribbon and giftbags to reuse - I love digging through my box of saved ribbons!
- Try adding present boundaries. We have quite a large family so instill a one present rule - it helps us and our kids from expecting lots of gifts at this time of year and makes us really think about what we need.
- A personal element is a great way to add extra 'value' to a gift. For example, we take a dessert in an oven dish for friends - and they get to enjoy the food and keep the dish after!
Alex Stedman said: "I have been an avid fan of TK Maxx for years, I love the thrill of the find and it's truly the best place for finding the perfect gifts for friends and family. We usually budget for the gifting season and start planning and buying presents early which helps to spread the cost. I know a lot of people will be looking at ways to save this festive season and TK Maxx is the place to find quality and value gifts without the compromise."
