It’s less than 100 days until Christmas! Here’s how to save money on your food and kids’ presents now

YES it's only September and too right autumn's only just kicked in, but it's still time to start thinking about Christmas.

Today marks 100 days until December 25 hits, which means if you want to spread the cost you'd better start thinking about it now.

Apparently, even with 15 weeks to go a massive 25% of women have already started picking up gifts. That's according to American Express anyway. No need to worry if that's struck fear into your heart though, as there are ways to spread the load a bit using handy offers from shops.

Toys R Us

This is probably the first port of call for most mums and dads, but did you know it has a scheme to help you get organised early?

You can spread the cost of toys you buy over three months, and even better the shop will hold on to it for you.

It's called , and it means you don't need to fork out hundreds in one go or run the risk of your little one breaking into their Pokemon.

You pay £5 for the service, then pick whether you want to spread the cost over one, two or three months. A 20% deposit is taken, and it's worth remembered you'll lose a tenner if you change your mind.

Tesco

The supermarket lets shoppers save up over the year, so they have a decent whack to splash on Christmas.

Obviously you've missed most of the months, but there's an incentive to use the scheme as you'll get rewards even if you start now.

Tesco Clubcard holders can use the but they need to start by October 18. It works by adding money into your account, with Tesco offering bonuses depending on how much you have saved.

• £25 - £49.50 top up = £1.50 bonus
• £50 - £99.50 top up = £3 bonus
• £100 - £199.50 top up = £6 bonus
• £200 - £360 top up = £12 bonus

If you do this, you'll be sent Clubcard vouchers, top-up vouchers and ones for your bonus in November - so just in time to buy that turkey.

Halfords

Another great option for any budding Bradley Wiggins's out there.

If your child is already hinting about getting a bike for Christmas, you could do worse than taking advantage of the .

It lets you pay in instalments once you've given a £10 deposit. You won't pay more than if you handed over the lump sum and just need to make sure the whole amount is cleared by Christmas Eve.