How to Covid proof your Christmas shopping and save up to £1,020
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WITH just nine weeks to go, this year’s Christmas is shaping up a little differently.
And our budgets are set to be stretched even more than usual.
But if you are canny and organised you can pick up early bargains. Follow our guide and you could save up to £1,020.
On average, families spend around £700 on their Christmas shopping, but a third of us are planning to shell out less than normal this year due to financial concerns caused by Covid.
Sun Savers Editor Giselle Wainwright says: “Everything has changed this year and we’re all a bit more worried about spending too much. But I refuse to let that ruin Christmas.
“Really get stuck into planning the details now. Mark these dates in your diary and, even on a budget, you can have the Christmas Day you and the family deserve.”
The British Retail Consortium is also encouraging us to start shopping now to avoid the last-minute dash, so everyone from delivery drivers to supermarket workers can stay safe.
Remember to always compare prices before you shop and do your research to make sure you're getting a bargain and not a dud deal.
Also, you won't make any savings if you spend money you didn't intend or need to.
Here, Giselle shows you how to plan ahead...
Wednesday October 21
It's mid-season toy sale time. At Tesco, I like the Harry Potter invisibility cloak, was £30 now £15.
Get 50 per cent off soft toys at – I like the Mickey Mouse, now £20 down from £40.
Use code TREE20 to get 20 per cent off the rainbow tree at , making it £24 instead of £30.
Buy big presents now and you’re spreading that cost and ensuring you get delivery for Christmas.
One of the big ones is a bike but stock is going fast.
Last year, Halfords cut the price of kids’ bikes by 20 per cent, with savings of up to £50 per bike.
SAVING: £55
Sunday November 1
Halloween treats will be slashed in price as there aren’t many parties to attend.
Expect up to 50 per cent off Haribo, Swizzels and the like. Save them for stockings or Christmas Eve boxes (from £1 at The Works).
Many stores are ditching Black Friday for Black November, with both B&Q and Boots already committing.
SAVING: £10-15
Wednesday November 11
Add a pro cocktail shaker kit, RRP £75.99, for £11.99 at .
SAVING: £10
Monday December 7
Last year, Boots slashed the price of electricals at this point.
The Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver was down from £449.99 to £179.99!
Expect more big savings like that.
If you are planning ahead for 2021, you can switch accounts and save with Natwest and get £125 (T&Cs apply) but remember, you won’t get the money until February.
SAVING: £270 (and £125 in 2021)
Friday December 18
Send parcels second class now or you’ll have to use first class, costing around £6 extra on a medium-sized parcel.
Advent calendars are usually slashed, so buy them as stocking fillers.
Christmas veg is set to be slashed. Last year Lidl had carrots, parsnips, spuds and sprouts at just 15p a bag.
Last year Aldi’s turkeys were cheapest, at £9 for a small one, com-pared with £14 at Waitrose.
SAVING: £15
Saturday December 19
Use cashback sites such as topcashback, quidco or mymoneypocket for big buys.
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Last year at this time, topcashback was offering £15 back for Currys/PC World buys and three per cent back at Game (around £2 per top game).
SAVING: £41
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