Five tips to save your cash and avoid panic buying for last minute Christmas gifts
STILL have Xmas gifts to buy? Then you can still make big savings.
Retail experts predict today will be the busiest High Street shopping day of the year as people hit the stores to panic buy last-minute prezzies.
But the shopping surge is also a great opportunity to make your money go a lot further and pick up your presents for less.
So here are five easy ways to stretch your Christmas cash on the High Street.
- Haggle. It may seem embarrassing at first but many stores will be willing to cut you a Christmas deal. According to the website , John Lewis, TK Maxx, Tesco and Homebase are most likely to give discounts if you ask. And 97 per cent of small, local stores will also oblige.
- Hunt down the deals. Big-name stores including Debenhams, Boots and M&S already have 50 per cent off promotions on gift items, saving you a small fortune. Check online before you head out to save time.
- Try “showrooming”. Take your smartphone to shops with you and when you see an item you want, compare the price online. If you can get a better deal on the internet, show staff and see if they will price match it for you to buy the item in-store straight away.
- Know which stores you want to shop in? Buy a discounted gift card from Zeek.me to get more for your money.
- After a specific item? Go early. But if you want bargains, go after 4pm or even hold on until the weekend when stock will be reduced even further.
Mini save
GRAB the perfect pair of kids’ Xmas PJs at a bargain price. Children’s All-over Polar Bear Onesie at .
Was £26
Now £18
Save big
HERE’S a gem of a deal. Revere Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Cluster Earrings at Argos.
Was £99.99
Now £24.99
Save small
YOU’LL be sitting pretty with this offer. Catherine Lansfield chunky-knit cushion covers at Tesco.com.
Was £25
Now £8.83
Reader's tip
MARGARET JELLEY, from Newcastle, says: “Mix 50g of your fave coffee with 50g of supermarket economy granules. You still get a lovely cuppa at a fraction of the price.”
Send us your tips to [email protected] and you will get 28 codes worth £5 if your tip is used. Please include your name and town.
Designer double
SWAP this £370 Gucci Appliquéd distressed printed cotton-jersey T-shirt for the £13 Megan McKenna white Guilty-print T-shirt at .
SAVE: £357
Jane's tip
MAKE the most of this tasty deal. New customers signing up to Co-op insurance before May 31 get Co-op £50 food vouchers. See .
- PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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THERE are only 16 days to go until the return of everyone’s favourite Holidays From £9.50.
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