I REVEALED great ways to save on your festive food yesterday. Today, it’s gifts.
We spend an average of £420 on presents in the run-up to Christmas, according to eBay. But you can cut that in half by following this to-do list . . .
GET A GIFT LIST: Make a list of loved ones that you’re buying for and then set yourself a budget, as well as pencilling in a specific amount next to each person.
You’ll then be able to plan possible ideas ready for when the pre-Christmas sales hit — or stash any savvy finds you spot in the end-of-summer sales now.
The earlier you make a dent in your shopping — and the better the prices you get — the more dosh you’ll have in the bank come the festive season.
BOOT FAIRS AND CHARITY SHOPS: Big retailers aren’t the only places to nab bargains.
Many car boot sales stop for the winter break, so now is the time to hit the last ones of the year as people make a dash to declutter.
You’d be surprised how much you’ll find — I’ve found unopened gift sets, silk scarves and vintage jewellery for presents.
HANDMADE HELPS: Feeling crafty? Handmade gifts and stocking fillers can save you lots of money — but can also take time to put together, so start now. Baking mix jars are also a nice gift.
Fill a jar in layers of correctly weighed-out dry ingredients and include a scroll with the full recipe.
You can make several at the same time. Otherwise, there are loads of crafting sets in the sales after the summer holidays.
BUY IN BULK: Collect stocking filler items in bulk now, instead of panic buying.
Online marketplace Etsy is full of quirky, handmade gifts, and even has a designated Bulk Gifts section full of deals.
TRACK CASHBACK: Know what you want to buy your nearest and dearest?
Use Quidco or Topcashback to find the retailer you’re buying from and click through to the shop.
Cashback can take weeks or months to appear, so start now and the cash could be in your account by the big day.
Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
DEAL OF THE DAY
GO designer with these Karl Lagerfeld trainers. The RRP is £185 but you can get a pair for just £79.99 at TK Maxx.
SAVE: £105.01
What’s new?
SPORTS Direct is offering 15 per cent off all running kit, including Asics, Nike and Adidas, at its Oxford Street flagship store from September 25 until October 3, when the London Marathon gets under way.
Runners can also use the free in-store analysis from an Asics expert to find their perfect shoe.
And the store’s nation-first Bra Studio – including bra finder tool – will ensure everyone from novices to seasoned runners, can find the right support.
CHEAP TREAT
GET a bargain taste of the Big Apple with a five-pack of New York Bakery Co bagels at Sainsbury’s for £1, usually £1.50.
SAVE: 50p
Giselle’s little helper
HAVE you seen the Fabulous “Active Ingredients” Beauty Box?
They have partnered with Latest in Beauty so you can get a huge 12 beauty products for just £30 with your exclusive offer.
These products really deliver and are worth £160. Use the code FABSAVE6 at checkout to get £6 off the edit.
TOP SWAP
CLEAN up with the Xiaomi S Series Smart WiFi Laser LDS Navigation Robot Vacuum Cleaner 2000Pa 5200 mAH Battery, £229 from Appliancesdirect.co.uk or at Aldi.co.uk this week suck up the Easy Home Vacuum Cleaner Robot for £129.99.
SAVE: £99.01
SHOP & SAVE
DECORATE your doorstep with Lidl’s outdoor plant range. This heather is just £1.69 a pot.
Hot right now
THE Perfume Shop has some stellar deals on designer scents such as Gucci Bamboo EDT, 50ml, for £29.99.
Play now to win £100 on The Sun Raffle
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
To take part go to sunsavers.co.uk or open the Sun Savers app.
- T&Cs apply. Full T&Cs at sunsavers.co.uk/faqs.
With Sun Savers, we give you the best hacks, deals and tips to save money every single day.
TO JOIN: Don’t worry, folks — joining takes just 30 seconds, in three steps.
Source: Read Full Article