It seems like Christmas comes early every year. Already in November, after Halloween, Christmas lights appear in the streets, shop windows change, nougat arrives in supermarkets and sometimes Christmas carols even play. However, despite these signs, up to a quarter of people in Spain They leave their Christmas shopping until the last minuteand that may be costing the domestic economy extra money. Despite this, approximately half of the population does advance their purchases.
He average spending on Christmas in Spain Last year it was 745 euros per person, according to OCU calculations, and Christmas and Epiphany gifts represent more than half of this expense, followed by meals with the family. Although according to surveys, consumers usually expect to spend more than the previous year, making purchases early can be a good strategy to save money and also avoid last-minute stress.
Plan purchases and make a budget
The first step, which is very often forgotten, is to be clear about what you need to buy and how much you plan to spend. Create a list of the people you want to give gifts to and include any additional expenses, such as decorations and special foods for Christmas lunches and dinners. Once you have established a specific amount for each category, it will be easier to avoid overspending and start looking for deals. In addition, you will have time to observe the evolution of the prices of the products you want to buy.
Take advantage of pre- and post-Christmas discounts
In recent years, the shopping season begins with discounts that are presented before December arrives. Dates such as Black Friday, the fourth Friday in November, and Cyber Monday, the following Monday, both imported from the United States, have been adopted by stores around the world to offer discounts on products such as technology, fashion and toys. Even the January sales can offer interesting deals if you’re willing to hand over some gifts with a note that they’ll arrive soon. In Spain, in 2023, the estimated average spending on Black FridayAccording to the OCU, it was more than 200 euros per person.
Buy from wholesalers and outlets
The outlets Fashion and electronics, for their part, offer the possibility of purchasing products from leftover series at discounts, which can be advantageous for gifts. On the other hand, wholesale shopping centers such as Makro or Costco allow you to buy food or decoration products in large quantities at reduced prices, especially frozen products, such as meat and fish, and other foods such as chocolate or wine. The advantage of these purchases in large quantities is that we can save a lot of money if we share them with other people.
Consider handmade gifts
Nowadays, many people—and especially children when we talk about games and toys—have all the things they need, and even more than they need, since they are easily accessible through online purchases on sites like Amazon or AliExpress. Opting for handmade gifts is a great way to add a personalized touch while saving money. Local markets and craft fairs offer unique products that are often competitively priced and support artisans. If you’re good at it, you can also make your own gifts, such as soaps, scented candles, or Christmas decorations. These more personal gifts are more appreciated than commercial ones, according to surveys.
Book tickets and experiences in advance
If you plan to give experiences instead of physical products, such as trips or shows, looking for deals on tickets, flights or hotel reservations in advance can help you save, as they tend to increase in price at Christmas. Booking airline tickets on airlines with dynamic pricing policies or using travel apps that monitor fares will help you find better prices. Many booking platforms offer special discounts or coupons in the run-up to Christmas, which is ideal for getting a getaway at a good price. In addition, the experiences do not end up in the trash like many objects that are given as gifts these days.
Avoid impulse purchases
Impulse buying is a common trap that many people fall into at Christmas. Going back to the first point, having a clear and specific list of what you really need will help you avoid falling into last-minute temptations. Also, before each purchase, evaluate whether the item is truly necessary or if it is a temporary temptation, and do not get carried away by the price. Even discounted items are expensive if you don’t need them.
Drip costs: also think about shipping
If you shop online, include shipping costs in your budget, as they are sometimes higher at Christmas. On the contrary, some stores offer free shipping on minimum orders or allow you to pick up products in store to avoid these additional costs. Making purchases in batches also helps reduce shipping costs, rather than making multiple small purchases. In 2022, Shipping costs increased by 10% in Spain during Christmas, which makes one think about the advantages of getting ahead of time.
Getting Christmas shopping early can not only help us reduce stress and expenses. We will also be helping the environment and avoiding traffic jams, returns and additional waste. Christmas, the quintessential family holiday, is meant to be enjoyed with those closest to you, but a little forethought can make it a little cheaper and more relaxed this year.
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