Christmas in two months? Get ready and maximize savings

There are roughly two leftses for Christmas. Does it seem like a long time? It really isn’t, especially given the confusion it creates as it approaches. In the months of November and December the demand for gifts increases day by day and, some brands even decide to raise their prices. When there is a lot of demand, brands don’t “need” to make discounts. Thus, we end up buying the items at higher prices and the profit margin of the brands increases significantly. The best way to counter this cycle is to prepare in advance. Right now, you can and should start your Christmas shopping. Several commercial surfaces have promotions at these times, whether in clothing, toys, beauty products. There are several options. In this article, we cover some strategies that you can put into practice and save on your Christmas shopping.

Make a list of Christmas gifts

the first step is make a list of people to whom you intend to give a gift. This strategy will allow you to stay organized and avoid last minute surprises. So, start by naming friends and family to whom you usually give something for Christmas. However, be aware if you need to “effectively” offer all these gifts. We often offer something to people out of “habit”, that is, we don’t really have much contact with the person anymore. With rising prices it is more difficult to cover all expenses and we often have to cut back. Giving gifts “just because” is not a good habit and your savings are harmed. “Secret friend”, include that value in your list. Thus, you avoid a surprise expense when the time comes. Remember if, planning and organization are key to maximizing savings. Also read: Christmas Expenses: How to prevent them from affecting your wallet

Set a Christmas Budget

Another savings strategy (at any time of the year) is the budget creation. When it comes to Christmas, it is no exception. Assign a maximum amount you want to spend on your Christmas shopping it’s a way to limit your spending and promote self-control. As far as your Christmas budget is concerned, you can choose to set a maximum overall amount, for example €200. On the other hand, you can opt for individualized budgets for each person. This last option ends up allowing you to choose to spend more money with some people, such as close family, than with others. So, for example, you can have a budget of €30 for your mother’s gift and €15 for a friend’s gift. The type of budget you decide to make is up to you. O “trick” is to set limits to avoid excessive and unnecessary spending.Read also: Unique and economical gift? Get ready to make your Christmas basketAn important point in the preparation of your Christmas shopping is the looking for discounts and promotions. In any situation where you want to save it is important search and compare prices and the same goes for Christmas. Between October and November there are several specific promotions, some last longer, others may only be for a weekend. Thus, it is important to do a weekly survey and ensure that they do not “escape”. On the other hand, you should also be aware of the price of the articles in question. Sometimes, before placing the discounted items, some surfaces increase their original value in order to appear that the discount is greater and, thus, increase their profit margins. The positive part of doing this research early is be able to choose and enjoy the best discounts. Buying in a hurry in December means that you have to choose what is available and for the price at which it is, as you will not have time for more. And so you end up spending a lot more. Also read: Want to save on Christmas gifts? The trick is in the budget

Check if items can be wrapped in store

One aspect that may go unnoticed, but which is actually relevant is the wrapping Christmas items. Whenever you buy something, whether in a store or a supermarket, you should ask what the wrapping options are. In certain places you have the possibility to have your gifts wrapped. In others you can buy a branded bag. There is also the possibility to bring wrapping paper home. Whatever the situation, look for bring items already wrapped or in the appropriate gift bags. What often happens when buying Christmas gifts early is not asking to be wrapped, preferring to “take care of it later”. But then you will have to buy wrapping paper or bags, which will result in higher expenses. Also Read: 15 Affordable and Remarkable Souvenirs to Give This Christmas

Extension of time for exchanges

If you choose to do your Christmas shopping from October onwards, don’t forget to mention, in the checkout box, that the articles will only be offered in December. In this way, employees can extend the exchange period. Although many stores already do extension of deadline for exchanges from october, you should always check, as not all do. However, when it is done, it turns out to be beneficial, as it allows the recipient to exchange it if necessary. This situation is particularly important for items such as clothes and shoes. Also read: Christmas Decoration: 5 tips to save without ceasing to shine

offer gift cards

Often, when we don’t know what to offer, the solution is gift card. Despite being quite practical, this solution turns out to be much more expensive, as the amount we choose is often higher than what we would like to spend. That is, you may end up feeling obliged to give a greater value and will spend more than you would if you bought something on time and at a discount. Also read: Save on Christmas gifts? A handful of suggestions up to 10 euros