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 even Christmas carols can be heard. However, despite these signs, almost a quarter of Spaniards wait to do their Christmas shopping until the last minute, which could cost the national economy additional money. Despite this, around half of the population advances their purchases.
The average spend at Christmas in Spain last year was 745 euros per person, according to OCU calculations, and Christmas and Epiphany gifts account for more than half of that spend, followed by family meals . Although surveys show consumers generally expect to spend more than the previous year, shopping early can be a good strategy to save money and avoid last-minute stress.
Plan your purchases and establish a budget
The first step, very often forgotten, is to be clear on what you need to buy and how much you plan to spend. Create a list of 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 establish 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 wish to purchase.
Take advantage of discounts before and after Christmas
In recent years, the shopping season begins with discounts presented before the arrival of December. 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 January sales can have great deals if you’re willing to give gifts and specify that they’ll be arriving soon. In Spain, in 2023, the estimated average spending for Black Friday, according to the OCU, was more than 200 euros per person.
Buy from wholesalers and points of sale
THE points of sale Fashion and electronics, on the other hand, offer the opportunity to purchase products from the remaining series at discounted prices, which can be advantageous for gifts. On the other hand, wholesale shopping centers like Makro or Costco allow you to purchase food or decoration products in large quantities at reduced prices, including frozen products, such as meat and fish, and other foods such as chocolate or wine. The advantage of buying these in large quantities is that you can save a lot of money if you share them with other people.
Consider handmade gifts
Nowadays, many people – and especially children when it comes to games and toys – have everything they need, and even more than they need, since they are easily accessible through online purchases. online 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, often at competitive prices, and support artisans. If you are good at this, you can also make your own gifts, like soaps, scented candles or Christmas decorations. These more personal gifts are more appreciated than commercial gifts, according to surveys.
Book your tickets and experiences in advance
If you plan to offer experiences rather than physical products, such as trips or shows, searching for deals in advance on tickets, flights or hotel reservations can help you save, as their prices tend to increase at Christmas. Booking plane tickets from 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 a cheap getaway. Plus, experiences don’t end up in the trash like many items given as gifts these days.
Avoid impulse purchases
Impulse buying is a common trap many people fall into at Christmas. To return to the first point, having a clear and precise list of what you really need will help you avoid falling into last-minute temptations. Also, before each purchase, evaluate whether the item is really necessary or 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 Fees: Consider Shipping Too
If you are shopping online, include shipping costs in your budget, as they are sometimes higher at Christmas. On the contrary, some stores offer free delivery on minimum orders or allow you to pick up products in store to avoid these additional costs. Purchasing in batches also helps reduce shipping costs, rather than making several small purchases. In 2022, shipping costs increased by 10% to Spain over Christmas, suggesting the benefits of thinking ahead.
Doing your Christmas shopping early can not only help us reduce stress and expenses. We will also protect the environment and avoid traffic jams, returns and additional waste. Christmas, the ultimate family holiday, is meant to be enjoyed with your loved ones, but a little forethought can make it a little cheaper and more relaxed this year.
