Shopping Smarter not Harder

Ah, Christmas shopping — it’s the most wonderful time of the year... unless you’re staring at your bank account after splurging on gifts, decorations, and that extra few pairs of socks you really didn’t need. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! But this year, it’s time to take control and shop smart. With a little planning, you can save some serious cash, avoid last-minute stress, and still find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

Ready to take your holiday shopping game to the next level? Let’s dive into 10 tips to help you shop smart this Christmas.

START EARLY - LIKE REALLY EARLY!

We’ve all heard it a thousand times: “Start early to avoid the madness!” But seriously, starting your shopping early can save you major headaches and money. Avoid the “I’ll just buy it later” trap and start crossing people off your gift list in November. Early shoppers get the best selection, don’t miss out on sales, and have plenty of time to comparison shop. Bonus: You’ll avoid the panic of last-minute shopping!

There's also postage to consider. This time of year is often prone to delays with postal systems overrun with an influx of orders and gifts being sent across the globe. Getting on with gift buying early prevents the stress of parcels being lost or delivered late by simply adding a few days more for them to reach their destination without having to resort to expensive expedited couriers.

MAKE A LIST

You’ve heard this one too — but it’s a game changer. Make a detailed list of who you need to buy for, how much you want to spend on each person, and any specific gifts you have in mind. This helps you stay organized and focused. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting distracted by that “buy one, get one free” deal for something that’s totally not on your list. Keep your list handy, and don’t let impulse buys take over! Many shoppers believe that the key to shopping smart is to shop deals but the truth is that's rarely the case - these deals are designed to make you spend more! The smart way is to buy meaningful gifts not lots of them.

STICK TO A BUDGET

Ah, budgeting. It’s the least fun part of Christmas shopping, but it’s also the most important! Setting a budget for each person (and your total spending) helps you avoid overspending and keeps your finances in check. When you hit that checkout button online or swipe your card in the store, ask yourself: “Is this really necessary?” If the answer is yes, great! If not, put it back and save for a better deal. Many shoppers actually believe that they will get more for their money by shopping at big retailers - the truth is that people who shop with small independent businesses often get better quality items for their budget. So, don't be fooled by quantity over quality.

Wooden ornaments

Buy Now

Many retailers INCLUDING Thistle and Bard, offer exclusive discounts, early access to sales, or special promotions if you sign up for their newsletters. That means a quick pop into your inbox can save you big bucks. Websites like Honey and Rakuten also help you score cash-back deals or promo codes. At Thistle and Bard you can get 10% off for joining the newsletter and signing up to the Thistle Club allows you to collect points that you can use over the next 6 months for money off shipping and items. The more you stay in the loop, the more deals you’ll discover!

DON'T GET DISTRACT BY BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

Again, the point behind massive mega-store deals is to get you to spend more. Be clever. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become the ultimate days for Christmas shopping. But remember: Not everything on sale is a great deal. Do your research before diving in! Compare prices, read reviews, and check if you’re really getting the best value for your money. Pro tip: If you know what you’re after, some stores start offering deals well before the actual sales date — so keep an eye out!

SHOP ONLINE - CHECK THE SHIPPING COST

Online shopping has made Christmas shopping easier than ever. But with great power comes great responsibility: Don’t fall into the trap of paying for items you don't need or want simply to get Free Shipping. Many stores offer free shipping when you spend a certain amount or even have special free shipping days around the holidays. (Lookin’ at you, Amazon Prime!) If you're shopping on the internet compare whether it is cheaper to pay for the shipping or add an extra item.

COMPARE PRICES - FESTIVE FOOD

This is particularly relevant to your festive food shopping. Did you know that the 3 Bird Roast available at Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose is the EXACT SAME, and by that I mean it's made in the same processing plant - the only thing that changes is the packaging! But you'll pay more for the name of some supermarkets than others. Price comparison tools and apps like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, or even Amazon’s own price comparison feature let you quickly check prices across multiple retailers. A little extra time can mean a lot of extra savings!

Wooden decoration featuring a Christmas Dragon — Use decorations as gift tags!

BUY EXPERIENCES NOT STUFF!

Don't worry, you don't need to send your grandpa sky-diving! Not everything great for Christmas has to be something wrapped up in a box. Experiences like tickets to a concert, spa day, cooking class, or a weekend getaway can make for thoughtful, memorable gifts. While you may think that handing an envelope over isn't exactly in the spirit of Christmas, you can give it a special touch by decorating it with a wide array of festive accents. And the best part? Often, experiences don’t cost as much as physical gifts, and they’re more likely to create lasting memories. Plus, you don’t need to worry about returns. Win-win!

USE GIFT CARDS - WISELY...

We all need to guard our mental health a little more closely at this time of year and there isn't any shame in purchasing a gift card. This year hundreds of Brits have struggled with the increases to living costs and the price of Christmas is set to be about 10% higher than in other years. If you want to keep things simple and your budget is struggling, a gift card can be a good option. But be careful! Don’t just grab the first gift card you see. Choose a gift card that supports smaller businesses or comes from brands with high-quality ethics.

BE THOUGHTFUL, NOT OVERWHELMED

Here’s a little secret: People don’t always remember the price tag of a gift, but they do remember the thought behind it. Don’t stress over finding the “perfect” gift. Focus on what will make the recipient feel special, whether it’s a personalized item, a heartfelt note, or a meaningful experience. Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart — not the wallet.