CHRISTMAS 2022 was only yesterday but here’s what you should look out for, and avoid in the festive sales to prep for Christmas 2023.
There’s nothing wrong with being a bit (or a lot) ahead of schedule – so why not consider what you can get in this year’s Christmas sales that you can use for next year’s festive holiday?
Scott Dixon is a consumer rights expert
We’ve all felt the financial squeeze this year, as energy bills rise and temperatures drop we’re all finding ways to cut costs.
And for this year’s Christmas gifts, many of us turned to sale days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the hope that we’d save a bit of cash this year.
Buying presents, or items, for next year can be a good shout – not only will you be extra prepared, but you might also save some cash.
Shopping expert Scott Dixon, of The Complaints Resolver, spoke to HOAR to give his tips and tricks on what to look out for and what to avoid.
Here’s what you can prepare for.
The eight items you should look out for online and in-store
Scott suggested plenty of items for shoppers to look out for in store and online.
Some of the ones we’ve listed below are better to get hold of in store.
Scott explained: “Simply because it’s more practical to get these items quickly as everyone else will be planning ahead to do Christmas on a budget next year too.”
1. Wrapping paper
Look for Christmas wrapping paper in store, whether that be at your local supermarket, card shop or stationery store.
Most places will put them on sale and you could get some really good offers.
2. Christmas cards
Like with wrapping paper, Scott said you’d want to find these in a shop.
Not only will card shops be putting them on sale, but very often charity shops tend to sell cheap packs of cards right after Christmas Day too.
3. Artificial Christmas trees
If you can carry them, try and get these in a shop too.
They’ll most likely be easier to spot on sale if you’re physically in a store.
4. Boxed gift sets
Think your Ted Baker, Sanctuary and Dove sets.
Many gift sets that weren’t sold this time around will be put on sale so stores can get rid of them.
5. Wicker baskets
Scott suggested shoppers look out for these to use for hampers next year.
You could then collect items over 2023 that you could put in the hamper and gift to a loved one.
These, he said should be found in store.
6. Winter clothing
It’s going to continue to be cold for another couple of months, so you might want to make use of the sales to get yourself some winter warmers.
But, you could also use it to get some warmer clothing for friends and family for next year.
Scott said to look in clothes shops for these, you might be able to find particular items quicker and test the sizing and quality.
7. Air fryers
Scott said that many shoppers will also be looking to buy items that will save them and their loved ones money on their energy bills.
He said air fryers should be bought online.
You’ll be able to compare multiple air fryers across several brands and then choose the best one on offer.
Make sure you know what kind of air fryer you’re after first so that you’re prepared and know which ones to look out for.
As they’re popular this year as they’re meant to be cheap to run, they’re more likely to sell out faster.
8. Heated throws
Finally, and similar to air fryers, heated throws should be bought online if you want the best chance to get a good deal and avoid missing out.
Scott said: “You can do price comparisons online from the comfort of your own home and order to collect or have delivered at a time to suit you.”
Choose your items wisely
Scott said: “Shoppers ought to look for what will give them the most bang for their buck.
“Times are hard and money is tight, so make sure you choose wisely.
“Buy things that you will make good use out of.”
It’s important to remember that just because something is on sale, it doesn’t mean you’re saving money.
But if you planned to get it already, then yes, that’s a save.
However, if you’re getting something purely because it’s on sale, that’s a loss.
If you’re considering buying some sporting gifts for loved ones, Scott said to wait.
He added: “Avoid buying anything to do with fitness or exercise.
“Retailers will be attempting to monetise your good intentions in getting fit and losing weight, so these items will be premium priced.
“Wait until a few weeks into the New Year when the novelty wears off.”
On top of that, don’t buy anything that could get ruined by the time Christmas 2023 comes around.
The shopping expert said: “Make sure you choose non-perishable items.”
Of course, if you know what you want to buy a loved one next year, then do also check if it’s on sale now – you could save yourself loads.
