With 16th September marking 100 days to go until Christmas, the festive countdown is officially on. And for many households, so is the race to get the shopping sorted.
Nearly one in five Brits (18%) will be getting ahead of the festive rush this year, boxing off their to-buy list before October begins, new research from Tesco Insurance and Money Services reveals.
Despite this, November remains the most popular month to begin Christmas shopping, with 35% of Brits waiting until then to make a start.
Women are leading the way when it comes to sorting their festive spending ahead of time, with almost a quarter (23%) starting in September or earlier, nearly twice the number of men (12%).
And with more than a third (35%) regretting leaving it late in previous years, getting an early start could prove useful in helping take some of the pressure off the festive rush.
For many, the forward planning begins with the budget. Almost four in ten Brits (38%) put money aside each month to help manage what they spend at Christmas.
Gift cards are emerging as a popular budgeting tool, with more than a fifth (22%) using them to keep festive spending in check, rising to 39%) among 18 to 24-year-olds.
But it’s not just the cost of Christmas that shoppers are thinking about. Knowing what to buy is the nation’s biggest Christmas conundrum, cited by 43% of Brits, ahead of crowded shops (23%) and affording gifts (14%).
Ban Mahsoub, Partnerships Director at Tesco Insurance and Money Services, said: “With 100 days to go until Christmas, September is a great time to start thinking ahead. Planning early can help take some of the pressure off the festive rush, while giving you more time to set a budget and spread the cost over the coming months.
“And for those who find choosing the right present tricky, gift cards can be a great way to stick to a set budget while still giving loved ones the freedom to choose something they really want.”
How to get ahead of Christmas spending
To help shoppers get ahead of the festive rush, experts at Tesco Insurance and Money Services have shared their top tips for getting organised and managing spending ahead of the big day.
1. Set your Christmas budget early
Before you start shopping, work out how much you can comfortably afford to spend over the festive season. Remember to factor in costs beyond presents, including food, travel, decorations and social plans, to give yourself a realistic overall figure.
2. Break down your gifting budget
Once you’ve set an overall budget, decide how much you’d like to spend on each person. Having individual limits in mind before you shop can make it easier to keep track of spending and avoid overspending.
3. Spread purchases over the coming months
Rather than leaving everything until December, consider spreading purchases across the paydays you have left before Christmas. Picking up gifts gradually can help spread the cost and means there’s less to organise as the big day approaches.
4. Consider gift cards for those who are difficult to buy for
If you’re stuck on what to buy someone, a gift card takes away the guesswork and lets them choose something they’ll genuinely enjoy. Choosing the value in advance can also help you stay within the amount you’ve budgeted for them.
If time is short, an eGift card can be sent digitally in minutes, while physical cards can be picked up alongside the weekly shop in Tesco stores.
5. Keep track of what you’ve already bought
Starting early only helps if you can remember what you’ve purchased. Keep a simple list of who you’re buying for, what you’ve bought and how much you’ve spent, so you can keep an eye on your overall budget and avoid accidentally doubling up.
Gift cards are available in store, including Tesco Express, or as eGift cards sent digitally. For more information, visit https://www.tescogiftcards.com.