Emma Farrell knew Christmas was coming, but there was another event she was also waiting for that could make it a lot cheaper.
The 42-year-old mum from from Wrexham, North Wales, had seen there was a discount deal set to launch on the Nectar website that could save her some serious cash.
"It’s a yearly thing and I save up my points every year for it to save money on Christmas presents as it’s really rare to include games in offers like this," Emma explained on money-saving website LatestDeals.co.uk .
“I managed to buy three Nintendo Switch games for my seven year old son Oliver - Luigi's Mansion 3, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe for £50 worth of Nectar points doubled up to £100."
But that wasn't the end of her savings.
"I also had a coupon through the post for £7.50 off a £50 in store spend so it should have been £132.97 for it all but with the £50 points doubled and the £7.50 coupon I only paid £25.47 in total," she explained.
“I made the most of the offer by using the coupon,” Emma added.
“I had it through the post and was saving it for the offer hoping it would stack and it did.
"I went first thing this morning straight after the school run to make sure I got the games I wanted as they were on Oliver’s Christmas list.”
Emma also recommended doing some research before heading to your local store to make the most of the offer.
“I was super excited that they were all in stock and before I doubled up the points on the app, I went to customer services and asked them to check if all three games were in stock first and couldn't believe it when they were as my Sainsbury's only has a relatively small games section.”
And other parents have been inspired by her efforts.
"Thank you so much for sharing the great deal, I was waiting for this one”, one wrote on the money-saving community group.
“This is brilliant well worth using this,” another added.
Emma had tips for people wanting to follow her tactics too.
“Find out the games or products you want and make a list with alternatives just in case your chosen ones aren't in stock,” she said.
“Ask at customer services before doubling up to check as the games are empty cases and they may not have them in the stock room.
“If there is no stock, ask when they will have more in or if another local store has stock and if they can check.
"Check your Nectar app for bonus spends and offers all year round to collect the points and keep them for the double up. eBay is also a fab way to collect extra points too.”
All of it adds up to what should be a very happy Christmas morning for her son.
“He will be so excited as I kept saying to him that's a lot on games and I don't know if Father Christmas will pay that much and I know that without this offer there is no way I would be spending £133 on three games,” Emma said.
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk , said: “Emma is clearly a pro when it comes to maximising your Christmas shopping and getting as much as you can for your money!
"Sainsbury's Double Up is now live in-store and you can use it on wine, electricals, clothing, toys and more."
