This year retail experts are predicting shoppers will spend more on Christmas than they have compared to previous years.
The majority of 2020 has been shaped by the pandemic, with the nation going into lockdown and most office staff still working from home.
This week marked 100 days until Christmas - meaning the countdown is well and truly on.
However, with redundancies and furlough looming across almost all sectors, money might be a bigger concern this festive season.
We've compiled a list of useful ways you can start cutting back now and saving for Christmas.
eBay
Some of the top things to sell on eBay include items you’re likely to find lying around at home. According to Good Housekeeping, in 2018 the average price for coffee tables or ceiling lights on eBay was £55. And old barbecues were going for an average of £80.
Fitness clothing is also a big draw for shoppers, with old pairs of trainers, or football gear, going for around £25 each. If you sell these three items, you can pocket a one-off amount of £160.
If you have branded goods, ie. Nike trainers or a Black & Decker drill, include this in the description, as they’ll be more likely to sell.
Buy gifts in the sale
Big retailers such as Boots and Next traditionally hold annual pre-Christmas sales.
Boots has already launched its three for two deal, which allows you to buy three gift sets for the price of two.
While Next is rumoured to be launching its autumn sale next week. You can expect discounts on clothing and homeware items.
In the run-up to the bonanza, Next currently has a clearance sale on with reductions of 50% or more on clothes, shoes, bags, cushions and rugs.
Unlimited free Amazon deliveries
If you are planning on buying your gifts online, then do all your shopping with Amazon Prime and get your items delivered for free.
If you are not a member of Amazon Prime, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial and enjoy the benefits of unlimited deliveries. This means you can make multiple orders with the e-tailer and not pay a penny on delivery.
Use comparison websites
Ensure you are getting the best value for money by using comparison websites. Sites like Pricerunner.co.uk lets you compare more than one million products from thousands of retailers.
Use online discount codes
There’s a hidden world of voucher codes waiting to be found online. These will tell you where the latest sales and offers are on the high street. You can find sales and limited online offers from retailers such as Debenhams, John Lewis, The White Stuff and more.
It’s best to shop the deals as soon as you find them, as they only tend to be available for a short time.
Sites such as vouchercodes.co.uk and hotukdeals.com are worth monitoring.
Skip the Starbucks order
A venti caffe latté from Starbucks will set you back £2.85. Cutting back on two shop-bought coffees each week will save you £5.70, saving you £68.40 in 12 weeks.
Hold off until Black Friday
Amazon, Currys and Tesco significantly reduce the price of electricals, especially for Black Friday.
In the past, Amazon has extended its Black Friday sales for 7-10 days, with daily Flash Deals.
Black Friday is typically a four-day affair, ending on Cyber Monday with exclusive online deals.
A whole host of brands and retailers take part in the bumper sales weekend, so you can get everything from clothes to toys and even homeware items.
