When is It Best to Start Saving for Christmas?
As we enter into October, Christmas suddenly doesn’t feel too far away does it?
With so much to organise during the festive season, it makes sense to get started as early as possible.
So, when is it best to start saving for Christmas?
Here, you’ll discover when to start saving and how to organise everything to ensure you have a relaxing, enjoyable festive period.
When should you start to save?
According to experts, the ideal time to start saving and planning towards Christmas is August.
This gives you plenty of time to save up a decent amount before the festive season.
However, don’t worry if you still haven’t started, as long as you start soon, you should still have plenty of time to save.
Obviously, the earlier you can start saving, the easier you’ll find it to pay for Christmas.
Some people even choose to start their Christmas shopping in the January sales.
It’s amazing how much you could potentially save if you take advantage of the year-round sales.
Buy big presents early
If you’re planning on buying big presents for the kids, it’s worth getting those out of the way as early as possible.
Not only does this free up your budget nearer Christmas for everything else, but it also ensures you aren’t worrying about whether your big presents will arrive in time.
So, if you’re planning on buying big Christmas gifts, now’s the time to either buy them, or at least start to save up for them.
Saving money for Christmas is hard for absolutely everyone, restricting yourself money to later spend on someone else is strange to some people.
So why not buy something which is very affordable yet incredibly fun to use, why not buy kids electric cars, they will keep your kids occupied for hours.
Consider setting up a savings scheme
There’s a lot of Christmas savings schemes you can take advantage of. While some do require you to start saving at the beginning of the year, others allow you to start whenever you’re ready.
There’s still time to sign up to supermarket Christmas schemes for example.
These allow you to collect points towards your Christmas shopping each time you do a grocery shop.
The amount you could save through these schemes is surprising. So, why not take a look at which schemes are currently available?
So, when should you start saving for Christmas? As soon as possible!
Remember, the earlier you start to save and get organised, the less stress you’ll have nearer the time.
It also reduces the chances you’ll need to turn to credit cards to fund the festive period.
Saving now could help you to avoid getting into debt, so make it a priority to set aside a little each month.
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I always swear every year that I am going to be better at this, but here I am again. I found some nice scooters, for my son. It’s March and I’m still not saving up like I should be! Thank you for the tips!
The problem with Christmas shopping I always find stuff I like lol! I do try to buy through out the year but will only give someone a present if I think they will really like it as I find it a waste to buy something they won’t like or use.
This is the first year that i have bought my Christmas presents throughout the year whenever i see something and the relief is tremendous. You can pick up so many presents in the Spring and Summer sales and i will probably buy a few gifts in the Christmas sales this year, to give me a head start!
I am so glad you have found that it really does help you and has eased the pressure!
I have to admit im almost done with my shopping! Still some little bits to get but the bulk is in!
Oh wow well done you – that is absolutely fantastic!
I always swear every year that I am going to be better at this, but here I am again. It’s October and I’m still not saving up like I should be! Thank you for the tips!
It’s awful isn’t it haha I am most definitely the same in most ways.
these are great tips! I always try to shop early to make sure I am covered and dont have to spend too much later.
I would say the best time to start saying is Dec 26..Being a procrastinator however Christmas shopping is something that kills me every year. I especially liked the concept of buying the biggest presents first.
Haha I pretty much like you I would LOVE to start ASAP but I’m always last minute.
Everyone’s excited for Christmas but the expenses can get so big so I have also started saving some.
It can be so hard can’t it! Can really take it out of your finances.
This was great to read! We always start saving around March and by the time that Christmas comes we always get to much so maybe we should start in August!
You could always give it a try and if it doesn’t work out switch back.
This is such a smart idea. It’s so easy to have the Christmas season sneak up on you and be unprepared financially. Starting early is a great stress reducer.
It can really creep up on you if you aren’t ready can’t it!
I don’t think it’s ever to early to start saving especially if you have a big family
That’s true we all have different amounts of people to buy for.
I’m really late starting to save this year I feel awful and hopefully can still swing it. We are doing it a bit different this year so hopefully that helps!
It’s never too late! At least you are thinking about it now and not leaving it till the last minute.
I also like the idea of buying bigger gifts ahead of time. I normally start my holiday shopping in Labor day, this year I am behind.
If you know what you want as well you can always look out for them being on sale.
I put a little bit away from every paycheck into savings so that I can have that fund. It never fails!
That’s such a good idea! I guess you could always set it up to be taken automatically as well.
I don’t really ‘save’ for Christmas. Being self-employed I usually just buy a gift or two each time I’m paid for a gift, and just pray to God I manage to get something for everyone before the big day. It’s not a great way of doing things, but there always seems to be something needs paying for so it’s the best way for me 🙂
Louise x
I think as long as you have a way that works for you, then it is all good! We all do things our own way.
August is a good month to start saving and purchasing the things you need for Christmas. My ex was really good at this. Although she would start all year long. I was always impressed.
It is amazing how some people can be so on the ball about it all.
Such wonderful ideas. This is not just for Christmas presents but will help to buy anything significant. I absolutely agree with you planning as earliest as possible is the key for sure.
That is very true, it could really work for any situation.
I was delighted to go into the loft yesterday and find some presents that I bought much earlier in the year. The challenge now is to remember that I bought them when it comes to Christmas…
Oh wow now that is a great find! I always do that and then find them in the new year whoops!
These are all such great tips! I try to buy gifts early every year, so I can spread out the cost of everything!!
It makes a difference not having a huge expense at once doesn’t it.
Saving ahead for Christmas is a great idea. This way gift buying can be planned and organised within a budget x
Most definitely it makes things more simple, you just need to remember what you have got!
Even if you put aside $40 a month into an account, you will have plenty by time it comes for shopping. We always do ours in December.
Most definitely it really can mount up over the course of a year.
I’ve always looked at those saving schemes but never done one – it is definitely something to consider.
I’ve used Park for many years now and it has always been a great help.
I find it best to spend throughout the year. That way I can avoid getting popular times presents for the kids.
That’s so true – popular toys can be so hard to come about when it gets close to Christmas.
I’m glad to see you mentioned my saving tactic in the middle of the post – I don’t “save up” for the holidays per se because I shop year-round. A little each month is a lot easier to handle on the budget, and YES YES YES I can take advantage of the best sales this way, as well as unique gifts from our summer travels 🙂
The sales can make all the difference to Christmas can’t they! Got to love being able to take advantage of them.
We definitely start saving as soon as we can. Normally March is when we are able to start putting a little bit away every other week.
It sounds like quite a few people look to start saving in March.
This is great. I always find that saving a little per month is a lot more helpful then nose diving around the holidays. We also have a lot of birthdays around that time so it’s an expensive month for us.
It really can make all the difference, I try and use a savings club then I can’t be naughty and dip in!
Great article , and its really helpful for me because start of chirtmas everyone want to saving and its nice ideas
Thank you for sharing before chirtmas amazing
No problem at all I am glad it has been helpful for you.
There was one year when I did all my Christmas shopping in January, taking advantage of the sales. It was brilliant as I bought perfume sets for £5 and other things that I could use as birthday gifts as well during the year.
Oh wow now that is an amazing thing to do – I’ve seen people buy so much in Boots before for the next Christmas.
Time flies so fast! within a couple of months, Christmas will arrive. I guess planning and saving in advance helps a lot, also buying some of the stuff early means better prices.
It is crazy isn’t it I can’t believe we are about to hit October!
This is the first year I started saving my change I can’t wait to see how different our Christmas is because of it
Ohh I would love to know how much you have managed to save doing that!
I try to start saving at the start of the year. I start off enthusiastically but then after a couple of months it lapses a bit. However I do use Park Christmas Savings for vouchers and have a direct debit set up for this .I am also quite lucky in winning competitions and put some of my wins away for Christmas presents
I am the same with Park – I find it such an easy thing to do which helps so much!
I normally save even start of the year however, I am buying gifts depending upon the promotions or whenever there is a sale, I grab the opportunity. I list down my gifts to be bought and take note of it during mall sale.
It makes all the difference doesn’t saving through the year and making the most of sales.
I’ve been doing the 1p challenge all year to save money for Christmas and it’s been a massive help to know I’ll have the money. I’ve been buying presents for a few months though, if I see them I’ll buy them x
I keep meaning to try that, I really should start it and see how I do!
These are all great tips! We put a little money away all year long so that Christmas time comes and it does not hurt us financially. I like the tip about purchasing big items in advance, it helps plan out the Christmas gifts.
It is so much easier if you prepare for it all year round, it is such an expensive time of year.
I used to plan and buy all year but over the last few years, we’ve changed things completely. Now, each of our girls gets just one gift and we plan an experience instead. Too much stuff in the house otherwise.
That sounds like such a good idea! It is amazing the memories you can make with an experience.
I always try to do my Christmas shopping early. In fact, the earlier I got it done, the better.
It always amazes me how early in the year some people manage it I wish I was that organised.
I’m lucky in that I only have to buy for my nieces and nephews. I usually start shopping in the summer or any time I see something that catches my eye for them!
I think sometimes it is a good idea to only buy for the younger ones in the family.
We start saving Jan 1. We put aside so much every pay check and we also save all of our cash back until October. If we know things people want ahead of time we will look for the best deal. We are a saving family for sure.
That is such an organised thing to do! Cashback is a great way to do it as well! Amazing how that can add up!
I’m a big proponent of beginning savings on Dec 26! It’s so much easier to put $20 away a month than to change your budget to $80 a month. Since we don’t have kids anymore, August works great for me!
Most definitely it is amazing how it adds up over the year as well if you get into the swing of it!
August?! Man I am really behind. I dont even plan my summer vacation until august! lol only kidding.
Haha hands up I can be the same, I’m trying to be different this year and prepared.
I try to start saving as early as I can. Honestly speaking I rarely shop but this is good.
I do use a Christmas club for some which really helps I think.
Goodness, it’s so true! We’ve had the most laid back and easy Christmas seasons when we start saving early. I love the year-round deposit accounts, it makes it easy!
It is amazing how starting earlier can really help isn’t it!
I always like to start shopping early for Christmas and start checking people off of my list. I think it’s never too early to start saving.
I completely agree, I try and pick bits up as I see them if I can too.
I save money year round. Then when Christmas rolls around I have the money to splurge on gifts for my kids.
That is such a good thing to do I think it makes a difference knowing you can buy what you want.
I try to start saving as early as I can. That way it’s not so expensive all at once. I also start buying gifts early in the year. It helps!
Christmas can be crazy expensive can’t it! Which is such a shame.
As a family of 6 we start saving early in the year and I stash away anything I see as we go along! It[s always a good idea to buy when the sales are on too!
Oh gosh yeah, saving can be such a great help for big families!
I can’t even tell you how much I love this. I actually love starting my shopping early, so I don’t freak out at the last minute and buy ridiculously pricy random gifts that my loved ones probably won’t even like.
It always amazes me how some people are so ready and prepared!
If more people would actually take the time to make their gifts it would be more meaningful and appreciated. Children still need couple new toys but really people just spend to much money. Remember the reason for the season. It is never to early to start getting ready for Christmas.
I love getting handmade gifts, sadly I can’t make my own anymore though silly hands!