Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

When should you start your Christmas Shopping?

Starting your Christmas shopping in October may seem premature to some, but it comes with several significant benefits that can alleviate stress and make the holiday season more enjoyable. Here are some compelling reasons to begin your Christmas shopping early:

Reduced Stress: Perhaps the most significant advantage of early Christmas shopping is the reduced stress levels. When you start in October, you have ample time to plan, research, and make thoughtful gift choices. You won't be scrambling at the last minute, dealing with crowded stores, or worrying about whether your packages will arrive on time. This allows you to focus on enjoying the festive season with your loved ones.

Better Selection: Early Christmas shopping gives you access to a wider range of products and options. Popular items tend to sell out quickly as the holiday season approaches. By starting early, you can secure the gifts you want and even take advantage of early bird discounts and promotions. This ensures that you find the perfect presents for everyone on your list.

Budget Management: Beginning your Christmas shopping in October allows you to budget more effectively. You can spread your spending over several weeks or months, reducing the financial strain that often comes with holiday shopping. Creating a budget and sticking to it becomes more manageable when you start early, and you're less likely to overspend.

Personalisation: Early shopping allows you the time to personalize your gifts. You can take the extra effort to choose meaningful and thoughtful presents tailored to each recipient's preferences and interests. 
Personalisation adds a special touch to your gifts and shows that you've put thought into your selections.

Time for DIY and Handmade Gifts: If you enjoy crafting or creating handmade gifts, starting in October provides the necessary time to complete your projects without rushing. Handmade gifts often carry sentimental value and are appreciated by the recipients.

Avoiding Shipping Delays: With the increasing popularity of online shopping, shipping delays during the holiday season have become more common. Starting your Christmas shopping early ensures that your gifts arrive on time, especially if you're ordering from overseas or dealing with custom-made items.

In conclusion, starting your Christmas shopping in October offers numerous benefits, from reducing stress and managing your budget to finding unique and meaningful gifts. By taking advantage of the early shopping season, you can make the holiday season more enjoyable and spend more quality time with loved ones rather than rushing to buy last-minute gifts.

More from Features

  • What to Watch in May 2024

    From a watch-through-your-fingers true crime documentary to the return of Doctor Who, here's your guide to all the best new films & TV shows coming to screens big and small in the month of May...

  • Home Style: Seeing the Light

    George and Christopher Stephenson left the rat race of London for a life in the south-east countryside, transforming a dark and dated Grade-II listed farmhouse

  • Step out for St Catherine’s Hospice

    St Catherine’s Hospice popular Midnight Walk is bouncing back to the streets of Horsham on Saturday 8 June, Adele Trathan explains how readers can get involved

  • If You Ask Me... This is Beyoncé Country

    This month, Flo Whitaker considers a recent showbiz altercation and asks, “If a black woman from Texas can’t make a country album - who can?”

  • Artelium Wine – Crafted in Sussex

    As the Sussex wine industry continues to expand and lead the way for the rest of the UK it is heartwarming to find a winery that’s producing award winning wines of outstanding quality, so we sent Robert Veitch to find out more

  • Homes Extra: Expanding Space

    If you need some extra space in your home but do not want to shoulder the burden and expense of moving, then look to a small extension or home improvement, says Sara Whatley

  • Kids Zone: Mosaic Art

    Get creative with this month’s fun and sustainable activity – mosaic art. Sara Whatley explains what to do

  • Be Well, Move Happy: Gardening & Connecting with Nature

    Spring is a wonderful time of year to get out and enjoy our natural world. Sara Whatley looks at connecting with nature for wellness and gardening for fitness

  • Homes for Ukraine: Opening Your Home and Your Heart

    As the conflict in the Ukraine continues, Homes for Ukraine scheme is still keen to hear from people that are interested in hosting a Ukrainian guest, as Paul Crompton from East Sussex County Council explains

  • Charity: Age Concern Hassocks

    Fancy a new place for lunch, meeting new friends in a fun and welcoming atmosphere, or a spot of volunteering? Look no further than Age Concern Hassocks, says Sara Whatley

  • Another New Clinic For Sussex Audiology

    Sussex Audiology has added to its Haywards Heath offering with a brand new high-street clinic. Hanna Prince drops in to learn about the vital importance of healthy hearing

  • The Joy of the Repair Café

    Volunteers are central to the success of Repair Cafés across Sussex, so we sent Nicola Coughlin along to Lindfield Repair Cafe to talk to volunteers about their valuable contribution

  • Wills & Wakes

    Sara Whatley spoke to Melanie Hodson, Head of Information Support at Hospice UK about how to talk openly and honestly about death and dying

  • Lighten the Technology Overload

    In this fast-paced technological world it's easy to feel intimidated and over-whelmed. So we sent James Forryan to speak to Richard Long of Absolute Solutions about keeping up to date and protected in the cyber world

  • An Unlikely Retirement

    Hove resident Sylvia Holder tells Sara Whatley the inspiring story of how she set up her charity, The Venkat Trust, when she should have been kicking back in her retirement

  • COMPETITION: Win A Two-Night Stay At The View Hotel With Afternoon Tea For Two

    Subscribe to Sussex Living's free digital edition and we'll enter you into our draw to win a beautiful two-night stay for two at The View Hotel on Eastbourne seafront, along with breakfast and a lovely afternoon tea...

  • What to Watch in April 2024

    Our monthly guide to all the best film and television coming your way in April...

  • Bucket List Travel Experiences

    Many of us dream of the opportunity to tick off travel experiences that are on our wish list, here Lisa de Silva explores ideas to help create and refine the perfect trip of a lifetime

  • Homes Extra: An Easter Home

    Be inspired this Easter and fill your home with bright and beautiful decorations, says Sara Whatley

  • NEW COMPETITION: Win A Luxury Hamper For National Pet Day

    To celebrate National Pet Day Today (April 11), we're offering you the chance to win a luxury hamper of treats for your pet - just have a go at our Facebook competition!