Start Christmas shopping early and save £120, survey finds - plus tips to ease Xmas costs

When do you usually start your Christmas shopping? If you’re like most people, it’s probably mid to late November. But according to new research by TopCashback, some people wait until the very last minute, even just days before Christmas.

A survey by Opinium of 2,000 UK adults in September 2025, found:

• 78% of shoppers have started buying gifts at least one month before Christmas
• 16% admit they leave most of their shopping until the final week, or haven’t even started
• mid to late November is the most popular time to start shopping, followed by early November
• 13% of people shop for Christmas all year round, with women (17%) being more likely to do this than men (9%)

Why do people shop early?

According to the research, the top reasons people start early are:

• spreading the cost
• taking advantage of discounts
• staying organised
• allowing time for deliveries

Shoppers who start early say they save around £120 by making purchases before mid-December.

Why do others leave it late?

For those who wait, the most common reasons include:

• lack of time
• waiting until they have enough money
• enjoying the festive atmosphere while shopping

How we pay for Christmas

Here’s how UK shoppers typically fund their Christmas purchases:

• 40% use disposable income or their current account
• 18% use credit cards
• 15% dip into general savings
• 13% use a dedicated Christmas savings pot

Budgeting tips to help ease the cost of Christmas

It’s not just when you start your Christmas shopping, it’s how you do it too. Here’s some savvy steps to help ease the cost.

Make a master list - the earlier the better

Write down everyone you plan to buy presents for, including friends, family, Secret Santas, teachers and more. Add gift ideas and realistic budgets.

It helps you stay organised, spot deals early and avoid last-minute panic buying.
And there’s nothing more satisfying than ticking off that list way in advance.

Spread the cost

As the survey suggests, buying a few gifts each payday between now and Christmas helps manage cashflow and keeps spending under control. It also gives you more time to spot deals and discounts, instead of scrambling in December.

Talk about gifts early

Start the conversation with family and friends. Agree on a price cap, do a Secret Santa, or decide to just buy for the kids. It might feel awkward, but it saves everyone time, money and stress later on.

Take advantage of sales

Plan ahead for big discount days like Amazon Prime Big Deal Days. But don’t forget to use price trackers and check deal histories to make sure you’re getting genuine bargains.

Be savvy with toy sales

If you’ve got lots of toys to buy, stay poised for sales. The Sainsbury’s toy sale is one to look out for, which starts on 22 October 2025.

But again, compare prices before jumping in, to ensure you’re really getting a deal.

Sign up for newsletters

Many retailers send their best discounts to subscribers first. Signing up for your favourite brand’s newsletters can mean early access to real savings. Consider setting up a separate email folder so your inbox doesn’t get swamped.

Max out on loyalty schemes

The likes of Nectar, Tesco Clubcard, Boots Advantage and Superdrug’s Beautycard, often run extra points events around Christmas, so take advantage. Combine them with cashback apps to stretch your budget further.

Don’t dismiss nearly-new bargains

You’d be amazed what people sell in excellent condition, especially in the run-up to Christmas. Check out the likes of eBay, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace and even local charities to snap up bargains. Just remember to check seller ratings and order early to avoid delivery delays.

Pick the little bits up now

Small things like wrapping paper, Sellotape, cards and stocking fillers all add up, leaving you with an extra big bill in December.  Pick up these bits now, especially if you spot value packs or multi-buys.

Watch delivery times

If you’re buying from abroad, especially trending items like Labubus toys or niche collectibles, give yourself plenty of time.

Starting early means avoiding express delivery charges, or worse, missing gifts that don’t arrive in time.

With a bit of planning, some savvy shopping and a few early conversations, you can keep the joy and shake off some financial stress.

For more festive financially planning tips, check out our blog on ‘are your finances ready for Christmas’.