Picture this: it’s December 23rd, you’re fighting through crowds at the shops, your budget’s already blown, and your kids’ favourite toys are sold out everywhere. Sound familiar? The good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. Early Christmas shopping in July could save you hundreds and let you actually enjoy the festive season. Money experts say shopping now, during summer sales, can beat Christmas inflation and stock shortages.
A recent Which? survey revealed nearly 50% of UK shoppers now start buying gifts before September — and for good reason. Christmas 2025 is set to be one of the most expensive yet, with average festive spending expected to rise 6–8% compared to last year. Strategic early shopping is a key trend for 2025, letting you buy gifts on your terms, not the retailer’s.
✅ Quick Checklist: When to Buy What for Christmas Savings
- 🎁 July–August – Children’s toys, tech accessories, décor
- 🎁 August–September – Toiletry sets, books, DIY hamper items
- 🎁 Anytime July onwards – Long-life pantry treats, candles, gift wrap
- 🎁 November–December – Only perishables like fresh food or flowers
Top 10 Christmas Essentials to Buy Now (With Real Examples!)
1️⃣ Children’s Toys – Save £10–£50 per item
Buying Christmas toys early in July helps you save 20–50% compared to peak-season prices. For example, a Lego City set that costs £29.99 at Smyths in July often jumps to £49.99 by November — that’s £20 saved on one gift. Shopping early for trending Christmas toys 2025 like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Paw Patrol sets ensures you avoid stock shortages and price hikes.
2️⃣ Toiletry Gift Sets – Save £10 each
Christmas toiletry gift sets are among the best early Christmas presents to buy now. Boots’ classic Soap & Glory sets, for instance, are often £8–£10 cheaper in July clearance sales than during their 3-for-2 offers in November.
3️⃣ Books & Box Sets – Save 30–50%
Buying Christmas book gifts early is smart: current Waterstones offers see Colleen Hoover hardbacks drop from £20 to £10 in summer sales. Similarly, DVD box sets of Friends or The Office can go for £15 instead of £30 closer to December — perfect stocking fillers.
4️⃣ Gift Wrapping, Cards & Crackers – Save £30 overall
Eco-friendly Christmas wrapping paper is trending in 2025, and pound shops currently offer big discounts on recycled wrap and kraft paper gift bags. Buying now avoids paying double or triple in December.
5️⃣ Christmas Decorations – Save £10–£50
Retailers like Balsam Hill and John Lewis run Christmas in July sales on artificial trees, fairy lights, and festive garlands. A pre-lit tree that sells for £150 in November could be £100 or less now. Vintage-inspired baubles and metallic Christmas decorations are trending, and early birds get the best selection.
6️⃣ Candles & Festive Home Decor – Save £10–£40
Spiced orange and cinnamon are the most searched Christmas candle scents in the UK — and July sales at Homesense or Dunelm offer these festive fragrances at 40% off. A large Yankee Candle Christmas jar, for example, is £14.99 in July but £24.99 in December.
7️⃣ Crackers, Cheese & Pantry Staples – Save £20+
Long-life Christmas foods like chutneys, oatcakes, and wax-wrapped Stilton can be picked up cheaply now and stored until January. Tesco Clubcard prices on posh crisps or cheese biscuits in July can cut your Christmas hamper costs in half.
8️⃣ Tech Accessories – Save £10–£100
Teen Christmas tech gifts like wireless headphones or gaming controllers are cheapest in July. Amazon Prime Day deals offer 20–40% off — a set of wireless earbuds costing £49.99 now could jump to £79.99 by November.
9️⃣ DIY Hampers – Save £25–£60
Build-your-own Christmas hampers are the perfect personalised Christmas presents in 2025. Gather reduced summer goodies like specialty teas, preserves, and candles, and pair with cheap hamper baskets found in charity shops.
🔟 Kitchenware – Save £10–£40
Festive kitchenware is trending in 2025, with statement platters, scalloped-edged plates, and crystal glassware in high demand. Summer sales at John Lewis and Marks & Spencer can save you 20–40% compared to pre-Christmas prices.
🔎 FAQs: Common Questions About Early Christmas Shopping
When is the cheapest time to buy Christmas gifts in the UK?
👉 July and August offer the biggest discounts on toys, tech, and décor.
What Christmas items have long shelf lives?
👉 Crackers, chutneys, preserves, and festive drinks (like port) can last until January.
Why do Christmas prices go up towards December?
👉 Higher demand, limited stock, and shipping delays raise prices by 20–60% on many essentials.
Is early Christmas shopping becoming a trend?
👉 Absolutely! Surveys show nearly half of shoppers now start before September to spread costs and avoid festive stress.
📦 Storage & Returns Tips for Early Buyers
Buying Christmas presents early doesn’t mean risking your money or space!
✅ Keep receipts in a digital folder or envelope marked “Christmas Returns” — it helps if you need to exchange or refund later.
✅ Store gifts in plastic boxes or a spare wardrobe to keep them dust-free and hidden from curious kids.
✅ Check return policies — many retailers now offer extended Christmas returns from as early as July to January.
Suggested reading:
How to Make Custom Christmas Lights?
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR EVERYONE 2020
A Gourmet Christmas Basket on Your Holiday Table
How to Make the Perfect Christmas Gift Hamper
How much does the average Christmas Dinner in the UK cost?
📝 Final Tip: Shop Now, Relax Later
Whether you’re after trending toys, eco-friendly Christmas wrap, or unique DIY hampers, early Christmas shopping in July lets you save big, buy mindfully, and enjoy December stress-free. Don’t let Christmas spending control you — plan ahead and make Christmas 2025 your most magical, budget-friendly one yet!
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