I don’t know about you, but every December I find myself having the same little pep talk: “Next year, I’m going to start Christmas shopping earlier“. Fast forward twelve months and… well, it’s mid-December, I’m panic-ordering gifts online with express delivery fees, wrapping until midnight, and wondering how I managed to forget Aunt Susan’s present again.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the good news: this year can be different. By starting your Christmas shopping early (yes, even now, at the end of September), you’ll save money, reduce stress, and actually enjoy the festive season instead of frantically ticking names off your list.

In this post, I’ll chat about why early Christmas shopping is such a game-changer, how to get organised with simple strategies, and some practical tips to keep everything on track. Think of it as your festive survival guide – with a sprinkle of Christmas cheer.

Why Start Christmas Shopping Early?

Over the years, I’ve realised that early Christmas shopping is a total game-changer. Here’s why I’m finally committing to it:

1. No last-minute panic – I don’t want to be that person in the shops on Christmas Eve grabbing whatever’s left on the shelves. Staring now means I can take my time, choose gifts I actually want to give, and avoid that slightly desperate energy.
2. I save money – Shopping early spreads the cost across a few months, so I’m not hit with one big December bill. Plus, there are some brilliant deals in the autumn that mean I can snap up bargains before prices creep up closer to Christmas.
3. I get more choice – I’ve learnt the hard way that popular toys, gadgets, and gift sets sell out fast. By shopping early, I can get in before the rush and actually pick from the best selection.
4. It makes me more thoughtful – When I give myself time, I’m able to choose gifts that feel personal, not just convenient. That’s a huge part of why I want to start early – it makes Christmas feel more meaningful.
5. I can enjoy December – Imagine this: it’s mid-December, the gifts are already wrapped, and instead of stressing, I’m watching festive films with hot chocolate. That’s the dream – and it’s what I’m aiming for this year.

How I’m Getting Organised

The key to making early Christmas shopping actually work is organisation. Otherwise, I’d just end up with a pile of random gifts and no plan. Here’s how I’m keeping myself on track:

1. I’m making a master list – I’ve written down everyone I want to buy for this year. Family, friends, neighbours – it’s all there. I’ve added a budget next to each name, because I know how easy it is to overspend when I get carried away.
2. 2. I’m setting a budget – Christmas has a sneaky way of draining the bank account. By setting a budget for gifts, wrapping, and even stocking fillers, I know exactly where I stand. I also keep a little buffer for unexpected extras – because there’s always something I’ve forgotten.
3. I’m using one place to track everything – Whether it’s a notebook, a spreadsheet, or an app, keeping everything i one place is a lifesaver. I’m using my phone so I can update it when I’m out and about. No more scraps of paper or forgetting who I’ve already bought for.
4. I’m planning in stages – Instead of trying to do everything at once, I’m breaking it down into stages: September/ October for making the list and buying big items, November for filling in the gaps, and late November for wrapping. It feels way less overwhelming.
5. I’m setting mini deadlines – I’ve promised myself that by the end of October, I’ll have the main gifts sorted. By the end of November, I’ll be wrapping. And that means December is just for enjoying.

Tips for Finding Great Gifts Early

Starting early doesn’t mean I’m settling for boring gifts – it actually gives me more time to get creative. Here’s how I’m finding things people will love:

• I keep an ear out for hints – Friends and family often drop little clues in conversations about things they’d like. I jot them down in my phone so I don’t forget.
• I check early sales – September and October sales are goldmines if I look in the right places. Black Friday is also perfect if I plan ahead.
• I think beyond the obvious – Experiences, subscriptions, or even handmade items are often more meaningful than the “hot” item of the season.
• I buy a few backup gifts – A couple of generic but nice gifts (candles, hampers, books) mean I’m covered if someone unexpected pops up on the list.

Staying Organised Once I’ve Started

Shopping early is great – but only if I stay on top of it. Otherwise, I’d end up forgetting what I’ve bought and doubling up. Here’s how I’m keeping everything neat and stress-free:

Wrapping as I go

No more wrapping marathons for me. As soon as I buy a gift, I wrap it, label it, and store it away. Future me will be so grateful.

Keeping receipts together

Returns happen, especially when shopping months in advance. I keep all receipts in one envelope so I can easily find them if needed.

Storing everything in once place

I’ve designated one cupboard as my “Christmas corner”. Everything goes in there – gifts, wrapping paper, ribbons. It’s neat, contained, and means I don’t lose track.

Updating my list

Every time I buy something, I tick it off on my master list. It’s ridiculously satisfying and keeps me on track.

How I’m Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Shopping early sounds perfect, but there are a few traps I know I need to avoid:

• Buying too much – It’s tempting to keep buying, but sticking to my list and budget stops me overdoing it.
• Forgetting storage space – I’ve learnt not to buy bulky gifts too early unless I have the space to hide them.
• Not accounting for changes – Kids change their minds quickly. I’m avoiding trend-led toys until a little closer to Christmas.

The Perks I’m Already Noticing

Even though I’ve only just started, I can already feel the difference. I’m calmer, more in control, and genuinely excited for December instead of dreading the chaos. I also love that I’ve been able to spread the cost out, which makes a huge difference in the run-up to Christmas.

And honestly? There’s something really satisfying about knowing that when the festive season arrives, I’ll be able to enjoy it instead of rushing though it.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever found yourself frazzled, overspending, or panic-buying at the last minute, I can’t recommend early Christmas shopping enough. It doesn’t have to be intense or rigid – it’s just about giving yourself the gift of time and peace of mind.

So, why not grab a notebook (or your phone) today and start your own list? Even ticking off just one or two gifts this month will make December so much smoother.

This year, I’m not just surviving Christmas – I’m actually going to enjoy it. And if you start now, you absolutely can too.