Three savvy ways to save big before Christmas with carefully timed purchases
SAVVY shoppers can make big savings this Christmas by carefully timing purchases.
Prices in the shops fluctuate throughout the year as retailers adjust costs based on demand.
Here is how to get some of the best deals ahead of December 25 . . .
MAKE A LIST: If you note down what you expect to need for Christmas, you can spread the cost of spending and buy things when they are at the best price.
You can use price comparison sites such as idealo.co.uk to look at the price history of specific items, as well as setting up email alerts so that you know as soon as costs fall.
If you’re shopping specifically on Amazon, price-tracking sites bobalob.com and camelcamelcamel.com do a similar job.
DIARY DATES: Anyone planning to buy a tablet this year should take a look this Sunday, as prices average £604, down £43 from September, according to Idealo.
Laptops are typically best priced on December 19 at £1,267 after falling by around £90 from November.
For a capsule coffee machine head to the shops on November 17 when the lowest average price comes in at £135 — £30 less than average prices in October.
Wait to the last minute for trainers, as the cheapest price is on December 24 when you will save around £5 compared with November.
SHOPPING EVENTS: It is also worth keeping an eye on prices on Black Friday, which this year falls on November 29, as some retailers offer special discounts at this time.
Make sure you sign up to marketing emails of your favourite stores to get exclusive offers or discounts that you can use towards shopping.
Sometimes you can also get money off products by popping it in your shopping basket online and not checking out.
Some retailers will then email with a discount on the item to help get the purchase over the line.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
TRACK your exercise and get social notifications with the Fitbit Versa 4 smart watch, down from £179 to £143.20 at Argos with code RED20.
SAVE: £35.80
Cheap treat
SERVE up a frightfully delicious breakfast with these pumpkin crumpets, £1.25, from Asda.
What's new?
GREGGS Katsu chicken bakes are now available both in-store and online £4, at Iceland but pasty lovers will have to be quick as the flavour is only available for a limited time.
Top swap
JELLYCAT fans can bag a hot chocolate version, £28, from John Lewis. Or try Hobbycraft’s similar plush toys for £5 each.
SAVE: £23
Little helper
GET a free coffee at Nero, Gails’ and, Joe and the Juice through Deliveroo until Sunday when spending £20.
Shop & save
DRESS this sleeveless shirt up or down depending on your mood. It’s down from £32 to £12 at River Island.
SAVE: £20
Hot right now
IN need of a new book? Topcashback is currently offering four per cent back on purchases at Waterstones.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!