Every year, many Brits fall victim to the infamous January sales. This may be through scams, false advertising, or simply buying things that you don’t really need. However, this doesn’t have to be you. You can use the new year sales period to your advantage by planning for next year – it’s never too early to start stocking up on gifts!
One of the first things you should consider buying is packs of Christmas cards. Retailers are likely to have these on sale so it’s a very smart move to buy your cards in bulk for next year. This means that next December there is one less thing off your Christmas checklist, and you can start sending off your Christmas cards early into the Christmas period. This warm gesture is certain to get friends and family into the Christmas spirit right away.
Now, with many bargains to choose from – what purchases will get you the most bang for your buck, and what will make the best gifts?
Electronics
Electronics are always on sale in January, and unsurprisingly make for a fail-safe gift. A useful electronic gadget could be the way to go for a loved one’s present. Consider what would be most useful for them. Perhaps they love listening to music or podcasts and would benefit from wireless headphones, or they may enjoy creating digital art – so you could bag a tablet and compatible tablet. Pay attention to what they already use around the house and consider what else you think they have yet to receive. This is also a great time to buy some second-hand items, as many people will be selling unwanted gifts. They will work just as well for only a fraction of the price!
Practical Gifts
Department stores are very likely to have several deals on homeware items such as duvet sets, kitchenware, or exercise equipment for example. Getting someone a practical gift, which they have not thought of purchasing themselves is particularly thoughtful as it shows you care about how they operate in their daily life. Maybe your person is struggling to get a good night sleep and has needed a new pillow and duvet set for a while, or perhaps they are still using the same winter coat from five birthday’s ago and it is no longer practical in keeping the cold out! Buying them a gift to make their day-to-day life easier is something they will appreciate.
Personalised gifts
If you are looking for something more personal, the best advice would be to try and think carefully about your loved one’s likes and interests. If they enjoy reading and writing, how about the latest novel from his favourite author or a specially engraved good quality pen and notepad? When shopping in the sales, try to consider whether the discounted item would really mean something to the person you are buying for – if the shoe fits, then congratulations, you’ve made an excellent saving! However, don’t just buy a load for the sake of it. Gifts like these will be treasured by your loved one as they will recognise the careful consideration behind them!
January is not the only time for sales. If you keep your eyes peeled for discounts all year round, you can make a huge saving at Christmas. With the help of this guide, you should know what to look for and what is and isn’t worth buying. Happy shopping!
