Don’t wait until December: Buy your Christmas presents in October

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is only two months (and a day) away.

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Traditionally, October is associated with the Halloween season. In South Africa, however, it’s not surprising to already see Christmas decor adorning shopfronts at malls and shopping centres during this time of year. Sounds like retail-induced pressure, especially when payday is upon us, right?

And yet in a way, this is actually the perfect time to start buying Christmas presents before December arrives!

CHRISTMAS (SHOPPING) COME EARLY

Check out these six reasons why you should strongly consider beginning your Christmas gift-shopping while there’s still time in October:

1. FROM BRAINSTORM TO BRAINCALM

Use this time to consider presents that will actually be meaningful. Image: Pexels

Listen, last-minute present-shopping in December is a real thing, and it’s chaotic (more on this later!). This can cause you to make indecisive decisions about what to get your loved ones, as well as make you second-guess purchasing certain items because of their convenience, quality and/or price tags. As such, you run the risk of buying a generic gift – or nothing at all.

At least in October, you have ample time to think calmly and realistically about what you’d like to buy. The more thought you put into it, the more meaningful the gift… and the less panicky you feel.

2. EARLY CHRISTMAS SALES

Many retailers run early sales beginning in October. During this time, items that may be on your Christmas wishlist are in stock and reasonably well-priced. Come December, however, these stocks may decrease while the price tags surge to eye-watering levels.

If you want to purchase some Christmas prezzies before they’re sold out or subjected to exorbitant price increases, do so during October.

3. AVOID SHIPPING DELAYS

There’s always a risk of your chosen items being delayed and delivered late. Image: Pexels

The holiday season sees consumer demand going through the roof. According to Axis Warehouse & Logistics, this poses several challenges, such as high order volumes, restocking issues and shipping carrier capacity.

In other words, something that you bought online at the start of December might only arrive after Christmas… or even next year!

By opting for shopping in October, you can avoid shipping delays and plonk your prezzies under the real-or-fake Christmas tree just in time.

4. RETURN RELIEF

Did you buy a TV that got damaged when it got shipped over? Or maybe you’re having second thoughts about the so-called designer clothing you bought for your significant other? Don’t worry, you still have time between October and Christmas Eve to return items or exchange them for something else.

Be sure to familiarise yourself with the retailer’s shipping, return and sales policies. By doing so, you can avoid a great deal of frustration.

5. AVOID CHAOTIC CHRISTMAS RUSH

It’s easy to get caught up in the Christmas rush, which can cause festive fatigue. Image: Canva

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most stressful.

In December, malls – from outside the parking lot to inside the shops – are packed. It can be exhausting, frustrating and even overwhelming being in cramped spaces with shoppers who are screaming at retail staff and literally tearing shelves apart for potential gifts.

In comparison, October is a quieter month, making Christmas shopping a far less anxiety-inducing ordeal.

6. PREVENT FESTIVE FATIGUE

With the Christmas shopping done in October and all the presents placed under the tree or in stockings, you can now properly enjoy December in peace.

Whether it’s basking in the warmer weather, spending time with your family and friends, or taking time to choose between Christmas lunch at home or at a restaurant, you can embrace the festive spirit without feeling the stress of last-minute trips to the shop.

GET A HEAD START

It’s understandable if you think Christmas present-shopping should stay in December, that it doesn’t vibe with the October gees, that you don’t want to spend so much money before the year’s end, etc. However, as the reasons above show, doing so now will save you a world of hassle later on.

Let us know in the comments below if you’re planning to buy Christmas presents early!

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