🎄When do you start Christmas shopping?
According to the survey, people start Christmas shopping at various times, with many beginning in October and November to get ahead of the crowds and take advantage of sales. Some begin even earlier, in August or September, while others wait for major sales events like Black Friday or shop in the weeks right before Christmas.
- Nearly half of Americans: are planning to shop for gifts early this year, with recent polls showing this number around 48% to 54%.
- To spread out their budget and avoid stress: are the top reasons for shopping early.
- Some shoppers start as early as September.
- Even with early starts, the majority of shoppers still expect to finish their shopping in December.
Early and mid-season shopping
- September to October: Some shoppers start early to spread out costs and get ahead of the rush. They may begin by creating lists, setting up gift funds, or buying gifts for close friends and family.
- November: This is a very popular time to start, with many beginning shopping before or just after Thanksgiving. A significant portion of shoppers will have started by the end of November.
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Many people use these major sales events in late November to do a large part of their shopping.
Last-minute shopping
- December: Some shoppers wait until December to begin, or to finish up their purchases.
- Christmas Eve: A small percentage of people leave their shopping until the very last minute, on Christmas Eve.
⭐As a seller who has experienced countless Christmas sales seasons, here are some Christmas shopping tips:
You should start Christmas shopping in September or October to avoid crowds and stress, or at the very latest in November to take advantage of sales like Black Friday. Starting early allows you to spread out costs, get better selection, and have gifts ready for wrapping before the holiday rush begins in December.
Timeline for early shopping
✅September-October: Start brainstorming, making lists, and buying gifts for close friends and family. This is also a great time to get a head start on holiday decorating.
✅November: Increase your shopping efforts. Take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, but be prepared for crowds. Many consumers start their shopping around this time.
✅Early December: Aim to have most of your shopping complete to leave time for wrapping and adding personal touches.
✅Mid to Late December: Focus on wrapping, organizing, and making any last-minute purchases.
Benefits of starting early
❤️Avoid stress: You can enjoy the holiday season with a sense of calm instead of panic.
❤️Better selection: Popular items may be sold out by December.
❤️Avoid shipping delays: Last-minute online orders can be subject to delays that won't be an issue if you shop early.
❤️Spread out costs: Shopping throughout the year or in the early months can be easier on your wallet than a last-minute shopping spree.
