How To Save Money on Your Christmas Toy Shopping

I've finally bitten the bullet and started the Christmas shopping, I was hoping to wait until after we have moved house but with that looking further and further away I just needed to get on with it. With such a large family and extended family I have loads of kids to buy for so I've become a bit of a pro at toy shopping! Here are some tips and hacks to make sure you get the best deals for kids toy presents this Christmas!

Start early

This may sound like an obvious one but it is so easy with our busy lives to turn around and realise it is late December and you still need to buy the My Little Pony Cantalot Castle your child has been asking for since June. But of course everywhere is sold out, so you end up buying it for twice the price on eBay or a Facebook selling page. To avoid this financial misery start buying early so you don't pay more than the RRP (or even less if you follow the steps below!).

Look for discount codes

I'm a little obsessed with discount codes. My friends actually make jokes about it and I'll happily admit I actually get a bit annoyed when I have to pay full price for anything!! There are always toy discount codes to be found if you browse discount code websites and apps. For example from today there is a 20% off toys at Debenhams online code live until Sunday via Codesium.com. 

In fact, couponing is such a popular way to save money nowadays that it is strongly recommended that you check for any active coupons online before making a purchase as there is a very high chance that you could potentially make a saving. Plus, you can also buy discounted gift cards for lots of stores like Kohl's from Raise to make your money go that bit further so do not be afraid to combine a few different money-saving techniques.

Play the MultiBuys

You'll find lots of shops have 3 for 2 on toy ranges which can help lower the individual price of each gift. Get your list in order before you go and take advantage of these offers. If you need to buy a extra item to maximise the offer buy something generic and stick it in your present cupboard ready to whip out for the next birthday party invite (that'll save you panic buying in Tesco on the way to the party).

Order in bulk to save on postage

If you are ordering online often the postage costs eat into your promotional savings (another pet hate of mine). Again go back to your list. Plan to buy as much as you can in a single order and often this multiple purchases will push you over the free postage threshold. If you are just shy of  the minimum check the sale page and sort by price so you can find a little stocking filler to tip you over.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Collaborative post