How to survive the post-Christmas sales

Picture the scene: it is a couple of days after Christmas, you have eaten more than any human body can handle and your relatives have slipped you a few pennies to treat yourself. You feel as though the money is burning a hole in your pocket and you are desperate to spend it. Stop.

You need to be strategic. Treat the post-Christmas sales as a strict military operation. You need strategy, supplies and some serious wit. The sales are no laughing matter.

So how do you survive the chaos?

Set yourself a budget

No one wants to spend their money all at once, although, sometimes it happens. If you go out shopping with all your money in your purse, you are more likely to spend it all in one go. Therefore, it is super important to set yourself a budget.

Make a wish list

Now that you have a budget in place, sit down and think about what you need - even make yourself a list. Have you had your eye on something for a while that has always been out of your budget? This is the perfect opportunity to put those pennies to good use. Do not go buying yourself things haphazardly; without even realising, treating yourself to little things that happen to catch your eye adds up quickly.

Be patient and look out for discounts and deals

It tends to be around January when the big sales hit, so try to hold out as prices tend to shoot back up after Christmas Day. However, keep an eye on your favourite brands online as deals will be dropping left, right and centre. If you are a student, websites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans are brilliant for discounts too.

If you are heading out, go with a friend

Although it will (hopefully) be less chaotic this year with social distancing rules, it is easy to get lost amongst the crowds and begin to feel overwhelmed. Take a friend to keep you calm and accompanied - shopping is always more fun with a friend or family member. Plus, when you need a little break, you will have company for a quick coffee and cake stop.

Pack your supplies

Go prepared. A good tip is to take your own reusable bags as not only will you save money, but it is so much better for the environment. If you are like me and tend to feel a little faint or overheated in crowds, packing a drink and something to snack on will be your saviour. As silly as it sounds, wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Trainers will be your best friend as, believe me, shopping days are not the ideal for breaking in your brand new goodies. Don’t forget to pack your mask!

Enjoy yourself

Now that we can go out shopping in outlets and centres again, we should try and enjoy this glimpse of freedom as safely as we can. If you are planning on doing your shopping online, pop on some music, sit with your friends and make a nice time out of it. Treating yourself should always be fun.

The post-Christmas sales can be overwhelming but, if you have a plan in place, they can be extremely enjoyable. Good luck, shoppers!

Edited by Katie Wheatley