Make the Most of Black Friday: A Smart Way to Source Your Christmas Gifts and Festive Foods

Use Black Friday to make Christmas easier and more affordable with smart ways to source gifts, festive foods, and seasonal treats. 

A simple guide to planning ahead, supporting small UK businesses, and stocking up early for a stress-free Christmas.

Black Friday may have started life as an American tradition, but it has become one of the UK’s biggest shopping events. 

For anyone preparing early for Christmas, it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up thoughtful gifts, stock up on festive favourites, and lighten the load before December arrives.

Below you’ll find simple ways to use Black Friday to make your Christmas planning easier, cheaper, and more enjoyable.

Plan Ahead for the Best Savings

A little preparation helps keep your shopping focused and stress-free.

Before Black Friday begins:

Write your Christmas gift list

Note down any food or drink you want for parties and family gatherings

Bookmark items you’re hoping to buy

Keep an eye on early hints and preview deals

When you shop with a plan, you avoid impulse buys and make the most of genuine savings.

Support Small British Businesses

The big chains get most of the attention, but many independent makers join in with Black Friday too. This is a brilliant time to support small UK producers while saving a bit of money.

Look out for:

Handmade decorations

Small-batch gins and local ales

Artisan cheeses and chutneys

Unique gifts from British craftspeople

Buying local adds heart to your Christmas and keeps money in the community.

Stock Up on Festive Foods Early

It’s not just electronics and toys on offer. Lots of supermarkets and online retailers discount Christmas treats and essentials on Black Friday.

Great items to buy ahead include:

Luxury biscuits and chocolates

Panettones, stollens, and Christmas cakes

Cheeses and charcuterie boards

Wines, gins, whiskies, and craft beers

Frozen party foods

Long-life items for buffets and cosy nights in

Buying now spreads the cost and helps you avoid the busy December shelves.

Make Use of Loyalty Points and Voucher Codes

Some retailers offer bonus loyalty points or extra voucher codes during the Black Friday period.

Check your supermarket apps, wine clubs, and online gift retailers to see whether you can combine discounts.

Every little extra helps at Christmastime.

Consider Experience Gifts

Experience gifts are always popular and often heavily reduced. They make meaningful presents and suit all ages.

Look out for discounts on:

Theatre and concert tickets

Afternoon tea and restaurant vouchers

Spa days

Family attraction passes

Craft workshops or festive experiences

They’re easy to wrap, easy to personalise, and often excellent value during Black Friday.

Check Delivery Dates Before You Buy

December deliveries can be slow thanks to cold weather, courier delays, and heavy Christmas demand. Shopping early means your parcels arrive in plenty of time.

Many retailers offer free or discounted delivery during Black Friday too, making it an even better time to stock up.

Shop Mindfully and Avoid Pitfalls

To make sure you’re getting genuine bargains:

Compare prices across several shops

Ignore anything you only want because it’s reduced. If you didn't want it yesterday, do you really need it today?

Be cautious about “final sale” items

Read reviews before buying

A great deal is only great when it actually helps your Christmas plans.

Start Christmas Calmly and Confidently

Using Black Friday wisely helps you gather gifts, treats, and essentials without the usual December pressure. With your preparations already underway, you can enjoy a calmer, cosier, and more joyful lead-up to Christmas.

Parcelhero predicts that Black Friday will dazzle this year

Parcelhero predicts that Black Friday will dazzle this year as people look for ways to save some money on Christmas presents and more.

Following last year’s rather lacklustre Black Friday – dubbed ‘Beige Friday’ after sales actually fell by -1.9% – the event is set to regain its sparkle this year. 

We Brits, declares home delivery expert Parcelhero, have been tightening our belts for so long that we've run out of notches! Expect them to loosen up for a dazzling £7.5bn Black Friday weekend bonanza.

Parcelhero is forecasting a sparkling return to form for Black Friday sales following last year’s colourless results. 

It dubbed Black Friday 2023 ‘Beige Friday’ after a -1.9% slump in sales. This year, Parcelhero predicts UK sales will reach £7.5bn over the Black Friday/Cyber Monday long weekend.

ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: "Black Friday was in danger of becoming a bloated, overlong anticlimax. The consumer organisation Which? reported that only 2% of products in the 2022 Black Friday sales were genuinely cheaper than at other times of the year. According to Which?, 98% of sale items were the same price or less and 45% were cheaper at other times of the year."

He went on to say: "It seems retailers learned their lesson, though. Moneysaving Expert reports 70% of the sale items it monitored were cheaper on Black Friday last year than at any other time, with an average discount of 29%.

‘If these genuine deals continue, we’re predicting consumers will flock back to Black Friday to get the most from the hefty discounts. In fact, major retailers like Boots, Amazon, Argos and John Lewis have been running early bird special offers throughout November and these are reportedly getting a strong response.

"It’s true sales stuttered somewhat last month: volumes fell by -0.7% and the amount we spent also tumbled by -0.6%. However, all the signs are November is already enjoying a big uptick. Brits have been tightening their belts for so long that they have run out of notches. They clearly feel it’s time to loosen up to make the most of some genuine discounts.

"It’s likely many Brits were wary of splashing the cash before the Budget, which finally arrived right at the end of October. While it can hardly be said to have lifted the economic gloom, at least shoppers now know the worst and are budgeting accordingly.

"Last year, clothing sales in particular tumbled in the Black Friday sale. However, it’s likely fashion will fare much better this time as people splurge on party season outfits and winterwear. Nonetheless, it will be electrical and tech items that will once again dominate sales. These will be a mix of gifts for others and a bit of self-indulgence.

"While the e-commerce association IMRG confirms sales tumbled by -1.9% last year (a fall which was forecast by Parcelhero), the industry analyst PWC predicts a £7.1bn Black Friday spend this year. This is very close to our own £7.5bn figure. In fact, some forecasts look even rosier. One respected research company, Statista, is predicting a whopping £9bn UK spend this time round. It sounds optimistic but such a result would certainly restore Black Friday’s sparkle.

"As ever, Amazon is likely to be the big winner. Parcelhero believes Brits will spend a whopping 41% more online than on the High Street this Black Friday weekend, with Amazon set to earn the lion’s share.

"While many shoppers are expected to jump back aboard Black Friday to buy the bulk of this year’s Christmas presents, there are always those who leave everything until much later. Parcelhero’s continually updated Christmas deadlines tool is invaluable for keeping shoppers in the know with their favourite retailers’ final online order dates.

‘To check the easy-to-use retailers’ final order and final mailing dates tool, see: https://www.parcelhero.com/events/christmas-gifts-delivery"

How to Use Black Friday Bargains to Get Ahead on Christmas Shopping and Festive Decor

As the crisp autumn days slowly give way to winter, there's one event that savvy shoppers eagerly anticipate: Black Friday. 

Originally an American tradition, Black Friday has now firmly taken root in the UK, marking the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season.

It’s the perfect opportunity to get a head start on holiday preparations, allowing you to scoop up incredible bargains on Christmas gifts and festive decorations.

But with the sheer volume of deals available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to make the most of Black Friday sales to ensure your festive season is merry, bright, and budget-friendly.

1. Planning Ahead: The Key to Black Friday Success

The first step to making the most of Black Friday is to plan ahead. Before the sales even begin, take some time to jot down a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for, as well as any decorations you’d like to add to your collection this year. This way, you can avoid impulse purchases and focus on finding the best deals on the items you actually need.

Create a wish list of specific products you’re hoping to buy, whether it’s that tech gadget your partner has been eyeing, a special toy for the kids, or some elegant fairy lights to adorn your tree. Many retailers offer sneak peeks of their upcoming Black Friday deals, so it’s worth doing a bit of research ahead of time. Having a game plan will save you both time and money.

2. Shop Smart for Christmas Gifts

Black Friday is the ideal time to grab gifts for your loved ones without breaking the bank. From electronics and gadgets to beauty sets and fashion finds, retailers slash their prices on a wide range of products. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the sales:

Compare Prices: Don’t just jump on the first deal you see. Use comparison websites to check if you’re really getting the best price. Retailers often compete fiercely during Black Friday, which can work to your advantage.

Think Personalised Gifts: Many online stores, especially those specialising in personalised gifts, offer discounts during Black Friday. Whether it’s a custom photo book, monogrammed accessories, or engraved jewellery, these thoughtful gifts are sure to impress without the hefty price tag.

Consider Gift Sets: Beauty brands and fragrance lines often release gift sets at discounted prices during Black Friday. These sets not only offer great value but also make lovely presents for friends and family.

3. Deck the Halls: Bagging Deals on Festive Decorations

Black Friday isn’t just about ticking off your Christmas gift list; it’s also the perfect time to stock up on decorations that will bring a festive sparkle to your home. Here’s how to take advantage of the sales to transform your space into a winter wonderland:

Upgrade Your Christmas Tree: Whether you’re in the market for a new artificial tree, or simply looking for extra ornaments to adorn your existing one, Black Friday offers significant discounts on festive decor. Many retailers offer early bird deals, so keep an eye out for pre-Black Friday sales.

Lighting the Way: From string lights to illuminate your garden to indoor fairy lights that create a cosy atmosphere, Black Friday is a great time to find deals on lighting. LED lights are not only energy-efficient but also create a warm glow that enhances the holiday spirit.

Cosy Touches: Don’t forget to look for deals on festive soft furnishings like cushions, throws, and even Christmas-themed table settings. These little touches can transform your home into a cosy, welcoming retreat during the holiday season.

4. Don’t Forget About Cyber Monday

If you miss out on some of the Black Friday bargains, don’t worry — Cyber Monday, which follows right after Black Friday, is another fantastic opportunity to grab some great deals, particularly on electronics, tech gadgets, and online-exclusive offers. Many retailers extend their sales throughout the weekend, so you have an extended window to complete your shopping.

5. Extra Tips for Maximising Your Black Friday Experience

Set a Budget: It’s easy to get carried away with all the deals, but it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. The last thing you want is to be left with a hefty bill in the New Year.

Check Return Policies: Make sure you’re aware of the return policies, especially if you’re buying gifts. Some retailers may have stricter policies during sale periods, so it’s always wise to double-check before purchasing. Though always remember the legislation to protect consumers. 

Shop Local: While it’s tempting to stick to big-name brands, don’t forget to check out small businesses and local shops. Many independent retailers participate in Black Friday sales, and buying from them can be a great way to find unique, handcrafted gifts while supporting the community.

Final Thoughts: A Stress-Free, Budget-Friendly Christmas

By using Black Friday to your advantage, you can save both time and money, leaving you free to enjoy the festive season without the last-minute shopping rush. With a bit of preparation and some savvy shopping, you can tick off your Christmas list, decorate your home, and still have room in your budget for those little holiday indulgences.

So, get ready, set your alarms, and embrace the spirit of the season with the joy of finding a great deal. After all, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of giving a thoughtful gift that didn’t break the bank.

Happy shopping, and may your Christmas be filled with joy, laughter, and a sprinkling of savings!

Buying Christmas presents can be expensive. How to Use Black Friday to Buy Bargain Christmas Gifts for Friends and Family

Black Friday has become a major shopping event, with retailers slashing prices across the board. 

It's not only a great time to treat yourself, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to snap up some brilliant bargains on Christmas gifts for friends and family. 

With a bit of planning and savvy shopping, you can tick off most (if not all) of your Christmas list without breaking the bank. 

Here’s how you can make the most of Black Friday to secure the best deals for the festive season.

1. Start with a Plan

Before you get swept up in the excitement of Black Friday deals, make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse buys that aren’t on your list. Decide on a budget for each person, and brainstorm some gift ideas in advance. By knowing what you want, you’ll be better prepared to spot a deal when it appears.

2. Research in Advance

Not all deals are created equal. Some retailers increase their prices beforehand and then offer "discounts" that aren't as generous as they seem. To avoid this, start tracking the prices of items you're interested in a few weeks before Black Friday. Use price comparison websites to check historical prices and see if the deal you’re looking at is truly a bargain.

3. Sign Up for Newsletters and Alerts

Many retailers offer early-bird access to Black Friday sales for customers who subscribe to their newsletters. By signing up in advance, you can get a head start on the deals and even receive exclusive discount codes. Some shops also offer loyalty members or app users special previews, which can give you a competitive edge when it comes to grabbing the best gifts.

4. Make the Most of Online Shopping

Black Friday sales are no longer confined to high street shops. In fact, many of the best deals are found online. Avoid the crowds and shop from the comfort of your home. Take advantage of free shipping offers, online-only discounts, and cashback sites that give you a percentage of your spend back. Don't forget to set up accounts in advance with major retailers so you can check out quickly and not miss out on limited stock items.

5. Look for Bundle Deals and Multi-buy Offers

Many shops offer bundle deals during Black Friday. These are especially handy when buying gifts for a few people. For instance, if you're thinking of getting beauty sets, tech gadgets, or homeware, you may find great multi-buy offers where you can purchase several items for a discounted rate. This can help you spread your budget further and score quality presents at a lower price.

6. Focus on High-Ticket Items

If you’re looking to buy bigger gifts, such as electronics, home appliances, or jewellery, Black Friday is an excellent time to bag them at a reduced price. These high-ticket items usually come with significant discounts, and buying them on Black Friday means you can give a more luxurious gift for much less than you’d normally spend.

7. Don't Forget Cyber Monday

If you miss out on Black Friday or are hoping for even better deals, Cyber Monday is another great shopping day to look forward to. Traditionally focused on online sales, many retailers extend their Black Friday offers through the weekend or release fresh deals on Cyber Monday. It’s worth holding out if you're after tech products or electronic gifts, as these often get bigger discounts on the Monday after Black Friday.

8. Stock Up on Stocking Fillers

As well as ticking off the big gifts, Black Friday is a fantastic time to stock up on smaller items like stocking fillers. Many retailers offer great deals on accessories, chocolates, bath products, and books, making it easy to fill stockings without spending a fortune. Don’t overlook these smaller discounts, as they can add up and help you save significantly on festive extras.

9. Check Return Policies

While you're likely to find excellent deals on Black Friday, it’s important to check the return policies on anything you buy. Some stores have different policies for sale items, or they may shorten their return windows during busy periods. Make sure that if the gift isn’t quite right, you can return or exchange it without hassle.

10. Set a Budget and Stick to It

The allure of Black Friday bargains can sometimes lead to overspending. To avoid going overboard, set a budget and track your spending as you shop. Resist the temptation to buy things just because they’re cheap; stick to your list, and you’ll avoid unnecessary purchases that can blow your budget.

Conclusion

Black Friday is the perfect time to secure bargains on Christmas gifts, allowing you to give generously without overspending. With a little bit of research, planning, and discipline, you can make the most of the sales and tick off your shopping list early. Remember to stay focused on the gifts that matter, shop smart, and enjoy the satisfaction of finding the perfect presents at a fraction of the usual price. Happy shopping!

Looking forward to the Boxing Day sales? An expert tells you what to look out for

Newly published research by PwC has learned that of the 200 online retailers analysed, the majority of Black Friday discounts were not as significant as previous years, resulting in a higher volume of seasonal stock across many retailers. 

As a result of this, it's predicted many of these retailers will ramp up Boxing Day sales activity this year, offering greater discounts in an attempt to incentivise shoppers keen to bag the best of deals.

Nick Drewe, Discount Expert and founder of online coupon platform, Wethrift, has provided his savvy shopping tips that will help people to shop smarter and secure the best deals during the Boxing Day sales. 

Find products before you shop 

“Savvy Boxing Day shoppers know the best way to secure deals is by finding the highest quality products before the big day. It’s vital to do some research before the sales begin, taking into account which products and brands have the best reviews on your wishlist items. 

“Many brands will add their best deals well before the Boxing Day event, making grabbing yourself a bargain even easier. For that reason, you’ll want to start your shopping as early as the start of November. It's easy to get carried away and buy things that you don’t really need, so create a list ahead of the sale event, to avoid any temptation on Boxing Day bargains. 

Price match on rival sites 

“Always scope out offers in advance, to ensure you’re getting the best deal that you can. Many retailers will be offering Boxing Day deals, so check the store website in advance to see which is providing the biggest discount on your selected items.

“To save yourself the largest sum, download a product price tracker that monitors the price of different items in your wishlist. This notifies you which brands, including Amazon, Groupon, Very and more have the most significant discounts and when the prices drop. 

“Google Shopping is the simplest and most effective way to compare prices of products across multiple different websites. 

Load your basket before the day

“Products are likely to sell out quickly this Boxing Day, as more people hunt for Christmas bargains. To avoid disappointment, place all your items on your wish list ahead of the big day, ready to go directly into your basket as soon as the sale hits. 

“Have a backup plan at the ready. If your product is likely to sell out this Boxing Day, have your items saved in a wishlist on multiple sites and leave the tabs open. Don’t leave it till the day of the sale to find other sites that list your wishlist products.

Shop earlier 

“Often, many major retailers will launch their Boxing Day sales online a day or two early, meaning  you could bag the best deals as early as Christmas Eve. Take the time to look at your favourite retailers’ websites ahead of the 26th to see if any sales are already live. This is an ideal way to avoid disappointment if items were to sell out on Boxing Day.

Sign up for newsletters 

“Ahead of the big day, follow retailers on social media and sign up for their email newsletters to be among the first to find out about their big deals. Some brands even provide members with early access to the sale and show exclusive deals that you’d otherwise miss out on. 

“Check before you purchase any items ahead of the big sale event, as some retailers provide price adjustment guarantees on products. They will also refund the difference if the price reduces further on Boxing Day and Cyber Monday. 

Use Alexa to find Amazon deals 

“If you have an Amazon Alexa you’ll be able to bag yourself some exclusive Boxing Day deals this November. Alexa will notify Amazon Prime members when products in their wish list shopping cart go on sale. You need to enable deal recommendations in your settings and add your wishlist products to your shopping cart. 

“Once you are all set up, ask Alexa “What are my deals” and the bot will bring up Amazon's hottest savings on all your products. 

Find extra coupon codes 

“Once you’ve found the biggest savings, have a look to see if you can find any additional vouchers that will give you an extra discount. 

“Also, if you sign up for newsletters and become a store member of brands in advance, you are likely to receive introductory offers on your first purchase. 

Make sure you're getting a genuine deal 

“To ensure you’re getting a great deal this Boxing Day, it's important to track the price of products to see how much you’ll be saving. 

“Price history tools such as PriceSpy, Alertr and CamelCamelCamel lets you check to see how the cost of the product has changed. This will help you decide if it's really a good Boxing Day deal or just made to look like one.”

That's Christmas would like to thank Nick for helping us with this feature. https://www.wethrift.com

Salcombe Brewery Co. Announces Black Friday Donation to Devon Environment Foundation

The Salcombe Brewery Co. is delighted to announce it will be donating 10% of the profits from its Black Friday (24th November) online sales to the Devon Environment Foundation.

Jordan Mace, who is MD of Salcombe Brewery Co. explains: “Black Friday has become a huge commercial event over the last few years but we don't think it sits well with the spirit of Christmas. To redress the balance and put the focus back on the festive ethos of giving and sharing, we've decided to make a donation to the Devon Environment Fund this year. We're very excited to be supporting an organisation that, like us, feels passionate about our local environment.”

The Devon Environment Foundation provides grants for grassroots projects that regenerate nature. Some of the projects they've recently awarded funds to include 'Save our Seagrass', 'Devon Birds' Swift Boxes' and 'South Hams Marine Life Rescue'. Salcombe Brewery Co. donated 10% of all profits from online sales on Friday 24th November to support the work of this foundation.

For further information on Salcombe Brewery Co. please visit www.salcombebrewery.com follow Salcombe Brewery Co. on X, Facebook and Instagram.  

For further information on The Devon Environment Foundation please visit www.devonenvironment.org or follow them on Instagram, Facebook or X.

Savvy Shoppers are looking for Christmas bargains

Esendex data has learned that over three-quarters (78%) of UK consumers will stop spending up to a month before Black Friday so they can snap up bargains in the sales. Retailers need to be ready early, with over half (51%) of consumers wanting to hear about Black Friday up to two weeks in advance, and a further 28% wanting news a month ahead.

Head of Professional Services at Esendex, Chris Gorman, says the data shows UK shoppers are looking for personalised marketing, with SMS text and email top of the list and WhatsApp growing in popularity. “These channels are where shoppers talk to each other, so why not the companies and brands they buy from?

“With statistics showing 48% of people are on their phone between four and eight hours a day, and seven in ten checking any unread notifications within five minutes, SMS and WhatsApp are two of the quickest ways to grab the attention of customers.”

Optimise the online experience!

Ecommerce has gone some way towards levelling the field for small and large retailers. Building an online presence makes products more accessible than a bricks and mortar store, and gives smaller retailers access to a larger audience, too. A well-built website that’s optimised for mobile users with a smooth online experience, can improve brand credibility, extend reach, and make promotional campaigns more cost-effective.

Extend platform choice

On average, UK consumers are bombarded with between 6,000 and 10,000 ads a day, even outside of peak trading periods, so little wonder that the battle for engagement is intense.

When shoppers are looking for bargains, they're often shopping on all channels at once. And those hunting for bargains on four or more platforms will spend on average 9% more with a business than single channel shoppers.

Deliver value, not just discount

It’s easy to think peak season sales are all about discounts, but consumer behaviour has changed, and value isn’t always about price. UK consumers are more conscious than ever of a need to support smaller independent businesses and to contribute to their local community.

Obviously, That's Christmas sees a massive increase in people visiting our site from August/September onwards to Christmas Even itself, as they search for Christmas gifts, foods, drinks, new and traditional recipes to try and, especially keeping in mind the current cost of living situation, as readers of That's Christmas are smart and savvy shoppers, they are also looking for money saving bargains, too!

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https://www.esendex.co.uk

(Image courtesy of R-region from Pixabay)