Planning Ahead for the Perfect Christmas Gifts: Showing You Care Starts Now

It might still be summer outside, but if you want to make Christmas truly special for the people who matter most in your life, now is the time to start thinking about their gifts. 

Thoughtful, meaningful presents take more than a last-minute panic buy on Christmas Eve. 

By planning ahead, you’ll reduce stress, stay within budget, and, most importantly, choose gifts that show just how much you care.

Why Start Now?

Christmas may feel far off, but planning early means:

More time to think carefully about each person

Better deals before the December rush

Avoiding stock issues or last-minute postage panic

Spreading the cost of Christmas over several months

It’s not about extravagance; it’s about intention. The best gifts don’t necessarily cost the most—they’re the ones that reflect your connection with someone.

Step 1: Make Your Gift List

Start by writing down the names of the people you want to buy for. Include family, close friends, work colleagues, and anyone else you'd like to show appreciation to.

Next to each name, jot down:

Hobbies and interests

Any recent life changes (a move, a new baby, retirement, etc.)

What they loved in the past

What they don’t need (we all know someone who already has 12 candles)

Step 2: Brainstorm Meaningful Ideas

Here are some categories to consider:

Experiential gifts – tickets, memberships, or classes

Personalised items – from monogrammed mugs to custom artwork

Handmade presents – baked goods, crafted ornaments, or a framed photo

Subscription boxes – monthly treats for foodies, book lovers, or hobbyists

Wellbeing gifts – think self-care kits, calming teas, or bath products

Gifts of time – vouchers for a home-cooked meal, pet-sitting, or a day out together

The key is to match the gift to the recipient’s values and tastes, not just what's trendy.

Step 3: Set a Budget

Planning ahead means you can shop smart. Decide early how much you can afford to spend per person and look for opportunities to buy gradually, especially if you're keeping an eye on sales or shopping from independent makers who might need longer lead times.

Step 4: Start Shopping (Or Crafting!)

With your ideas in place, you can begin shopping steadily rather than in a mad rush. You’ll also have time to:

Order personalised gifts well in advance

Wait for seasonal sales or special offers

Gather supplies if you’re making something by hand

Keep a record of what you’ve bought and where you’ve stashed it. There’s nothing worse than forgetting you already bought Aunt Sue a scarf in August and buying another one in December!

Step 5: Wrap with Care

Beautiful wrapping doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Starting early means you can collect materials like:

Eco-friendly kraft paper

Reusable fabric wraps

Handmade gift tags

Ribbons, string, and dried citrus slices for a traditional feel

Gift-giving is a joyful part of Christmas, but it’s the thought that truly counts. When you plan ahead, you can give with purpose, and the people you care about most will feel just how much love and attention you’ve put into their gift.

So brew a cup of tea, open your planner, and start dreaming up a Christmas your loved ones will never forget, one meaningful gift at a time.

Is It Ever Too Early to Put Christmas Stock on Shelves?

Christmas in July. Too soon or just right?

It’s early July. The sun is shining, ice lollies are melting, and children are still counting down the days until the school holidays begin. 

But walk into some charity shops or certain retail outlets and you may already be greeted by a sight that causes some to smile and others to groan: rows of Christmas cards, festive wrapping paper, and seasonal trinkets.

So the big question is—is it ever too early to put Christmas stock out on your shelves?

The Case For Early Christmas Stock

Some businesses argue that putting Christmas stock out early is simply about being prepared, and meeting customer demand. 

Christmas planning often begins well before summer ends, especially for organised shoppers who want to spread the cost of gifts, cards and decorations over several months.

Charity shops, in particular, may benefit from an early festive rollout. Many rely heavily on seasonal sales to fund their work, and having Christmas cards or gift wrap available early can catch the attention of those looking for affordable, meaningful items. 

It’s also a practical issue: smaller shops often have limited storage space, so putting items on display is often more convenient than keeping them tucked away in the back.

There’s also the “nostalgia and joy” factor. For some customers, seeing Christmas stock, even in July, is a reminder of comfort, tradition and cheer. 

It’s not uncommon for shoppers to pick up a few cards or stocking fillers when they see them, even if they aren’t yet fully embracing the festive spirit.

The Argument Against a Premature Festive Rush

On the other hand, many consumers see early Christmas stock as an unwelcome intrusion. The term Christmas creep, the phenomenon of retailers introducing festive merchandise earlier and earlier each year—is often used in a critical sense. Critics say it robs the season of its magic, extending it so far that it loses its specialness.

There’s also concern that early exposure can fuel unnecessary spending and seasonal stress. When you’re bombarded with Christmas messages while still shopping for summer barbecues, it can feel overwhelming or even cynical.

And then there’s the environmental argument: early stock means longer display times, which can lead to more unsold seasonal waste, particularly for lower-quality or novelty items that lose appeal quickly.

So, When Is the Right Time?

There’s no universal answer, and it often depends on your business model, space, stock levels, and customer base.

For charity shops, an early rollout in July may be pragmatic and profitable, especially for cards and smaller gift items.

For larger retailers, mid-September to early October is often seen as a more acceptable window, after the summer holidays and once the autumn mood starts to settle in.

For shoppers, it might just come down to personal tolerance. Some people are ready to embrace the magic in July, while others would rather wait until the first frost.

Ultimately, putting out Christmas stock early isn’t inherently “wrong” but it should be done with care, intention, and an understanding of your customers. A small festive corner in July might bring joy to a few and boost sales for good causes. But for others, it’s a reminder that the commercial machine never sleeps.

So next time you see Santa’s face peeking out from the shelves in the middle of summer, remember: you don’t have to buy into it, but someone else probably will.