A new survey has revealed that a fifth of Brits have apparently already started doing their Christmas shopping this year.
As much as many of us find ourselves running around the shops like headless chickens on Christmas Eve in a bid to buy all those last-minute gifts we forgot, on the flip side of that, we all know a few organised people who like to get their presents bought and wrapped well in advance so they can enjoy a relatively stress-free festive season.
But is October just a bit too early to start? Apparently not for 21% of Brits
According to a new survey by American Express, a surprising number adults who celebrate or shop for Christmas in the UK have already started buying things for the festive period.
A fifth of Brits have apparently already started doing their Christmas shopping / Credit: Heidi Fin (via Unsplash)
The survey found that, when it comes to present inspiration, nearly half (47%) of Christmas shoppers will be getting gifting ideas from their loved ones themselves, while more than half (56%) of the Gen Z age group surveyed claiming they’ll be looking to social media ads, and influencers and content creators, for suggestions.
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There’s also varying responses when it comes to the type of presents people are planning to hand out this Christmas – with 87% of respondents saying will buy physical gifts, but 37% choosing to purchase experiences instead.
And it’s not just presents for others on the agenda either, as the research showed that almost a quarter (23%) are planning to get gifts for themselves too.
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It’s all according to an interesting new consumer survey / Credit: Lore Schodts (via Unsplash)
Of course though, while many people have already got a head-start on Christmas shopping this year, it seems there’s a good chunk who’ll still be leaving it late.
Four in 10 survey respondents admitted they will probably only finish their festive gift shopping with just one week to go before the big day, while one in 10 (10%) did reveal they will likely risk leaving it until the day before they give them out.
“As we approach the festive period, it’s no surprise to see Brits getting prepared,” explained Dave Edwards, who is the Vice President of Demand Generation at American Express, “with more than 20% of respondents having already started their festive shopping.”
Featured Image – Freestocks (via Unsplash)
Shopping
Parents praise Aldi for new ‘inclusive’ dolls with birth marks, vitiligo, hearing aids, and more
Emily Sergeant
Parents are praising Aldi for a new range of inclusive children’s dolls that have visible birth marks, hearing aids, and more.
The budget supermarket retailer is known and loved for its range of limited-edition ‘Specialbuys’ on offer each week down its legendary middle aisle, with many flying off the shelves and selling out just as quickly as they arrive, and fans flocking to their nearest store to get their hands on a bargain.
But this week, one of Aldi‘s most recent ‘Specialbuys’ range has seen it receive plenty of praise from proud parents.
Shoppers have taken to social media to share their reactions to the retailer’s new range of Little Town Plush Dolls, which all represent those with a range of different health conditions.
With 12 unique dolls to choose in the inclusive range, some of the conditions represented include those with birth marks, vitiligo, hearing aids and cochlear implants, glasses, and many more – each setting you back just £6.99.
Complete with a magnetic dummy, these plush dolls are designed to encourage care and nurturing for little ones, Aldi says.
Having taken social media by storm since appearing in stores nationwide, one TikToker shared an adorable video of their little girl playing with one of the new dolls, and wrote in the caption: “Thank you for helping my daughter, amongst many others, feel seen. The birthmark/visible differences community is so proud, and so grateful. I hope you know how much of a positive impact you have made for so many children.”
Aldi has been praised for its new ‘inclusive’ dolls with birth marks, hearing aids, and more / Credit: Simon Hadley (via Aldi UK)
Another Instagram user also said: “A shout out to Aldi who are selling dolls for children who don’t usually get a chance to have a doll that looks like them.”
“Seeing yourself represented in a children‘s toy for the first time, and immediately buying it for your future children,” a third satisfied shopper also said on Instagram this week.
As with all Aldi ‘Specialbuys’, once the dolls are disappear from shelves, they’re gone forever, so if you’re keen to get your hands on one, you’ll need to head to your nearest Aldi as soon as possible.
Featured Image – Aldi
Shopping
Morrisons to offer unlimited free refills on hot drinks at all UK cafes this winter
Emily Sergeant
Morrisons has announced that it’ll be offering unlimited free refills on hot drinks at all of its cafes during the colder months.
With the country starting to fully embrace everything autumn has to offer, supermarket shelves quickly filling up with festive food and gifts, and the temperatures soon to be dropping by the day, Morrisons wants its in-store cafes to be place of warmth and comfort for anyone who needs it, which is why the retailer’s announced a ‘Winter Refills Allowance’.
Unlimited free refills will be available on all self-serve hot drinks all year round.
The offer includes everything from lattes and cappuccinos for caffeine-lovers needing an extra boost, to fruit teas and creamy hot chocolates for those with a sweeter tooth.
There are more than 400 cafes inside Morrisons stores across the UK, and all of them will be offering a wide range of hot drinks to “warm the body and soul” all winter long – with prices starting from as little as £1.85.
Fancy complementing your hug-in-a-mug with a sweet treat?
There’s plenty of options to satisfy any craving, so you can help yourself to a slice of classic Victoria Sponge, a fruity Sicilian Lemon Muffin, or lots of others for just £4 for the hot drink and cake deal.
Morrisons is offering unlimited free refills on hot drinks at all UK cafes this winter / Credit: Morrisons
You can even grab a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner while you’re there too, with breakfast butties, and adult sandwich meal deals from £4.25, and kids also eating free seven days a week when you buy and adult meal for £5 or over.
“We are always looking for ways to give our customers more reasons to visit our cafes,” explained Becky Wilson, who is the Morrisons Cafe Buyer.
“The Winter Refills Allowance does just that. As well as the quality food at affordable prices, our cafes are a space for communities to connect, work or relax, and they can now do so over a warm mug of their choosing.”
Emily Sergeant -
17th October 2024 
