Have You Started Your Holiday Shopping Yet?

Why It Pays to Start Your Holiday Shopping Early This Year

Every year, it feels like the holidays arrive faster than expected. One minute we’re enjoying the last days of fall, and the next the shelves are full of twinkling lights and festive displays. If you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, you’re not alone—but there are real benefits to getting an early start this year, especially for Canadian parents.

1. Early Shoppers Save More

Many major Canadian retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, and Canadian Tire, begin rolling out early promotions as soon as October. Waiting until December often means higher prices or finding popular toys and gifts already sold out.

Starting early also helps families spread out their spending instead of facing one large expense in December. With everyday costs still running high, planning ahead can make a meaningful difference for household budgets.

Pro tip: Watch for pre-Black Friday or “Holiday Kickoff” sales in October and early November. These events often feature discounts just as strong as those found in late November.

2. Less Stress, More Joy

The holidays are meant to be enjoyable, not overwhelming. Shopping early gives you the time to slow down and actually enjoy the season—decorating the tree, baking with your children, or attending community events—without the stress of last-minute errands.

Parents who start their shopping early often say they feel more organized, calm, and able to focus on meaningful family traditions once December arrives.

3. Better Gift Selection

When you start early, you have the best chance of finding the most popular toys, books, and holiday sets before they sell out. Retailers also release limited-edition items early in the season, from baby pajamas to advent calendars, and these tend to disappear quickly.

If you enjoy shopping from small Canadian businesses or handmade marketplaces, early planning is even more important since many of these sellers have earlier shipping deadlines for the holidays.

4. Easier to Stick to a Budget

Last-minute shopping often leads to impulse buys. By planning ahead, you can make a list, compare prices, and take advantage of cashback programs and coupons.

Many Canadian parents on our site use programs like WebSaver, Rakuten, and P&G Everyday Rewards to make their dollars go further during the holiday season. Small savings can add up to a big difference when you’re buying for multiple people.

5. More Time for Meaningful Moments

Once the shopping is done, December opens up for what really matters—spending time together. Whether that means visiting local light displays, attending a holiday market, or making crafts with your children, getting your shopping out of the way early allows you to fully enjoy the season.

Even if you’re not ready to go all-in, start with one simple goal, such as picking up a few stocking stuffers or ordering one or two larger gifts now. A small head start can make a big impact later.

Final Thoughts

Starting your holiday shopping early isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating a calmer, more enjoyable season for you and your family. Whether you prefer shopping in-store, online, or a mix of both, taking small steps now can make December far less stressful.

And if you’re looking for more ways to save, explore our member-exclusive offers and giveaways, featuring free baby products, gift cards, and more—perfect for helping Canadian parents stretch their budgets this holiday season.