CHRISTMAS Eve boxes are a sweet tradition, allowing kids to have a little treat to get themselves excited for Santa coming down the chimney.
The small gifts are given the night before Christmas , and usually include things like pyjamas and books.
However, some mums have come up with a brand new tradition which they say is cheaper, and means kids get loads more enjoyment out of their presents too.
Charlotte Deering , 29, began her Christmas shopping way back in June and has already started bagging bargains for her daughter’s First of December Box.
The mum-of-one is a pro-penny pincher and previously revealed that she spent just £2,000 on her wedding , including a £10 Tesco dress.
Charlotte shared that getting her Christmas gifts sorted early is a great way of saving cash, as she can spread out the cost and take advantage of sales.
She added that it allows her to enjoy the Christmas period “stress-free”.
Explaining why she gives her child a box on December 1st, instead of Christmas Eve, Charlotte took to Instagram to reveal: “I give my daughter her Christmas pj’s etc. on 1st December so she gets more wear and use out of them.”
Among the bargains that the money-saving mum has already picked up for her daughter’s First of December Box is a Poo in the Zoo book, that she bought from Amazon for £2.83.
Some photo frames from B&M and Home Bargains will be going in the box, as well.
Wallet-Watcher Charlotte also managed to nab some adorable snow-scene pyjamas that had been donated by Tesco to her daughter’s school summer fair for just £2.
Delighted with her bargains, Charlotte beamed: “I, love, love, love finding bargains, being organised and saving money .
“It gives me something to focus on and seeing the Christmas drawer filling up is so exciting!”
The Christmas mad mum even has a Christmas Tracker, where she logs every single penny she spends on gifts, so as not to go over budget.
Charlotte’s video has likely left many impressed, as it has racked up over 47,000 views on the video sharing platform.
Instagram users raced to the video’s comments section to share their thoughts, with some mums stating that they have started the First of December Box tradition too.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
One person said: “I love the idea of a First of December box!
“It’s so much more useful than a Christmas Eve box as they actually get to wear their pis!”
A second person said:”We do this too!”
A third person added: “I’ve got my Christmas present drawer ready and raring to go with a few presents already tucked in there.
“I aim to be all sorted for October.”
