How To Make The Most Of Your Christmas Gift Cards In The January Sales

The big day is almost upon us! By now, most likely, your thoughts are turning away from what you're going to buy for everyone to all the festivities of Christmas itself. Spending time with family, chilling out over some good food and wine, and of course enjoying the reactions of your nearest and dearest as they open your carefully chosen gifts. You may even be starting to feel the teeniest bit excited about opening your own gifts. (I totally am, I can't lie.)

Chances are, amid the eyeshadow palettes, perfumes and pyjama sets, you might find you've been given a gift card or two. I personally love gift cards. For one thing, you can always rely on them when you need to buy a last minute present. In fact, many retailers, like Jack Wills, offer gift vouchers online which can be emailed straight to you - it's pretty much instant and totally effortless on your part! I also love to receive them. It's like being given the gift of shopping, which, let's face it, is my favourite thing. And with the January sales just around the corner, Christmas is the perfect time to find yourself in possession of a gift card.

The January sales seem to start earlier every year, with most of the big stores offering reductions and discounts from Boxing Day. It's no secret that I'm not the greatest sales shopper, but as I mentioned in my Black Friday post, this is something I am trying to change. When you love clothes as much as I do and there are so many good deals to be had, it would be silly not to, no? Especially if I end up with a gift card burning a hole in my pocket! So, with all this in mind, I've given the subject some thought, and I've come up with a few ideas of what to buy and what not to buy in the January sales. Hopefully this will help you to make the most of your gift cards - or your money! - if you're planning any sales shopping yourself.

How To Make The Most Of The January Sales

1. Buy pricey staple items, like winter coats. We can't get through the cooler months without them, yet the cost of a good one can be pretty steep. The sales are the perfect time to save yourself some cash on this essential purchase. Or perhaps a pair of really good winter boots.

2. Buy basics, like jeans, roll necks, t-shirts, classic knits, etc. They're the building blocks of so many outfits and the kind of thing you always need more of. Why not stock up while prices are discounted? Again, somewhere like Jack Wills is ideal for this, as their high quality and classic styles mean you'll get lots of wear for your money.

3. Buy that pretty dress/blouse/pair of shoes you've been lusting after for months but couldn't quite justify at full price. If it's gone into the sale, it will be like Christmas all over again!

4. Buy a fun, trend led piece you're curious to try out. If you're not sure it's going to work for you but you fancy giving it a go anyway, waiting for the sale means you'll waste less money if it ends up not working out.

5. Don't buy something that's the wrong size, colour, style etc, just because it's in the sale. It's tempting to snap up that discounted dress you've set your heart on, even if your size isn't available. But believe me, unless you can successfully alter it, it's not worth it. (Been there!)

6. Don't buy ANYTHING just because it's in the sale. Discounts are great, but they're not a good reason to buy something you don't love or need. It's more economical to buy something you really want at full price than something in the sale you're half-hearted about.

Well, that's it from me for now. I hope you have an amazing Christmas, and happy sales shopping!

Kate x

This post was in collaboration with Jack Wills. Some links may be affiliate links. All opinions, as always, are my own.