KEEP your budget ship-shape when sending presents this festive season.
The last date to post second-class parcels in time to arrive by Christmas is Monday, December 18 — so you still have a week to get them sorted.
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But there are some other ways to trim the cost . . .
DE-LIGHT-FUL IDEAS: Opt for presents that are easy on the scales but heavy on joy.
Cosy socks, marshmallows and hot choc powders or jewellery make for great gifts that won’t weigh down your parcel.
SIZE MATTERS: Keep a close eye on the dimensions of the gifts you would like to ship.
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Smaller packages mean cheaper shipping costs, so pick presents wisely.
Maximum dimensions for a small parcel are 45cm length x 35cm width x 16cm thick.
DIGITAL DECISIONS: E-books, music subscriptions, or online courses cost nothing to send.
But if you do want to send a physical present abroad, first check if you can order it within the country you are mailing it to, and ship it directly, as this will often work out less expensive.
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WRAP SMART: Avoid bulky packaging that can increase your postage costs.
Instead, use some old newspaper — either as an extra layer of padding wrapped around the parcel, or scrunched up and used as padding.
You can even package your gift inside another present — for example, wrap a scarf around another gift.
SHIP SHAPE: Take advantage of current offers from various courier services.
Use comparison site parcel2go.com to find delivery deals — and take advantage of the 7.5-per-cent cashback offer for new customers at quidco.com.
TOP TIP: Too busy to pop over to the post office?
Buy your postage and book a free Royal Mail parcel collection.
This service is available until Jan 31.
For more information, see royalmail.com/collection.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
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STAY dry in a pair of Rossdale Hi Gore-Tex leather boots, usually £150, now £75 at Clarks.
SAVE: £75
Cheap treat
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LIGHT up a room tonight with this double-wick pomegranate candle for £3.49 at Home Bargains.
What’s new?
SIP sip hooray!
Head to Aldi to get the Specially Selected Cairanne wine reduced from £8.99 to £3.49.
The discount runs in stores only until December 17 with a two-bottle limit per customer.
Top swap
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OH deer! This cosy boohoo.com deer onesie is £30.
Or you can get comfy for less with Primark’s cheaper version for £22.
SAVE: £8
Leah’s little helper
KROO Bank’s new referral scheme will give customers the chance to earn £10, for every mate who signs up and deposits any sum.
You can do this with ten friends, a total of £100.
Sign up on the app or kroo.com.
Shop & save
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YOU’LL be toasting this offer – a set of four Dartington Crystal Cheers! wine glasses, RRP £48, is currently £22.36 at wayfair.co.uk.
SAVE: £25.64
Hot right now
SLEEP easy in a Hilton hotel, with its 20 per cent off sale.
Rooms start at £81 a night.
Book by January 30 at hilton.com.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
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JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Read more on The Sun
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
