Discounts And Deals For The Disorganised

It's Christmas Eve, you still have gifts to buy and panic has suddenly set in. But never fear, The Fool is here! Check out this roundup of last minute bargains.

Despite the fact that Christmas occurs on the same date every year, it always seems to take some people by surprise. Sadly, I have been one of those people in 2008. At the start of this week, I realised that the big day was almost upon me -- and I hadn't finished my shopping. Argh!

Luckily, I've averted this crisis through a series of (highly) unpleasant lunch hour shopping trips.

But if you're still in the process of sorting out presents for loved ones, don't despair! There are still a few places you can bag festive bargains -- so you should be able to get the gifts you need without the aid of a Christmas miracle.

Last minute bargains

Here's a rundown of the high street stores still offering special discounts to Christmas shoppers. Just remember, you'll now have missed the deadline for online ordering -- so you'll need to shop in store if you want your goodies in time for Christmas day.

• Argos
  The store's seasonal half price sale is due to end on Christmas Eve -- but until the end of the day you could save up to 50% off computer games, audio and electrical products and toys.
• BHS
  Currently, there's up to 50% off selected seasonal items.
• Boots
  Selected fragrances are now half price, and there are still 3 for 2 deals available on selected toys, games and Christmas gifts.
• Burton
  Burton is still offering up to 50% off selected menswear items.
• Debenhams
  Here, there's still up to 50% off menswear and womenswear, and 10% off selected fragrances.
• Dorothy Perkins
  Dorothy Perkins' winter sale has now begun. There's up to 50% off some items.
• Gap
  Gap stores have a selection of reductions on menswear and womenswear. You could save up to 50%.
• Faith
  Right now, there is up to 70% off selected styles as part of Faith's sale.
• French Connection
  There's currently up to 50% off selected items, both online and in store.
• H&M
  H&M has also begun its sale. Selected items are discounted by up to 70%.
• House Of Fraser
  House Of Fraser's pre-Christmas sale continues, with up to 50% off menswear, womenswear and homewares.
• HMV
  HMV's pre-Christmas promotions are worth checking out. There's a selection of CDs and DVDs on offer from as little as £3 each, with some box sets reduced to £5. Selected computer games have also been discounted.
• Oasis
  Oasis's winter sale is now on, and selected lines of womenswear have up to 50% off.
• Republic
  There's now up to 75% off a wide variety of clothes and accessories for men and women.
• Uniqlo
  Uniqlo has already begun its sale, so selected clothes for men and women are now half price.
• Warehouse
  Warehouse's in store sale is still underway, with discounts of up to 50% available on selected items.
• Woolworths
  Some Woolworths stores are due to close on 27 December - so they have now applied heavier discounts to their stock. If there is a branch near you, you could find many items on offer at half price or less.
• Zavvi
  Zavvi's in-store clearout sale has now begun. It includes DVDs from £3, CDs from £3.99, box sets from £14.99 and computer games from £9.99. Stocks are limited, however, so those who act fast will grab the pick of the bargains.

Looking ahead.

Of course, some people are probably organised enough to have all their gifts bought, wrapped and nestled under the Christmas tree.

If you've already started thinking about the January sales, here's some information on when a few are due to start.

• Boots
  The sale will start on Boxing Day, and all products that were part of 3 for 2 deals will be reduced by 50%.
• Debenhams
  Debenhams will start its January sale online on Christmas Day and in stores on Boxing Day. The store says it will be its "biggest ever" sale, with up to 70% off thousands of products. You can find out what will be on offer here.
• House Of Fraser
  House Of Fraser will extend existing discounts, so some items will have up to 70% off in its January sale. Shoppers can access these discounts online from Christmas Eve and in stores from Boxing Day.
• John Lewis
  The John Lewis clearance sale will start online on Christmas Eve and in stores on 27 December.
• River Island
  River Island has already begun its winter sale online, but in store shoppers will have to wait until Boxing Day for the full sale to begin.
• Selfridges

The department store's full winter sale will begin on Boxing Day, with discounts of up to 75% off fashion, accessories, homewares and beauty and electrical products.

Have a happy shopping trip, a merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

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