Making an early start with our Christmas investments

Happy first day of autumn! And why not start the season fresh by checking in with your finances? The economy reopening has been great, but it might also mean that you’ve overspent a little with all the excitement. And, with less than 100 days until Christmas, be sure to factor in your holiday spending budget too. Yes, in September! With just 14 weeks to go – or 12 weeks until last minute shopping – you’ll need to start setting aside about £83 a week to have £1,000 saved for the holidays.

“Autumn leaves shower like gold, like rainbows, as the winds of change begin to blow.”
— Dan Millman, author

It might be too early for baubles, fairy lights and pine trees but it’s not too early to start my Christmas shopping since my list seems to get longer and longer every year. Rather than just spending my cash on the newest toy, gadget and bottle of wine, I decided to look where I could invest in my ‘go-to’ holiday brands.

Shopping for kids is always a struggle for me. I know nothing about what kids want. But what I do know is Amazon is a one stop shop regardless of age and interest. It’s a top holding in Baillie Gifford American*, Invesco Global Focus*, Rathbone Global Opportunities** and T. Rowe Price US Large Cap Growth Equity*.

Men in the family? Johnnie Walker is without a doubt a favourite of mine for male relatives. Who doesn’t love a good bottle of whisky? Diageo, owner of a number of spirit brands, is a top holding in Liontrust Special Situations**, TB Evenlode Income*, Guinness Global Equity Income* and Threadneedle UK Extended Alpha*. And here’s a little gift giving tip for free: buy yourself a box of wine and a few gift bags so you’re prepared for any last minute invitations or visitors!

Whether it’s shopping for one of my sisters or my mum, I also find I rarely go wrong with jewellery. Am I right, ladies? Tiffany’s is a little out of my budget but sometimes you have to aim high. Parent company LVMH is a holding in BlackRock European Dynamic*, GAM Star Continental European Equity* and Janus Henderson European Focus**.

And what’s Christmas without a few more decorations? Dunelm is my go-to choice. It’s one of the largest homeware retailers in the UK, with over 150 stores. And, for millennials on a budget it’s remarkably affordable. Dunelm is a top ten holding in VT Downing Unique Opportunities* and manager Rosemary Banyard told us about why she likes Dunelm in a recent video.

*Source: fund factsheet, 31 August 2021
**Source: fund factsheet, 31 July 2021