EVERYONE loves a bargain, and none more so than me.
As editor of The Sun’s daily Savers, I spend hours every week scouring for the best discounts, dupes and deals across the shops we know and love.
Heading into autumn, shops are filled with new seasonal items in a bid to tempt customers to part with their hard-earned cash.
Not everything you see is actually a great deal – but there are plenty of affordable bargains to be had.
Here are some of the best deals that I have seen…
AFFORDABLE AUTUMNAL STYLE
If you want to add a touch of autumnal style to your home, the shops are filled with decor that won’t break the budget.
Plush pumpkins look great nestled among cushions on the sofa, or you could use a few to make a display.
You can get these novelty items in a variety of colours, sizes and materials from Hobbycraft, with prices starting from £1.
Door wreaths are not just for Christmas, etiher – a seasonal garland is the perfect way to embrace the changing leaves and darker nights.
You can get an autumn leaf wreath for as low as £4 from Poundland or £7 from Flying Tiger. These will last year after year so are a worthwhile long-term investment.
STAY WARM
Falling temperatures mean now is the time to get cosy. To avoid switching on the heating too early, I have already been snuggling in my wearable blanket while watching TV in the evenings.
You can pick up one from just £5 from Online Home Shop.
I also have switched my bedding to fleece-lined sheets to feel extra toasty – these start from £6 at Online Home Shop.
You can’t go wrong with a pair of satin pjs for a little luxury at bedtime, either. Primark’s sets are £22 – and would also make a great Christmas pressie.
I’m also in love with Dunelm’s range of super cute warmies – including Sam the sausage dog and Reggie the cockapoo, £7 each.
With the darker evenings, I have been lighting candles to create a feeling of warmth at home too.
Small scented jar candles are just £1.80 at Primark with a few different scents to choose from – try black vanilla, my personal fave.
Or you can give your home a lovely autumnal scent with the pumpkin pie candle, which is £5 from B&M.
TASTY TREATS
I’m a real sucker for chocolate. Lindt Lindor has just launched some divine new flavours including pistachio and dark mint.
These make the perfect Christmas gift and 200g packs are currently on offer at Tesco for £4.50 with a Clubcard, down from the usual price of £6.30 – so stock up while you can!
If you’re heading to Tesco, you may also want to pick up Christmas tubs of Celebrations or Heroes – £4.50 with a Clubcard at the moment.
These prices have been creeping up over the past few years, so it’s always worth getting them on offer if you can.
What is autumn without a seasonal drink? Of course, you can head to Starbucks or Costa for their autumn ranges, but why not try Greggs to save a few pennies instead? Its Pumpkin spice latte is priced from £2.50 and hits the spot in the same way.
At home, I brew up my own coffee which always tastes better out of a favourite mug.
I really like the homeware at Flying Tiger, and B&M also has a good range which is affordable and stylish.
If you fancy staying in to cook a meal, the Co-op’s new members Irresistible meal deal is great value.
Choose two mains, two sides and a bottle of wine from the range for £10.00, saving up to £10.95 on items bought individually.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.