We all understand the sheer chaos of trying to navigate Boxing Day sales. This immense fear that you could be missing out on one of the few times in the year where you can score a great deal; but also a concern that you're participating in over-consumption. A very 2024 conundrum. After more than one go at trying to master a foolproof approach to getting the most out of the sales and knowing what to buy at Boxing Day, we can confirm that the key to success lies in planning ahead. Which, given the madness of the end of year events, can also prove to be a challenge.

We won't lie, we've lived through our fair share of Boxing Day sales, which means that the advice we're about to give is undoubtedly rooted in experience. There's no doubting that almost everything goes on sale during the Boxing Day period – from beauty, homewares, fashion, technology and home appliances. This means that you can really take time to think about the items you really need, by comparing the brands and stores that had the best sales last year.

Try to make the most of items that aren't usually discounted; like investing in a new laptop or the Dyson Airstrait you've had your eye on (which, let us confirm, is 100% worth it). It's also a great opportunity to maximise in-season item, like swimwear or hats, as brands begin to plan for the seasons to come.

Still stuck on where to begin? Below, we're sharing four of the major shopping categories you should definitely consider shopping this Boxing Day.

Technology

If you're unsure of what to buy at any of the Boxing Day sales, technology is definitely one area you should seriously consider. If you've been putting off buying a new laptop or finally want to splurge on a pair of noise cancelling headphones, stores like JB Hi-Fi as well as other department stores are known to have great deals. Stores like Garmin or Samsung also have great deals, where you might consider purchasing that new mobile phone, tablet or watch.

Sony Premium Noise Cancelling Headphones

Audio-Technica LP60XBT Fully Automatic Belt Drive Stereo Bluetooth Turntable

Theragun Relief G6 Massage Gun

B-Series Soundbar HW-B750D with 5.1ch

Beauty tools

We all know that beauty tools like hair straighteners, blow dryers, LED light therapy masks and more aren't always the easiest item to tick off your wish list. Brands like Dyson, ghd or Cloud Nine very rarely go on sale in the beauty department – thanks to the brand's understandable popularity – so Boxing Day is a great opportunity to buy these high-quality items at a more affordable price.

Dyson Dyson Corrale™ styler straightener

Foreo BEAR

Lonvitalite Dermal Roller

Fragrance

It's also a great time to visit your nearest Sephora, Mecca or your nearest Chemist Warehouse and Priceline for huge sales on some of your favourite fragrance brands. If you're always repurchasing a particular fave, why not stock up for the next few months? Had your eye on a new scent but couldn't justify the price – now's the time to indulge!

Yves Saint Laurent Libre EDT 50ml

Burberry Her Elixir Eau de Parfum 50ml

Giorgio Armani SI Eau De Parfum Intense 50ML

Home

Sick of drinking instant coffee? Or need an extra, heavy-duty vacuum to pick up the lingering dog fur? Stores like Bing Lee, Harvey Norman, Kogan and The Good Guys are always promoting major sales over the Boxing Day period. Dyson usually have great discounts on select items – like vacuums and air purifiers. Of course Amazon is your one-stop-shop for just about every in-between item you could need for your home or office, and they're known to host some pretty solid discounts around this time of year too. You'll definitely want to check out Kitchenaid's Boxing Day sale if you've had an eye on one of their stand mixers for a while now too.

AESOP Callipus Candle

FAZEEK Gold Wave Four-Piece Flatware Set

GORMAN Tangerine Vase

ROYAL DOULTON Tumbler Pair

Swimwear

Like we mentioned, Boxing Day sales are a great opportunity to shop current season items before the new season commences. You'll find plenty of swimwear and beachwear brands with great offerings on pieces that were marked at full-price just last week. Also, be sure to check department stores and larger retailers who might be looking to clear stock too.

ZIAH Goulue Tie Detail One Piece

TIGERLILY Azalia Hot Elle One Piece

PEONY SWIM Ruched Cup Balconette Top

BANANHOT Tommy Pant

Outdoors gear

If you're a sucker for a camping trip, or your New Year's resolution is to finally commit to that girls trip hike you've been talking about forever in the group chat, then now is the time to grab yourself the gear to do it with. Sleeping bags, tents, camp chairs and good-quality hiking boots, puffers and fleeces are a bargain on Boxing Day – we'd recommend checking out Kathmandu, The North Face and your local sporting goods stores like Rebel Sports.

JIL SANDER Sleeping Bag

SNOW PEAK Brown Low Beach Chair

THE NORTH FACE Women's Versa Velour Nuptse Jacket

CARHARTT WIP Beanie

For a more targeted approach to shopping this boxing day, check out our roundup of the best Boxing Day sales in homewares, a selection of beauty and of course, fashion.

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