Don’t let the fact that Sainsbury’s have been stocking mince pies since August disturb you: Christmas is miles away. And when it comes, you’ll have to throw away all your cash on nice things for other people. Before then, make sure you spend as much on yourself as you can at some of this month’s bargain sales.
What: The Grove Fair
When: Wed. & Thurs., 9-10 Nov., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Who: Vinnie Day, Alice Rose, The Jacksons, Belen Echandia; storytelling for children with actor Dominic West, 3:30-5:30 p.m. both days.
Where: 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11.
How much: Free, with a percentage of stall takings to International Tree Foundation. Visit vinnieday.com for more info.
What: Betty Jackson sample sale
When: Thurs., 10 Nov., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 11 Nov., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Who: Betty Jackson, with 80 percent discount.
Where: 311 Brompton Road, SW3 (0207 602 6023).
How much: Free.
What: Vintage Mayfair
When: Sun., 13 Nov., noon-6 p.m.
Who: Vintage labels galore, with pieces donated by high-profile owners such as Twiggy and Kim Cattrall.
Where: The Music Room, Grays Antique Market, 26 South Molton Lane, W1 (020 7629 7034).
How much: £5 (£3 students with ID); proceeds to RSPCA Central London.
What: ISM: Indoor Sunday Market
When: Sun., 13 Nov.; fortnightly thereafter, 1-5:30 p.m., live music and DJs start at 6 p.m.
Where: Sosho, 2 Tabernacle Street, EC2.
Who: Bring and Buy stall for registered members (sign up at whatsmineisyours.com); Beyond Retro vintage, TRAID remade/recycled clothing (who will be accepting clothing donations) and heaps of food (chorizo paella, fish and chips, Ruby cakes).
How much: £2.50.
What: Ann Louise Roswald sample sale
When: Thurs., 24 Nov., noon-8 p.m.; Fri., 25 Nov., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Who: Ann Louise Roswald, with 80 percent discount.
Where: The Toy Factory, 11-13 Corsham Street, N1 (020 7250 1583).
How much: Free.
Get round all of these and you won’t require a single Christmas present from anyone else.
And if you take your friends along, they probably won’t require one either.